Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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The RUDN University Institute of Ecology has developed and implemented an innovative virtual simulator, "Ecosafety: Oil Depot," into the educational process. The project, implemented by Professors Alexander Khaustov and Margarita Redina, is aimed at training future specialists in the field of oil spill prevention and response.
The simulator allows students to master key aspects of working at an oil depot, a complex technical facility where personnel errors can lead to serious environmental and industrial risks, in a safe virtual environment.
"The idea to create such a simulator didn't come out of nowhere. Fifteen years ago, our university became the first in Russia to create a virtual training complex on environmental safety in oil pipeline transportation. We are currently actively developing this area, and our new simulator is another step in the digitalization of environmental education," said Alexander Khaustov and Margarita Redina.
The primary function of the virtual simulator is to provide practical experience in applying theoretical knowledge on industrial and environmental safety at an oil depot. An oil depot is a complex technical facility that integrates numerous processes related to the storage and handling of petroleum products. It requires compliance with personnel safety requirements, as well as the development of a specialized emergency action plan for the prevention and response of oil and petroleum product spills. It can be difficult to organize a visit to such a complex technical facility within a single lesson or even an entire course. The virtual simulator allows for quick and effective immersion in a professional environment and familiarization with the most important aspects of ensuring environmental and industrial safety.
The device simulates four locations of a conventional oil depot:
oil depot site; tank farm; process pipelines; site for placing OSR equipment.
Here, the user explores the structure of an oil depot, the environmental control system, and masters optimal solutions for preparing for oil spill response:
Becomes familiar with safety regulations for the tank farm; studies the tank structure and obtains information about the specifics of oil as a stored product; becomes familiar with the general layout of the oil depot (equipment composition, placement of environmental monitoring devices); selects equipment to support the spill prevention and response plan and places it on the site/in the storage facility.
The project successfully passed the selection process and was included among the finalists in the RUDN University competition for the development of virtual simulators in 2025. The integration of the simulator into the educational process will improve the quality of training for environmentalists and industrial safety specialists, equipping them with the necessary competencies to work at modern oil storage facilities.
This project confirms the university's status as a leader in the implementation of innovative educational technologies aimed at preserving the environment and reducing anthropogenic impact.
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