Operators of gas compression equipment throughout the world are facing a shortage of experienced mechanics. To help address this critical need, Dresser-Rand has expanded its offering of training programs covering the operation and maintenance of centrifugal and reciprocating compressors, integral gas engines, steam turbines, and related control systems.

“It’s no secret that the petrochemical industry is facing an extreme shortage of skilled service personnel, especially when it comes to operating and maintaining gas compression equipment,” said Mark Jones, product training manager at Dresser-Rand. “Through normal attrition rates alone, including retirements, transfers, and promotions, companies find themselves operating with a less-qualified workforce as newer and younger employees replace those with more experience.”

While many colleges and technical schools continue to supply the labor pool with talented, well-trained technicians, many focus on industries such as over-the-road trucking, earth moving, and automotive. “Currently, only a few technical schools offer a curriculum that includes gas compression,” Jones states. “So we’ve taken the initiative to expand our course offerings, and make them more readily available to companies who wish to prepare their mechanics, operators, and reliability engineers for their new responsibilities. Our proven courses provide them with the skills and the knowledge required to keep their equipment operating efficiently,” Jones said.

The company has announced its 2007 product training schedule and course offerings, and in addition to offering its widely accepted factory and regional courses Dresser-Rand is featuring several new course offerings to provide clients with more detailed training that is flexible, convenient, and affordable.

Operator Training: Designed specifically for equipment operators, these general courses familiarize students with the major components that make up rotating equipment, and give in-depth insight into theory as it relates to operational issues. Essential systems such as lubrication, cooling, process gas or steam, gland condensers, load control, seal gas systems, surge control, and other utilities are addressed so that operators understand the purpose and function of each. Every course concludes with an interactive troubleshooting session designed to help operators identify possible causes of typical equipment upsets.

Short Courses: One-day courses cover topics selected from Dresser-Rand’s longer classroom and hands-on programs. Related topics have been bundled together and are conducted in succession over a two- to three-day period, giving students the opportunity to attend one or all of the programs scheduled for that location. A variety of courses is scheduled throughout the year at convenient locations, and discounts for multiple-day attendance are offered.

Web-Based Training (WBT): With more than 20 courses in the Dresser-Rand library (and more being added each year), WBT programs continue to gain popularity with many clients who operate and maintain steam turbines, integral gas engines, and centrifugal and reciprocating compressors. These online courses provide self-paced instruction for operators and mechanics and support scheduled, just in time, or refresher training requirements. To reduce travel and living costs significantly for clients, Dresser-Rand offers a blended learning strategy for reciprocating compressor training; students who successfully take all related reciprocating compressor WBT courses fulfill the RCS-105 classroom course prerequisite, which qualifies them to attend the RCL-215 compressor lab at a location of their choice.

"As always, customized programs specific to a client’s machinery can be arranged if desired," Jones explained. "If there's a group of people to be trained from a specific facility, we'll research the equipment records and provide a program matched to that machinery. Our instructors can travel to a client's site to conduct the course, keeping travel costs to a minimum."

If open-registration courses are not held in a location convenient to a client, and the client is willing to host the training program, D-R will advertise, market, and conduct the course at the client's facility. This eliminates travel costs and provides other clients in the area an opportunity to attend and share the lower travel and living expenses.

All instructor-led, classroom and hands-on programs are taught by field-experienced, full-time Dresser-Rand instructors, technical engineers and field service representatives. Courses are offered at D-R factory training centers in upstate New York, Houston, and various regional service centers. Clients outside the U.S. can participate in programs offered at training facilities in Le Havre, France; Kongsberg, Norway; Campinas, Brazil; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Customized programs also are conducted worldwide at client sites. Hands-on, interactive courses using full-size equipment are conducted throughout North America, as well as at the Dresser-Rand training center in Le Havre.

For detailed information about any of the classroom, hands-on, or WBT programs, clients can view D-R's 2007 product training schedule or register for courses by visiting the D-R web site.