The University of Wyoming's Simulation Facility stands as a one-in-kind center for advanced education, research, and training in drilling and energy operations. Our state-of-the-art facility uniquely hosts an array of sophisticated simulators, including the DrillSIM:6000, DrillSIM:5000 Classic, CTS:5000, WirelineSIM:5000, On The Rig (OTR), DrillSIM Educator, iDrillSIM, and Virtual Reality (VR) systems, creating unparalleled opportunities for students, researchers, and industry professionals.
Whether navigating the complexities of deepwater drilling, practicing land rig operations, or mastering well intervention techniques, the Drilling & Completions Simulation Facility is designed to replicate real world scenarios in a safe yet highly realistic environment. With real-time adjustments from an instructor, students can safely practice high-risk operational scenarios, which could never be practiced in the field.
Safety and precision are at the core of effective drilling operations, and the Drilling & Completions Simulation Facility provides the ideal environment to master both. Trainees refine their technical expertise by operating complex drilling, well control, and well servicing equipment with direct instructor oversight and real-time feedback. Contact the Energy & Petroleum Engineering Department to inquire about simulator training or IADC certification training by emailing pete-info@uwyo.edu or call 307-766-4258.
The DrillSIM:6000 is our flagship simulator supports concurrent training for drillers and assistant drillers, delivering immersive scenarios for deepwater drillship and offshore jack-up rig operations. Key capabilities include managed pressure drilling (MPD), high-fidelity graphics, customizable training modules, dynamic scenario control, and realistic simulation of critical drilling and well-control challenges such as lost circulation, gas migration, wellbore ballooning, pipe handling, and horizontal drilling. This simulator significantly enhances operator competence, safety, teamwork, and preparedness for complex offshore drilling scenarios.
Our DrillSIM:5000 Classic replicates a full-size land rig with a traditional brake-handle interface, offering hands-on experience essential for training in drilling operations. This simulator addresses advanced and practical scenarios including high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) drilling, lost circulation, gas migration, horizontal wells, and complex well control events. Beyond conventional petroleum drilling training, it uniquely enables the exploration of geothermal energy, carbon storage, and alternative energy applications, fostering innovative research and practical skills transferable to emerging energy sectors. Its realistic operation environment promotes student engagement, teamwork, and operational confidence.
On The Rig (OTR) Cyber-Based (Amphion land rig) Simulator delivers advanced cyber-based control system training directly at rig sites. Unlike traditional brake-handle simulators, OTR replicates Amphion land rig cyber-controls, enhancing proficiency with modern drilling interfaces and control systems. Its portability enables continuous, instructor-free learning, providing immediate performance assessment and feedback. OTR covers critical operations, including drilling procedures, managed pressure drilling (MPD), and well control scenarios.
The CTS:5000 Coiled Tubing Simulator provides realistic, comprehensive training for coiled tubing in well completions and workover operations. It offers hands-on experience with full-scale operator controls, graphical visualization of rig sites, and detailed surface equipment simulations, including reel handling, injector management, and pressure control via stripper and blowout preventer (BOP). Trainees master complex downhole interventions, such as horizontal well operations, sand clean-outs, milling, fishing, and managing critical malfunctions. This combination of physical interaction and immersive visualization significantly boosts trainee confidence, technical expertise, and readiness for real-world challenges.
The WirelineSIM:5000 simulator delivers highly realistic, full-scale training for braided and slickline wireline operations. Trainees practice essential skills, including equipment rig-up, lubricator management, and precise control of hydraulic systems. They face diverse operational challenges, such as hydrostatic imbalance, stuck tools, sliding side doors, tubing plugs, and instrument failures. This hands-on, immersive training greatly strengthens trainee preparedness, technical precision, and confidence, preparing them effectively for routine and complex field interventions in well completions and petroleum engineering design courses.
DrillSIM Educator serves as a dynamic instructional tool, combining interactive controls with vivid graphical simulations to significantly enrich classroom learning. It bridges theoretical knowledge and practical skills, effectively preparing students for real-world drilling challenges.
The iDrillSIM cloud-based platform expands training capabilities through cloud-based technology, allowing virtual, instructor-led sessions accessible worldwide. It meets IADC and IWCF standards, supporting both individual learning and collaborative training experiences.
Our cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) system provides immersive training environments, deepening trainee understanding through realistic simulation experiences. It complements traditional simulator training, offering engaging visualization and practice of complex operational scenarios.
