KCA DEUTAG's Drilling and Advanced Rig Training (DART) drilling simulator and well engineering system, is the only system of its kind offering real-time drilling simulation and downhole modelling.

With its computer-generated 3D graphics, real-time simulation and sound effects, DART has become an acknowledged, industry leading, facility for accelerating 'hands-on' learning for both new mechanised rig training and subsequent drilling optimisation workshops.

Reducing downtime

DART utilises software that allows downhole conditions to be effectively integrated and simulated so that the drilling of wells can be practised by operators and rig crew personnel in a safe environment using the actual well data. This can significantly assist in the reduction of rig downtime during drilling, completion and new rig start-ups.

Unlike other simulators, KCA DEUTAG's DART:

  • Provides a realistic and practical solution in training and preparing drilling crews prior to the start-up of a new drilling rig or new location;
  • Enables 'drilling the well before drilling the well', i.e. understanding how to avoid downhole problems;
  • Enhances communications and team building;
  • Provides clear evidence of our commitment to providing advanced training facilities to support the career development of our personnel;
  • The upfront investment costs of DART training programmes are negligible compared to the potential loss of hydrocarbon production and/or rig downtime.

In Baku, Azerbaijan, DART has played a crucial role in ensuring that 500 Azerbaijani and expatriate drilling personnel meet the challenge of successfully operating the drilling facilities on five new 'cyber' platform rigs which started operations between 2005 and 2007. Average operational uptime in excess of 95% for the first 12 months was achieved for each of the new Azerbaijan rig operations. This is considered an excellent performance compared with other new build cyber rigs, some of which, anecdotal evidence has indicated, achieve uptime of only 80% to 90% during the initial start-up phase.

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KCA DEUTAG has also provided bespoke DART training programmes for a variety of clients including BP, CNR, Shell, TNK-BP and Robert Gordon's University. Most recently, KCA DEUTAG has provided a tailored managed pressure drilling (MPD) course for StatoilHydro. For further details please contact our Training Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it