Current Students and Staff

// University News

10 Nov 2015

Loughborough recognised at global chemical engineering awards

Loughborough University was among the finalists at the IChemE Global Awards 2015 in recognition of its collaboration with BP on an immersive 3D training experience.

Believed to be a first for the chemical industry in the UK, the Igloo – as it is known – is an alternative approach to training. It allows trainee field technicians to practise safety critical tasks in a simulated environment. A 360-degree projection screen enables trainees to learn as they go and allows mistakes to be made without disastrous consequences.

The project between BP European Acetyls, BP Information Technology and Services Digital Innovation Organisation, Loughborough University, and Igloo Vision (pictured above) was highly commended in the categories of Process Safety and Education and Training. 

With the help of his Research Associate Dr Pablo Fernández de Dios, Professor Paul Chung implemented the communication bridge between the Igloo and the dynamic process simulator, resulting in a realistic plant environment that allows field and control room technicians to interact together. 

Professor Chung said: “We were so close to winning, but being shortlisted and then selected for highly commended made the project team very proud of their achievement. The potential impact of the project to improve safety, reliability and capability in the process industry is enormous.”