Laser scanner 3d modeling


What is 3D Scanning? | Laser Design

First of all, let’s be clear that 3D laser scanning is not magical. True, the technologies that make it possible are very advanced and quite amazing. But behind the mirrors—found in the laser probe (without any smoke)—there is a lot of know-how and experience that makes the laser scanning experience seem so easy to Laser Design customers.

Read on or watch our video on What is 3D Scanning?

What is 3D Scanning?
3D Laser Scanning is a non-contact, non-destructive technology that digitally captures the shape of physical objects using a line of laser light. 3D laser scanners create “point clouds” of data from the surface of an object. In other words, 3D laser scanning is a way to capture a physical object’s exact size and shape into the computer world as a digital 3-dimensional representation.

3D laser scanners measure fine details and capture free-form shapes to quickly generate highly accurate point clouds. 3D laser scanning is ideally suited to the measurement and inspection of contoured surfaces and complex geometries which require massive amounts of data for their accurate description and where doing this is impractical with the use of traditional measurement methods or a touch probe.

The 3D Scanning Process:

Data Acquisition via 3D Laser Scanning
3D Laser Scanning Process An object that is to be laser scanned is placed on the bed of the digitizer. Specialized software drives the laser probe above the surface of the object. The laser probe projects a line of laser light onto the surface while 2 sensor cameras continuously record the changing distance and shape of the laser line in three dimensions (XYZ) as it sweeps along the object.

Resulting Data
The shape of the object appears as millions of points called a “point cloud” on the computer monitor as the laser moves around capturing the entire surface shape of the object. The process is very fast, gathering up to 750,000 points per second and very precise (to ±. 0005″).

Modeling Choice Depends on Application
After the huge point cloud data files are created, they are registered and merged into one three-dimensional representation of the object and post-processed with various software packages suitable for a specific application.

Point Cloud Data for Inspection
If the data is to be used for inspection, the scanned object can be compared to the designer’s CAD nominal data. The result of this comparison process is delivered in the form of a “color map deviation report,” in PDF format, which pictorially describes the differences between the scan data and the CAD data.

CAD Model for Reverse Engineering
Laser scanning is the fastest, most accurate, and automated way to acquire 3D digital data for reverse engineering. Again, using specialized software, the point cloud data is used to create a 3D CAD model of the part’s geometry. The CAD model enables the precise reproduction of the scanned object, or the object can be modified in the CAD model to correct imperfections. Laser Design can provide a surface model or the more complex solid model, whichever results are needed for the application.

 

Have additional questions? Check out our Glossary, sign-up for our eNewsletter, watch the 3D Laser Scanning Video or ask a question of your own!

Laser Scan to 3D Model

• Scanning and back-modeling turn-key solution

• Modeling existing data (give us your measurement data or point cloud data and we’ll create a drawing or 3D model)

• Aggregate existing conditions with your design (we’ll coordinate existing models or point cloud data with your design model)

• Real-world 3D animation models (from point cloud to interactive moving 3D components)

NOTE: Our deliverables span from drawing and model files to virtual reality video games!

In modern surveying, the general meaning of laser scanning is the controlled deflection of laser beams, visible or invisible.

Within the field of 3D object scanning, laser scanning (also known as lidar) combines controlled steering of laser beams with a laser rangefinder. By taking a distance measurement at every direction the scanner rapidly captures the surface shape of objects, buildings and landscapes. Construction of a full 3D model involves combining multiple surface models obtained from different viewing angles, or the admixing of other known constraints.

The need to capture existing real-world conditions in a digital format has become increasingly vital across all industries.

Facility Management

An intelligent model can be a more cost-effective means of facility maintenance and serves as a single source of accurate information that helps reduce change orders, schedule interruptions, and eliminates the need of constantly traveling to the site or facility.

Construction

Capture the site conditions for utility clearances.  Field check the design.

Engineering

Get fast and accurate measurements for existing pipe, steel structures, foundations and utilities.

Architecture, Historical

Scan to BIM for clash detection. Analyze historical structures for restoration.

The need to capture existing real-world conditions in a digital format has become increasingly more vital across all industries.

Facility Management

An intelligent model can be a more cost-effective means of facility maintenance and serves as a single source of accurate information that helps reduce change orders, schedule interruptions, and eliminates the need of constantly traveling to the site or facility.

Construction

Capture the site conditions for utility clearances.  Field check the design.

Engineering

Get fast and accurate measurements for existing pipe, steel structures, foundations and utilities.

Architecture, Historical

Scan to BIM for clash detection. Analyze historical structures for restoration.

ECAD provides the knowledge and expertise needed to deliver a model of existing conditions in a timely manner to meet your project deadlines.

ECAD will not bid on projects and compete against you. By the time we are involved in the project, the job is already won. As such, we often operate as a direct extension of your team to fill in when resources are needed and you want to avoid involving a competitive counterpart.

Why Choose Us

ECAD provides the knowledge and expertise needed to deliver a model of existing conditions in a timely manner to meet your project deadlines.

