A Domestic Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) Operator Simulator Has Been Created
Gubkin University has developed a simulator for specialists developing offshore fields.
As part of the development of the scientific and educational digital ecosystem and the creation of digital infrastructure, the team at the Center for Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality and the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University) have developed and commissioned a domestically developed simulator for the operator of a heavy-duty remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). This hardware and software system is unique on the Russian market. Previously, these companies used similar foreign equipment.
"The fuel and energy sector needs import-substituting technologies to train specialists who will work on the Arctic shelf, the development of which is currently of strategic importance, and on fields in hard-to-reach offshore areas," noted Andrey Strogonov, head of the Center for Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality at Gubkin University, where the simulator was developed.
The "ROV Operator Simulator" hardware and software system includes software, a control panel, manipulators, and other necessary equipment. The simulator integrates real-world scenarios for operating a ROV at offshore fields, including complex interactions with equipment.
"Development was conducted using the Unigine 3D visualization platform, which is included in the register of domestic software, ensuring the simulator's reliable use in Russia," added Andrey Strogonov.
The developed simulator allows for the practice of underwater technical operations scenarios at all stages of offshore hydrocarbon production projects – from the construction and maintenance of subsea production systems to utility repairs.
In developing the software and hardware system, university staff, together with industry experts, created 58 virtual models of equipment and real production facilities. The ROV operator simulator includes scenarios such as operating blowout preventer equipment underwater, replacing subsea production system components, raising objects to the surface, and searching for the black box of a sunken aircraft. The simulator features a modular architecture, allowing scenarios to be adapted to various types of unmanned vehicles and specific tasks.
"The cost of equipment for offshore field development runs into billions of rubles, and its complexity is comparable to space technology. This dictates increased demands on the skill level of specialists. The realistic simulator we have developed will allow you to safely master the basic principles of operating specialized equipment in a comfortable environment," noted Andrey Strogonov.
Training of specialists using the new simulator has already begun. Gubkin University's Center for Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality plans to develop additional training exercises based on requests from industry companies.
The development of the device was carried out with the active support of PGT Shelf-Service LLC, the Interregional Association for the Development of Oil and Gas Specialist Training Systems "Oil and Gas Information and Educational Corporation," and Unidzhine LLC.
ROVs are used in servicing subsea production systems, as well as in engineering and geophysical surveys, in the construction and inspection of offshore infrastructure, and in research and emergency rescue operations. The use of ROVs is key to the development of the Arctic shelf, where the use of divers is impossible.
Learn more about the simulator
