Interactive offshore oil rig
Photo courtesy of UT-Austin
A Lee Graham
Reporter
Offshore drilling has gone interactive with the Petroleum Extension Service at The University of Texas at Austin launching an interactive offshore oil rig.
This 3-D e-product provides a unique learning perspective on the inner workings of a semi-submersible oil rig used in offshore drilling operations.
The virtual rig gives users an inside view of the unit—what it does and where each component is located – and lets users zoom in for expanded views. Detailed audio describes 10 different areas, including a 360 degree rig view, power and hoisting equipment, and others.
The product includes an online assessment that tests users’ learning progress. A passing score earns users a completion certificate from PETEX and UT-Austin. Developed by PETEX learning specialist Itzel McClaren and the university’s Faculty Innovation Center at the Cockrell School of Engineering, the product was a collaborative effort between scholars and oil and gas professionals.
“The interactive offshore oil rig is the only product of its kind on the market for offshore drilling and is especially useful for oil and gas industry personnel seeking a better understanding of the individual parts of this extremely complex mechanical unit,” said Zahid Yoosufani, PETEX director, in a news release.
More information about the interactive rig is available at www.petex.org or by calling 1-800-687-4132.