Hyperion Systems Engineering - SAUDI ARAMCO uses Operator Training Simulator implemented by Hyperion at its Haradh Gas Plant

Haradh Gas Plant has significant advanced control strategies with a complex ESD system, which is designed such that the plant can run as close to its maximum throughput as possible, in the safest manner. Effective implementation of an operator training system was essential to ensure a safe and smooth start-up of this major project.
In operation for over a year, the Training Simulator provides a model of the whole plant including simulated interfacing to DCS control systems and the Emergency Shut-Down (ESD) system. Hyperion specialists were responsible for the complete implementation of the Training Simulator including DCS and ESD integration, modeling of all the different areas of the plant, through to site training of the system operators. A particular achievement was the modeling of the very complex advanced control systems of the GE Mark V Steam Turbine Control System. Additional benefits during implementation were the verification of the plant start-up and shut-down procedures and the identification of the need for changes to the DCS, and other operations, as a result of the simulations.
Saleh M. AI-Ghamdi, Process Engineering Unit at Haradh Gas Plant, Saudi Aramco, said "I am very pleased by the experience that Hyperion demonstrated in implementing the Training Simulator, which contributed towards one of the smoothest and error-free start-ups ever made in Saudi Aramco. The implementation was completed 7 weeks ahead of schedule, which provided time for plenty of hands-on experience prior to the start-up and helped minimize the time to bring the plant online."
Operator Training Systems are critical to the operation of complex process plants and result in fewer operating errors and quicker and safer startups and shutdowns. They improve plant reliability due to improved response to abnormal situations, optimize throughput and product quality, and provide the basis for evaluation of control strategies. At Haradh, Saudi Aramco trained a large number of operators well in advance of the start-up of the plant, and the system continues in use for refresher training and for training new operators. It is currently being updated to reflect changes in the real plant after the start-up.

About Saudi Aramco

Saudi Aramco is a fully integrated international petroleum company managing the world's largest oil reserves. Haradh Gas Plant, located in Saudi Arabia, was brought on-stream in June 2003 and processes 1.6 billion standard cubic feet per day of non-associated gas. This was a major new project which was completed six months ahead of schedule, and has been recognized worldwide as a success, by the award of "Project of the Year" by the Project Management Institute in the USA.

About Hyperion

Hyperion Systems Engineering Ltd. provides world-class professional consulting services and solutions in the areas of Supply Chain Management, Advanced Planning and Scheduling, Dynamic Simulation and Modeling, Advanced Process Control & Optimization and Plant Information Management. Hyperion enables Process Manufacturing companies to increase efficiency and profitability.
With headquarters in Cyprus and operating subsidiaries in the UK, Russia, Greece, India and Bahrain, Hyperion employs over 150 engineering professionals who have implemented over 200 projects worldwide. Hyperion has one of the world's most experienced teams of resource in the field of Dynamic Simulation and Operator Training, with in excess of 50 simulation and modelling professionals who have implemented OTS projects for companies such as BP, Sasol, Motor Oil Hellas, Exxon, Texaco, Chevron, Shell, CAPCO, Ferrostaal, in the Oil & Gas, Petro-Chemical and Chemical industries.

For more information, visit www.hyperion.com.cy

For further information please contact:

Richard Wightman
Hyperion Systems Engineering - Modelling & Simulation Solutions
+44 (0)1923 652149 (direct)
+44 (0)1923 652000 (switchboard)
Fax:+44 (0)1923 816456
r.wightman@hyperion.com.cy