Rompetrol – KMG International Group continues its partnership of more than two decades with the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploieşti (UPG), supporting the modernization of the Process Automation Laboratory within the Department of Automation, Computers and Electronics, part of the Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
The modernization works focused on replacing equipment that had experienced significant wear, as well as improving the accuracy and reliability of the systems used in practical training sessions. The project included replacing electric pumps and isolation valves, upgrading pneumatically and electrically actuated control valves, and recalibrating pressure transducers. New air compressors and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for the DeltaV distributed control system were also installed.
“Our partnership with the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploieşti reflects Rompetrol’s commitment to developing future generations of specialists and strengthening the connection between academia and industry. Investments in educational infrastructure complement our practical training and traineeship programs, which give students the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the requirements of the energy sector,” said Sorin Graure, General Manager of Rompetrol Rafinare.
Covering more than 80 square meters and accommodating 24 students, the laboratory is equipped with two Festo educational training stations, a DeltaV distributed control system incorporating Fieldbus and HART technologies, industrial training rigs for measuring and controlling process parameters, and workstations for process simulation, monitoring and control. The modernization project will further enhance these facilities with an educational training station dedicated to industrial communication protocols, in line with developments associated with Industry 4.0 (The transformation of industry through digitalization, advanced automation, artificial intelligence, and real-time connectivity of equipment and processes).
“Through this modernization project, our aim was to provide undergraduate and master’s students with working conditions that closely reflect those found in industrial environments. Replacing worn equipment and improving measurement and control systems will enable more accurate and reproducible experiments using the same types of equipment found in refineries and petrochemical facilities. At the same time, the new equipment will allow students to become familiar with industrial communication technologies and protocols, while also providing opportunities to study and experiment with aspects of operational technology (OT) security,” said Associate Professor Emil Pricop, PhD Eng., Head of the Department of Automation, Computers and Electronics, Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Petroleum-Gas University of Ploieşti.
The Process Automation Laboratory is a teaching and doctoral research facility managed by the Department of Automation, Computers and Electronics. It supports practical activities related to the measurement, control and supervision of industrial processes and is used by undergraduate and master’s students enrolled in programs such as Automation and Applied Informatics, Computer Engineering, Electromechanics, Petroleum and Petrochemical Technology, Petroleum Equipment Engineering, and Advanced Automation.
Renovation works have also recently been completed at the new Rompetrol Lecture Hall, also located within the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploieşti. These included refurbishing the flooring and walls, upgrading the air conditioning and lighting systems, replacing furniture, and improving accessibility and overall comfort.
More than two decades of partnership in education
For 25 years, Rompetrol has consistently invested in preparing new generations of energy professionals through programs that complement academic education with practical experience and direct exposure to the realities of the industry.
Students and graduates have access to practical training, internship and traineeship programs, mentoring and professional development opportunities, as well as the prospect of building a career within the Group’s companies.
This year, 21 students from the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploieşti participated in Rompetrol’s internship program, with the opportunity to continue their professional journey within the Group upon completing the program.
Through investments in university infrastructure and programs dedicated to students, Rompetrol aims to contribute to the development of the skills the energy industry will need in the long term, while building stronger connections between academia and the professional environment.
