1. Votwne II, Issue 1
VTEC Customer
Training Goes 3-D
by Jaynie Hogg
In May of 2000 Varco's Technical Education Center
(VTEC) officially opened its new, 3D hands-on training
lab at the Houston facility. This lab is equipped with a
number of Varco Internationalproducts from the differ-
ent divisions. The products include a V-IC1S chair, an
automatic roughneck (AR-3200). a semi-automatic fin-
gerboard, a top drive with pipehandler and Varcodriller's
control panel, a power slip (PS-21). and audio-video and
computer equipment. This equipment,along with a PRS
animation, simulates Varcoequipment operations on the
drilling floor.
Students attending training now can operate equip-
ment using the V-ICIS or manual controls as if they are
actually working the equipment on their rig. Acomputer
responds to the V-ICIS controls, displays the activity be-
ing performed on a screen in front of the operator and
interacts with real equipment.
Kevin Gay. manager of Varco Systems Training in
Houston stated. "Weare intensifying the learning effect
by stimulatingthree of the students' senses—physical,
audio and visual—that will help to condition them to the
correct operation of the equipment."
Company
Initiatives
Theater seating has been installed behind the V-ICIS
chair to accommodate larger classes. Students in these
seats can view the instruction of equipment use as well
as review and critique the actions of the current opera-
tor.
As an added bonus, this room may be used to train
our own field service technicians. In the lab.fieldser-
vice technicians can better understand the equipment
they repair by both operating and maintaining it.
Customers have visited the new simulation room,
including Diamond Offshore and Reading & Bates Fal-
con. Both said they had intended to create such a room
but have stopped the process because of Varco'scom-
mitment to the development of this Lab.
The new lab had its first successful use in mid-Feb-
ruary with Mechanics and Electricians from the Global
Marine 700 rig. While operating the simulator, students
learned that errors in operation can be mistaken for
equipment failure.
The 3D Lab was completed through the joint efforts
of the Houston VTEC staff, the Houston facilities team,
and personnel from all other Varco divisions. Kevin and
his group send many thanks to those involved inhelping
build thelab.
Jim Benvie, a VTEC Instructor, demonstrates
his ability to operate drilling equipment using
the V-ICIS chair.
11