ECAD will not bid on projects and compete against you. By the time we are involved in the project, the job is already won. As such, we often operate as a direct extension of your team to fill in when resources are needed and you want to avoid involving a competitive counterpart.

Deliverables

We can provide models in the following formats

2D DWG
Mesh Model
AutoCAD Overlay
Plant 3D
CADWorx
Advance Steel
Revit

Inventor
SolidWorks
Civil 3D
Navisworks
Raw Point Cloud
Recap File
Interactive Animation

Below are multi-discipline interactive walkthrough models. These models are examples of the deliverables for our laser scan to modeling services. All of our projects start with a laser scan and many of them end with an interactive model. Some of the many benefits to these unique interactive models are: no software required, no training needed to navigate, and can be preloaded with point clouds and 3D model in a VR environment.

Interactive Model Examples

Below are multi-discipline interactive walkthrough models. These models are examples of the deliverables for our laser scan to modeling services. All of our projects start with a laser scan and many of them end with an interactive model. Some of the many benefits to these unique interactive models are: no software required, no training needed to navigate, and can be preloaded with point clouds and 3D model in a VR environment.

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Exploring a Plant 3D Model

 

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Exploring Virtual Training

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Exploring a Pig Launcher Model

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Exploring an Inventor Manufacturing Model

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Exploring a Revit Model

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Our Client’s Words

Pig Launcher Scan

Pig Launcher Scan

Pig Launcher Scan

Pig launcher model

Pig launcher model

Pig launcher model

Plant Scan

Plant Scan

Plant Scan

Plant scan conversion

Plant scan conversion

Plant scan conversion

Gas plant

Gas plant

Gas plant

Gas plant closeup

Gas plant closeup

Gas plant closeup

PID to 3D Model

PID to 3D Model

PID to 3D Model

Point cloud to 3D in action

Point cloud to 3D in action

Point cloud to 3D in action

3d model converted from 3d scan electrical distrubtion yard 3D model

3d model converted from 3d scan electrical distrubtion yard 3D model

3d model converted from 3d scan electrical distrubtion yard 3D model

3D Scan of Electrical DIstribution Yard

3D Scan of Electrical DIstribution Yard

3D Scan of Electrical DIstribution Yard

Heat Exchanger

Heat Exchanger

Heat Exchanger

Wastewaterfacility

Wastewaterfacility

Wastewaterfacility

Waste water

Waste water

Waste water

Pig launching station

Pig launching station

Pig launching station

Industrial laundry facility

Industrial laundry facility

Industrial laundry facility

scopes and overview of models / Sudo Null IT News

3D laser scanning - creating a digital model of a physical body using a laser beam. The technology is non-contact, works at close and long distances, eliminates damage to objects during scanning. The principle of operation of 3D laser scanners: a directed laser beam is reflected from the surface of an object, forming a cloud of points. Each point has its own coordinates in space. The software identifies them and creates a finished 3D digital model based on this data. nine0003

From the overview you will find out where laser scanning is used and what equipment is used to solve related problems.

Purpose of laser scanners


Source: newequipment.com

Compared to traditional measurement methods, laser scanners have an important advantage - they can digitize objects with complex surfaces and work in hard-to-reach places for humans. The main areas of application of devices are input and output quality control in production, inspection of working devices in order to prevent and eliminate defects, reverse engineering and other areas. nine0003

Construction, renovation and renovation of objects


Source: ellisdon.com

During the preparation of the building design, it is necessary to evaluate the features of the site and the cost of the forthcoming works. With the help of 3D laser scanners, a landscape model is created, on the basis of which further work is carried out. During the construction process, intermediate control of the geometry of future buildings is required: walls, corners, openings, etc. Laser scanning copes with this task more accurately and faster than conventional measuring technologies. nine0003

The basis for an exterior or interior renovation is often an accurate digital model, on the basis of which changes and additions to the current interior or exterior are planned. Laser scanners are also indispensable in this area.

Road networks and transport


Source: autodesk.com

Laser scanning is becoming an integral part of the planning and creation of urban and suburban road networks, tunnels, pedestrian sections, railways, ports. The technology is used to assess the current state of coatings, plan and estimate the cost of repairs, to obtain models of perennial structures, such as bridges. The equipment is involved in the design, manufacture, repair and tuning of cars, air transport and ships. nine0003

Public utilities


Source: 3dscanner.es

With the help of 3D laser scanners, it became possible to quickly digitize and document engineering communications. Scanning significantly saves time during maintenance and reconstruction. The devices work remotely, minimizing the risks of people when working in adverse conditions and in hard-to-reach areas.

Oilfield installations


Source: ramboll.com

Oil production complexes located in the water require constant monitoring of work processes. Objects are regularly exposed to adverse and changeable environmental influences: winds of different strengths and directions, currents, temperature changes, etc. 3D laser scanning is becoming an integral part of the inspection of oil production installations. The equipment allows you to quickly identify and fix deformations and other damage, control wear, calculate the timing of scheduled maintenance, and prevent accidents. nine0003

Forensic examination


Source: faro.com

Photographs and manual measurements in investigative processes and forensic examinations are being replaced by 3D laser scanning. The devices create three-dimensional models of scenes of incidents with accurate fixation of the location of objects and the distances between them. The data is used in the process of pre-trial and litigation.

