Invensys Process Systems (IPS) has unveiled its new virtual reality human-machine interface to representatives of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Speaking for the company, Stephen Ballard, of Ballard Communications Management, said that the new system will revolutionise the way Nigerian workers are trained in plant processes and controls.

He added that the new immersive system "will help improve plant safety and security, ensure environmental and regulatory accountability and increase production and efficiency while controlling feedstock and material costs".

Maurizio Rovaglio, director of IPS global consulting, added that the ability to run through rare procedures such as plant shutdown in a stable, realistic environment will enable workers to respond more effectively should such an event occur.

He added that the new system will allow training operators in the oil and gas industry to perform "endless experimentation without ever taking the equipment offline".

In other recent developments, IPS also announced last month that it had signed an agreement with a major Chinese contractor to build a new 3,330-megawatt generating station in Gujarat, India.

Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Refining and Petrochemicals