Evaluation of Pipeline Control Center Operator Skills Utilizing High Fidelity Pipeline Simulation Technology

The U.S. Department of Transportation Operator Qualification Rule requires pipeline Control Center Operators to be evaluated on their ability to perform “covered tasks”, and recognize / react to abnormal operating conditions. ChevronTexaco has chosen to utilize pipeline simulation technology as a skill evaluation tool for its Control Center Operators. Metso Automation was selected to provide the pipeline simulation-based evaluation system. This paper provides an overview of the pipeline simulation application system that was selected and implemented by ChevronTexaco.