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Visualisation as support for knowledgeable operations
Alain Hubrecht, President & CTO of VRcontext
VRcontext has launched a new product application called ProcessLife. The application integrates a virtual 3D facility with a deep link into the process information suite. The combination of the two elements allows work disciplines to share and coordination information at a previously unseen high level. ProcessLife works along side the traditional process information system – the aim is not to create a new control system, but to aid communication in the facility through having a commonly understood facility overview.
The first system has been delivered and is working for Petrobras in Rio de Janeiro, where it collects real time input from one of the world’s biggest refineries, REPLAN, and delivers the information integrated with 3D facilities model to a decision room, where process controllers, engineers and technicians meet to have the information displayed on a big screen for discussions and change-consequence analysis.
ProcessLife consists of four separate modules that are inter-linked and share a common database, but each module can be decoupled and work independently when required. The modules are simulation, monitoring, control and alarm.
Simulation
When a facility passes through the critical phase from construction to production or personnel and processes change – then there is a need to educate people. All of these changes are not unique to one work function but has ripple effect consequences throughout the facility.
With ProcessLife Simulation, initialisation or changes in the physical layout are instantly updated via the latest available 3D CAD models –  and are thereby readily available for training and simulation. With the deep link to the process information system, the user interacts with the information gaining valuable insides to processes, values and functions. Last by not least, system limits can be rehearsed in off-line recordings of the process information – operators can train emergency plans, check states of instruments – and generally be well versed with “what-if” scenarios that falls outside the normal routine patterns of the facilities operations.
Monitoring
When process operators work with the PI&D diagrams in 2D they do not gain a “volumetric” understanding of the facility. Through ProcessLife Monitoring they enhance their understanding of the individual processes through singling them out one by one. The process operators can get to grips with the processes, operating states and history.
Monitoring is non-intrusive to the process – the aim of the module is integrated communication where distributed knowledge and competence centers are linked together and seeing the same model, with reference to the same data bases to avoid data duplication and possible missing updates. In short, the monitor module combines knowledge for seamless communication.
Control
Once mastering the processes in the facility through monitoring the natural evolution leads to using ProcessLife Control - using the 3D replicated model as guiding instrument to control the process. The operator will see the actual valve turning, acquiring an in-depth 3-dimensional knowledge of what, where, when and how.
In addition, the process operator can be linked to the knowledge and competence centers and can inquire for advice before major process changes.
Alarm
Where the three previous modules can be viewed as one following naturally the other – the ProcessLife alarm module is simply described an alarm clock. When processes reach peak values within the range, go beyond these or show behavior that is deemed erratic by the process information system, an alarm will be displayed on the operator screen and when acknowledged, the process controller will be lead directly to the critical function for action depending analysis.
In closing
ProcessLife is targeted towards the plant and petrochemical industries – shortly described as the integration of a virtual facility in the process control suite. The application is aimed towards achieving better process overview and tighter collaboration with other work functions in the facility
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