The Payzone C simulator is a simple and very user-friendly program, designed to be used by anyone with minimal knowledge of computers and no prior knowledge of drilling operations. It is ideal as a training tool for beginning students
Many operations can only be selected between permitted limits, so a novice is prevented from drilling under physically unreasonable conditions. This avoids the student being presented with puzzling "Impossible" results.
The program is written in the "C" language and is delivered in compiled form, ready to run. Compilation is platform specific, and so versions are available for different operating systems. At present, versions are available for Mac, Windows 95-98, NT and 2000.
In spite of its simplicity, however, Payzone C can be used to simulate most of the basic technologies of drilling engineering. It can be used to demonstrate the correct selection of drill bits and operating parameters, the control of subsurface pressures, and the techniques for designing drill pipe and casing strings, and cementing and logging operations.
Inevitably, however, our desire to make the program user friendly has led to our simplifying many features that would be found in a more complete simulator. Payzone C is mainly intended to simulate land drilling operations, so it is restricted to drilling straight vertical wells. Several other less common options in equipment or activities have also been simplified or eliminated.
Last update 23 March 2001