Overview

Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator

The Simulator introduces new training methods to supplement the traditional methods on board training. The liquid Cargo operations simulator provides real time simulation of the process Flow Control Systems used in storage and transfer of potentially hazardous bulk liquid from shore to ship and ship to shore. The Simulator allows a range of courses to be offered which are presently applicable to both ship and shore involved in handling of LNG, LPG, Crude oil, oil Products and Chemical Cargoes.

The model is designed to enable trainees to become familiar both with the configuration and operation of the liquid cargo system.

Simulator Description

The Simulator presently consists of twelve interactive colour graphics terminal for students use, together with a set of instructor's terminal through which exercises may be selected, system malfunctions injected or parameters changed, and individual student performance assessed.

These are linked to a central computer which contains mathematical models of the selected cargoes and their containment system. These models incorporate equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamics as well as a fluid dynamics to enable each system to be depicted very realistically.

During the operation of the simulator, current values of the system variables such as rate of flow, temps, pressures and valve state are displayed on the student interactive terminal together with the associated mimic diagram of the cargo handling system. Exercises are normally run in real time, but facilities are provided to enable forward skip, recording and playback.

The students control all aspects of the model directly through the terminal by manipulation of a cursor and keyboard.

A communications system is also incorporated to provide the simulation of ship/shore communications and allow direct contact between the instructor and student.

The Objectives

• Demonstrate knowledge of the use of the facilities provided by the simulator for the monitoring of students, exercises and performance evaluation.
• Understand the student requirements with regard to operation of the simulator.
• Be able to format procedures for introducing students to the system.
• Monitor trainee’s behavior and performance.

I- Models (Vessels)

• VLCC:  275.000 T crude oil.
• LNG:  139.000 m3 spherical tanks.
• LPG:  22.000 m3 fully refrigerated tanks.
• Product:  Double hull design with 12 main cargo tanks, two slops   and    Fully Segregated Ballast system.
• Chemical:   Type 1 ship 34 fully independent tanks.

II- Model (Terminal)

• LPG fully refrigerated/ pressurized storage facilities terminal
• Petroleum shore storage facilities terminal
• LNG Import/ Export Terminal Fully operational model of a typical LNG Shipping Terminal equipped for both import and Export of cargoes.

III-Ship Models:

• Lchs “Qflex” 210.000m3 LNG carrier Model Fully operational model of a Qflex 210.000m3 LNG carrier powered by slow speed diesel engines (not dual fuel).
• Lchs 138.000 LNG Carrier – Membrane Containment Fully operational model of a 138.000m3 LNG carrier equipped with a membrane cargo containment system and powered by steam propulsion.

Cargo available

• LNG
• Butane Propane or mixture of both.
• Ammonia.
• Vinyl Chloride Monomer.
• Butadiene.
• Numerous grades of crude oil and petroleum products.
• (34) Types of chemical cargoes.

Level of Training.

The flexibility Simulator allows it to be used for all levels of training course,

Level I:

A basic course which introduces the principles of design and

Operation to junior Personal.                                                                       

Level II:

A standard course for personnel who have limited direct experience, and are about to assume greater responsibility.  

How the simulator is used during the course is dependent upon the course level and the practical model on which training is based. The course structure will comprise of mixture of simulator exercises together with detailed briefing and debriefing sessions and lectures on relevant subjects.

During most of exercises the students operate individually but group work is including where appropriate.

In addition the courses covering normal ship/terminal operations other have been developed specially for of equipment and for the introduction of ship surveyors and shore based maintenance engineers with ship board requirements.