Immersive training at wastewater treatment plants for the DAM Group

The challenge: Ensuring safety in critical environments that are difficult to access

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are complex environments where maintenance work is carried out in conditions of poor visibility, high humidity and the risk of leaks or flooding. Traditionally, technicians relied on 2D drawings and theoretical training, which made it difficult to prepare for real-life emergencies and increased uncertainty during fieldwork.

This lack of immersive tools meant a constant investment of time and resources in resolving incidents which, on occasion, led to workplace accidents or unplanned downtime. DAM’s main challenge was to find a technological solution that would enable its operators to train in a safe environment and gain practical experience in resolving incidents without putting the facilities or the physical safety of workers at risk.

Mediterranean Water Treatment (DAM)

A company with over 25 years’ experience in the management, maintenance and upkeep of wastewater treatment plants and sanitation systems worldwide.

Industry

Desi Esclapez
Innovation Management in the R&D&I Department

At the DAM Group, we believe it is essential to ensure the safety of our workers and to guarantee that they can carry out their duties to the highest standard. That is why we are committed to implementing the latest and most innovative technologies, such as those tested in this project.

The solution: An immersive and collaborative virtual ecosystem

The solution we have designed consists of a virtual reality training simulator that realistically recreates the critical modules of the Alzira-Carcaixent wastewater treatment plant. Using virtual reality headsets and room-scale tracking technology, we have created an environment in which technicians can physically move around and interact naturally with the valves, machinery and tools within the virtual environment.

This training enables DAM technicians to carry out maintenance and repair procedures themselves. The system guides the user through the correct steps and, most importantly, allows them to experience the consequences of potential errors in a controlled environment. By the end of the session, the operator has fully grasped the safety and maintenance procedures, drastically reducing uncertainty when faced with the actual installation.

Desi Esclapez
Innovation Management in the R&D&I Department

We are delighted to have worked with Innoarea on the development of new training applications for our technicians. Thanks to virtual reality, technicians can practise dealing with high-risk situations, enabling them to complete their training more quickly and effectively.

• Detailed modelling of the wastewater treatment plant for a high-quality visual experience
• Genuine freedom of movement within the training area
• Simulation of critical scenarios such as floods or leaks to train rapid response teams
• The opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them without causing any damage to property or personal injury