New Simulation Tools Capture Dynamic Nature of Coking Operations with Highly Detailed Data on Full Process

Refiners know that coking is a highly profitable and indispensable part of their portfolio. Unlike many other refining processes, coking is not a “Set and Forget” operation. Its semi-batch operation demands that unit operators continually interact with the system with precise timing. Complicating matters is the need to handle petroleum in all three phases – vapor, liquid and solid. It’s an operation that, until now, was largely taught through books and on-the-job training.

Global energy service solutions provider, GSE Systems Inc. (NYSE MKT:GVP), now offers a multimedia tutorial and a real-time dynamic simulation for delayed coking units. Part of GSE Systems’ line of EnVision™ e-learning and Universal Simulations, the coking unit tools provide a safe, interactive method for training unit operators on the entire process.

“These tools go far beyond any other coker training tools available today,” said Santosh Joshi, Vice President of GSE Systems. “They use rigorous mathematical process models to provide accurate, dynamic data and response for every part of the process, and include continuous dynamic indication of outage, volatile combustible material, and sponge/shot quality. It helps plant managers improve their bottom line when the operator takes that knowledge to the plant floor.”

The delayed coker products have elicited very positive feedback from customers. One customer’s experienced delayed coker unit operator explained, “Seeing the visual of recycle to the frac[tionator], helped me to ‘get the big picture’ in a way I never had before.” The training advisor for an international refinery was also pleased stating, “I think this would be a great tool for someone who is starting training in the delayed coker.”

Using the simulation trainees are able to practice:

• Startup and shutdown operations;
• Drum switching, cutting, unheading and reheading;
• Blow-down steps (steaming, quenching and warm-up);
• Emergency shutdown operations; and
• Troubleshooting and recovery from equipment, instrument and control valve malfunctions.

GSE’s EnVision delayed coking unit tutorial combines audio, video, animation and graphics that goes beyond fundamental control to operating philosophy and safety best practices.

“The dynamic nature of the coking process demands continuous adjustments by the operators, something they get a feel for over time, so it’s not necessarily the best situation for new operator training” said Joshi. “GSE’s tools provide a safe environment for training and eliminate the risk for the plant owner-operator.”

Both the GSE EnVision tutorial and simulation are equipped with their own individual learning management system (LMS), TutAdmin and SimAdmin, respectively, which allows instructors to register trainees and monitor their performance during the education process. The tutorial is available in eight languages and as a web-based application. The simulation is available in Instructor-Trainee and Standalone versions.

For more information on GSE’s EnVision products, including the delayed coking unit tutorial and the simulation tool, go to the GSE EnVision web page at www.gses.com/training/delayed-coker-unit.

About GSE Systems Inc.

GSE Systems Inc. provides a wide range of simulation and training solutions to the global energy (nuclear and non-nuclear) industry and is the world leader in nuclear simulation. The company has over four decades of experience, more than 1,100 installations, and hundreds of customers in over 50 countries spanning the globe. Their software, hardware and integrated training solutions leverage proven technologies to deliver real-world business advantages to the energy, process, manufacturing and government sectors worldwide. GSE Systems is headquartered in Sykesville (Baltimore), Maryland, with offices in St. Marys, Georgia; Madison, New Jersey; Cary, North Carolina; Chennai, India; Nyköping, Sweden; Stockton-on-Tees, UK; Glasgow, UK; and Beijing, China. Information about GSE Systems is available via the Internet at www.gses.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

We make statements in this press release that are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We use words such as “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “anticipates,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean a statement is not forward-looking. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause our actual performance or achievements to be materially different from those we project. For a full discussion of these risks, uncertainties, and factors, we encourage you to read our documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth in our periodic reports under the forward-looking statements and risk factors sections. We do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.