COURSE OVERVIEW:

This advanced course focuses on the use of process simulators and Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to carry out startup, shutdown, and normal operations of different oil and gas process units. Participants will work through the philosophy and operation of DCS systems, understand how automatic control systems are implemented and visualized in the DCS, and learn how to navigate graphics and parameters to change over critical equipment.

The course also covers the interpretation of logic diagrams and process data sheets, the role of panel operators, Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and interlock systems, Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA), alarm management, and emergency scenarios for oil and gas process units. Emphasis is placed on practical simulator-based exercises and on evaluating and enhancing panel team performance.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Understand the overall philosophy and operation of DCS systems in oil and gas processing using specific training software and simulated process units.
2. Explain how automatic control systems are implemented and how they relate to DCS displays, control loops, and operator actions.
3. Navigate the DCS environment to perform changeover of critical equipment, including pumps, compressors, and key process services, in accordance with operating procedures.
4. Identify and interpret key DCS parameters, graphics, faceplates, and tag information and explain the roles and responsibilities of panel operators in maintaining safe and stable operation.
5. Understand, at a practical level, the structure and purpose of ESD and interlock systems and how they are represented and monitored through the DCS.
6. Describe the basic concepts of LOPA and alarm management systems and their implications for panel operation, alarm prioritization, and response.
7. Apply defined startup and shutdown procedures using the DCS and process simulators, including sequencing, permissives, and confirmation of correct line up and operating conditions.
8. Handle emergency scenarios for oil and gas process units in the simulator environment, including abnormal conditions, trips, and ESD events, and understand the role of the panel operator in coordinated emergency response.
9. Interpret simple logic diagrams, cause and effect charts, and process data sheets and relate them to DCS graphics, alarms, and control functions.
10. Prepare concise operational reports based on simulator runs, trends, and event logs for startup, shutdown, and abnormal situations.
11. Contribute to evaluating panel team performance, including communication, alarm handling, adherence to procedures, and overall situational awareness.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

-Operation engineers

-Panel and control room operators in oil and gas processing facilities

-Senior field operators preparing to move to panel positions

-Operations supervisors and shift team leaders

-Operations engineers involved in training and assessing panel teams

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures and discussion sessions, as well as case studies, will be managed to maximize the amount and quality of information, knowledge, and experience transfer. The course will be intensive but practical and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance learning. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and after the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.