Operator Training and Retraining

Being a transient simulator, it can be used as a mimic of the actual network. Various scenarios can be created in the way the network operates including faults and its impact on performance can be displayed as if the data is from an actual network. Operator's response to such scenarios created by the instructor can be observed and commented upon by the instructor.

Use of PAnORaMA as a training simulator has an advantage because in real life certain situations may or may not come. For example, a leak may not occur on the pipeline for years, and when it occurs, the operator is simply not able to realise that it has occurred and hence his response to the situation is found wanting. If all kinds of faults, even faults with low probability, are created and their impact on network pressures are seen on screen through simulation, operator gets fully trained for such situations.

The importance of training simulation in network operation is similar to that of the training simulators which are mandatory in training pilots of aircrafts. A virtual scenario must be created to sensitise the operator to interpret operational data and see it as indicating a faulty or fault free operation.