The Drilling Simulator Center of Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas is a unique unit that combines internationally accredited training, certification of drilling specialists, and the most advanced simulation equipment. The center operates under the University’s Institute of Postgraduate Education and is the only accredited center in Ukraine for training specialists in well condition monitoring according to international standards.
International IWCF Accreditation
In October 2004, IFNTUOG received international accreditation and the right to certify drilling specialists in the field of “Well Condition Monitoring. Well Control During Fluid Influxes” in accordance with the requirements of the International Well Control Forum (IWCF) — the most authoritative organization in this field.
The necessity for international certification is driven by the real risks of the drilling process. Exploring unknown horizons at various depths increases the likelihood of losing the hydrostatic balance in the “well — formation” system, which is the root cause of fluid kicks. In such a situation, insufficient personnel qualification can lead to an open oil and gas blowout, environmental consequences, and significant material losses. This is why international organizations have implemented mandatory certification of drilling company personnel as a tool for blowout prevention safety.
For oil and gas companies conducting drilling operations in various countries around the world, it is a mandatory requirement for employees to have an IWCF certificate of the third or fourth level to be permitted to work.
DRILLSIM 5000 Simulator
The central place in the infrastructure of the department is occupied by a full-scale simulator DRILLSIM — one of the most advanced solutions in the field of drilling process simulation. The simulator is designed for modeling and performing technological operations during well drilling under various conditions, as well as for training and assessing the knowledge of personnel in drilling and well control in case of fluid manifestations.
The complex is equipped with highly realistic simulation equipment that matches the actual control panels of drilling equipment. Participants work in an environment that reproduces a real drilling rig, with the same controls, indicators, and decision-making algorithms as on an actual well.
Educational Process
The simulator software allows the instructor to fully control the actions of participants and manipulate exercise parameters both at the initial stage and during their execution. Instant changes in drilling conditions or technological operation parameters enable the creation of extreme situations in a safe environment — participants see the consequences of their actions as if they occurred in real conditions.
Preparation of candidates for the international IWCF certificate is carried out through a three-level system:
- Theoretical Course — вивчення принципів контролю стану свердловини, фізики пластових тисків, методів первинного і вторинного контролю флюїдопроявів.
- Practical classes on the simulator — practicing skills in responding to emergencies, well control during fluid kicks, performing technological operations in simulated conditions of varying complexity.
- Graduation Qualification Exam — the results are grounds for obtaining an international IWCF certificate of the corresponding level.
For whom the center is intended
The center offers training and certification for:
- drilling masters and assistant drilling masters;
- engineering and technical personnel of drilling enterprises;
- specialists of oil and gas companies applying for work at international sites;
- students and postgraduate students of the university’s relevant specialties.
Training at the drilling simulator center and obtaining the IWCF certificate make professionals competitive in international job markets and open access to long-term international contracts in the oil and gas industry.
Partnership and Cooperation
Over the years, the center has trained and certified specialists from leading oil and gas companies in Ukraine, including PJSC “Ukrtransgaz” and other industry enterprises. The application of the latest training technologies based on unique simulation equipment ensures high-quality training and contributes to the growth of the domestic oil and gas industry’s reputation in the international community.
The center is open for collaboration with oil and gas companies, industry associations, and educational institutions. We invite you to organize corporate training programs and certification courses.
