With extensive training programmes and educational opportunities, Vermeer helped change the way drill operators learn and contribute to a workforce more prepared to carry out efficient and productive drilling operations. Now, the company has raised the bar for horizontal directional drilling training with an updated simulator, the Vermeer HDD Simulator, featuring new components that will help strengthen jobsite productivity further and provide operators with the chance to learn even more before getting behind the joystick of a Vermeer HDD drilling rig on the job.
"We first introduced the HDD Simulator to solve a specific problem in our industry — a lack of high-level, consistent training opportunities for new drill operators," Vermeer Trenchless Products product manager Tod Michael said. "While that's still a challenge facing our industry, the new Vermeer HDD Simulator has made a big difference already, and with a set of new features, the latest version of the simulator will go further in preparing HDD drill operators for the jobsite without adding wear and tear on actual drilling equipment."
Virtual reality
In addition to simulated real-time drilling, bore planning and monitoring of underground conditions — all critical proficiencies on an HDD jobsite — the new simulator introduces new levels of realism to the training process.
A virtual reality (VR) system provides a realistic, immersive and authentic experience with detailed animations that help better prepare the trainee. The operator now has the option of switching between the new VR mode and a more conventional two-dimensional view. Along with the monitor system and audio system, a vibrating seat adds a new layer of realism to the training process, with vibrations activated during key operations like rod movement and changes in engine function.
The new simulator provides multiple hands-on and self-guided learning levels and tutorials, each offering the trainee more enhanced machine views during the process through a transparent design that allows key components to be completely visible. Transparent components like the hood, engine bay and rod basket help trainees become accustomed to the awareness of components outside their normal range of view and build confidence in overall operation, ultimately accelerating the educational experience.
S3 controls
Like its predecessor, the all-new Vermeer HDD Simulator operates with S3 controls like those found on the Vermeer horizontal directional drill lineup. The resulting instruction can be taken and applied to these and other S3 machines on the jobsite immediately, helping cut down on the overall time between training and productive work. The process instructions and best practices can be applied to most drill applications in the HDD industry, helping cut down on the overall time between training and confidence on the jobsite.
This simulator also generates a detailed, rod-by-rod report card that provides in-depth feedback and highlights the trainee's proficiencies in areas of operation, steering accuracy and rod cycle times.
"Our goal is to provide an all-around educational experience for HDD operators. The Vermeer HDD Simulator was designed to not only help contractors provide new operators with the specific skills they need but also prepare them with things like general jobsite awareness," industrial equipment and crew skills training manager Dan Vroom said. "It's a complement to our more in-depth Vermeer HDD Circuit training programme."
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