Jack-Up Simulator





Jack-Up Simulator Comments...

STA developed the first jack-up simulator in the world.  Several implementations of this simulator exists, including the physical simulators in Scotland and Louisiana, as well as the software versions in Texas and in California. 

STA JUSIM models the behavior of the jack-up rig subjected to all known likely conditions.  Punch-throughs and leg damage can be simulated.  Similar to the ballast control simulator the trainees operate the control panel on board a tilting table.  Unlike the semi-submersible simulator the jack-up simulator must control the attitude of the table to within one-tenth of one degree.  With many titling tables in existence today, the required degree of accuracy is not possible because of flexure of the table.  STA has proprietary designs of table structures with tilting mechanisms that do not suffer from this limitation.

Another unique feature of the jack-up simulator is it's ability to rotate the tilt table quickly through a large angle.  Some cases this can be done with a hydraulic system.  However, this is often difficult and STA has turned to the screw-jack actuators used in the aerospace and movie industries.  Although these devices are expensive, STA believes they give the best bang for the buck since maintenance if effectively zero, over the life (25 years) of the system. 

Some examples of the first generation of STA jack-up simulators are shown at Simulator Background

STA JUSIM is sold as a stand-alone application, or in conjunction with a full simulator.

In 1986 Mr. Stewart left DNV and formed STA, leaving in place the arrangement that he would continue to service and support the simulator.  In1987 DNV commissioned STA to produce the world's first jack-up simulator.  This was designed to be run on a PC and to drive the same tilt-table at DNV.  A set of panels with the jack-up controls mounted over the semi-submersible ballast control panel and a single switch changed control from the semi to the jack-up computer.

This first jack-up simulator built by STA is in operation today and is used with the same software developed by STA beginning in 1987.  This same software is also the basis of the jack-up simulator in the Aberdeen Technical College. 

The STA software, JUSIM, runs the only two jack-up simulators in the world. 

Gulf Coast Electric have a web site www.gcee.com, where the STA simulator is briefly described.  Figure 5 is a picture showing the jack-up simulator panel, taken from that web site.

FIGURE 5 - STA Jack-Up Simulator in GCE

 

Figure 6 shows the simulator room and one of the original Hydraulic ball-screw jacks can be seen in the foreground. 

FIGURE 6 - STA Simulator at GCE, Louisiana, Door open, floor level, red screw jack



When GCEE purchased the simulator from DNV, passing through the hands of the University of Southwestern Louisiana, they also acquired the STA software and hardware for the STA Liftboat Simulator.

Liftboats generally use hydraulic motors for moving their legs, compared to most jack-ups using electrical drive systems.  The STA Liftboat simulator has a panel that covers the jack-up panel kW meters and displays hydraulic pressures.  Some other additional features are also included.

FIGURE 7 - Another View of STA Jack-Up
Simulator in Louisiana, 2001