How ADNOC Is Protecting Both Workers and Raw Materials by Training Operators in VR

ADNOC partnered with AutoVRse to build a VR training module for coil tubing operations. The module, built using ADNOC's own CAD models and documentation, walks operators through the entire operation before shifting into a hands-on control simulation.

ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) is the 12th largest oil company in the world. ADNOC has a per-day production capacity of 4 million barrels of oil and 11.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The company operates across six continents with a workforce of 50,000+ employees.

Reducing Mistakes During Maintenance That’s Dangerous to Both Workers and Costly Raw Material

ADNOC's coil tubing operations involve inserting a specialized tube deep into a well to remove blockages and restart the process of petroleum extraction. Efficient operation requires operating a control panel to carefully manage the insertion, positioning, and usage of the tube.

Even minor mistakes from operators can lead to two severe consequences:

Injuries or hazards to operators on the ground nearby
Expensive raw materials go to waste

So, for ADNOC, training given to coil tube operators had to meet two goals: reduce incidents and protect the raw material.

Even minor mistakes from operators can lead to two severe consequences:

Injuries or hazards to operators on the ground nearby
Expensive raw materials go to waste

So, for ADNOC, training given to coil tube operators had to meet two goals: reduce incidents and protect the raw material.

Simulating the Entire Coil Tubing Operation and Training Procedure in Virtual Reality

ADNOC partnered with AutoVRse to build a VR training module that replicated the entire coil tubing process. The single module had to cover interventions including cleanout, acidizing, and nitrogen kick-off.

Here are a few highlights from the project:

Recreated the equipment and process from existing files and documents

AutoVRse's team used ADNOC’s own CAD models, reference photos, and a raw process outline to create the artwork of equipment and design the experience of the coil tubing operation:

Educates the operators about coil tubing operations

The VR training module begins by guiding the operators through the complete coil tubing operation step-by-step. The player explores the wellsite set-up and is taught about the equipment and the process.

Teaches the controls of coil tubing operations

Towards the end, the training switches from narrative to interactive mode and asks the operators to control the process themselves using the virtual control panel.

Simulates real-world machine controls

Controls on the virtual control panel move the in-VR machine exactly like the real machine does. Thus, providing a hands-on experience rather than a theoretical one. But without any of the danger involved in real-life operations.

Making Fewer Mistakes, Wasting Less Raw Material, and Gaining More Hands-On Practice

For ADNOC, the value of VR training is interconnected. Well-trained operators make fewer mistakes. Fewer mistakes directly reduce the raw material that ends up being wasted.

By training coil tube operations in VR, ADNOC also ensures repeated learning. As there’s zero risk to workers, equipment, or raw material during virtual reality training, workers are free to practice the procedure until they’ve perfected it.

The outcome of which is, again, fewer mistakes on the site.

Scaling Virtual Reality Training Across ADNOC's Different Business Units

The coil tubing module started as a proof of concept to demonstrate VR training’s efficacy for ADNOC’s specific circumstances.

ADNOC is evaluating the scaling of VR training to other units and use cases. Additional modules are already under discussion.

Let’s talk about

your training

Talk to our team to learn how to implement VR training at scale