Other applications


Source: news.microsoft.com

3D laser scanners facilitate and optimize workflows in the following areas:

  • In cartography and geodesy - when creating terrain plans, maps, geographic information systems (GIS).
  • In archeology - in the restoration and preservation of ancient artifacts.
  • In paleontology, to create missing parts of excavated skeletons.
  • In medicine, including plastic surgery and dentistry.
  • nine0080

    Overview of models and manufacturers


    FARO Focus

    Source: ifworlddesignguide.com

    FARO is one of the popular manufacturers of laser scanning devices. The new Focus3D S-series instruments stand out from other scanners in lightness and compact size, as well as the ability to work in bright sunlight and keep in touch with the location using GPS.

    The FOCUS 3D S 150 scanner works at a distance of up to one hundred and fifty meters, with an accuracy of up to ±2000 microns at a maximum distance. The device is used in design, architecture and construction, for digitizing equipment and other objects. nine0003

    You can learn more about this model on the website.

    Source: youtube. com

    Focus3D S 350 scans with the same accuracy as the previous device, but the distance to the measurement object is increased to 0.35 km. The device is designed for outdoor use.

    Source: kkgeosystem.blogspot.com

    SHINING 3D

    Source: shining3d.com

    FreeScan is a line of well-known Chinese manufacturer of digital equipment SHINING 3D. These are universal laser handheld 3D scanners FreeScan X5 (X5+), FreeScan X7 (X7+) weighing up to 1 kg, with an excellent set of professional features. nine0003

    Basic parameters:
    Specifications

    Creaform

    Source: foundry-planet.com

    Creaform's SCAN 3D range is characterized by high scanning quality combined with ease of use. Portable laser scanners HandySCAN 3D, MetraSCAN 3D have a clear interface, do not require special skills and complex user training.

    Instrument features:

    ScanTech

    Handheld range

    Source: cmmxyz.com

    The HandHeld Prince series uses blue and red laser beams to scan large and small objects with high accuracy. Scanners can operate in bright sunlight and low light conditions. Due to its compact size, high speed and detail, the equipment is widely used in reverse engineering, quality inspection, digitization of museum, archaeological and other objects. nine0003

    Key features:

    Composite series

    Source: twitter.com

    In addition to the dual scan mode, the KSCAN20 is equipped with a photogrammetry system, thanks to which the working area of ​​the device is 2.5 m * 3 m with an accuracy of 35 µm / m.

    Blue and red lasers provide high-speed scanning of up to 650,000 measurements per second with a resolution of 0.01 mm.

    Key Features:

    3D Laser Scanner Applications


    Reduce construction costs and time with FARO Focus

    Source: autodesk. com

    US construction company Gilbane invested $60,000 in a FARO Focus-S 350 laser scanner, software, and employee training. At first glance, the amount seems too large for a small-scale firm. But, after the calculations, the company's management came to the conclusion that the investment will pay off in the shortest possible time. nine0003

    According to Gilbane's director of 3D design, John Tocci Jr., after introducing the expensive new technology, the company began to use the equipment even in areas where it was not originally planned. The specialists managed to save $30,000 for one hour of Focus-S 350 and Autodesk Revit software.

    Source: autodesk.com

    Building a digital model of air ducts and other systems made it possible to avoid errors during the installation of physical objects, which could take several weeks. The use of FARO Focus in the assembly of plumbing, electrical and mechanical installations helped to optimize costs at all stages of work

    Case “Modernization of the building of the University of Miami”


    Source: elevar. com

    At the time of the start of work, the architects had drawings made 85 years ago, and a little more than 4.5 thousand square meters of the old building. Using a 3D laser scanner, Gilbane digitized the training areas in one day. Modernization of load-bearing structures, as well as the main utility systems: plumbing, electrical and ventilation, was based on data obtained from scanning. nine0003

    Quality Inspection with ScanTech


    Source: 3d-scantech.com

    The advantage of metal stamping over forging and casting is the lower weight and thickness of the resulting parts. The use of molds gives high accuracy and maximum compliance of the obtained parts with the specified characteristics, but does not completely exclude deviations and deformations. Which, in turn, can lead to difficulties in assembling finished products and reducing product quality. Therefore, constant quality inspection is a necessary part of production. nine0003

    Having understood the problems of the manufacturer, ScanTech experts proposed to check the quality of stamped parts using the PRINCE laser scanner. The ability to switch blue and red laser modes allowed the device to combine the functionality of traditional portable and metrological 3D scanners. The mode of operation with an active beam of a red laser provides fast digitization of objects. In the case of increased requirements for accuracy and detail, turn on the blue laser beam mode. nine0003

    The photo shows the stages of work:

    1. Installing markers - takes about two minutes.

    Source: 3d-scantech.com

    2. Digitizing a part takes about three minutes.

    Source: 3d-scantech.com

    Source: 3d-scantech.com

    3. Deviation detection - lasts 3 minutes.

    Source: 3d-scantech. com

    The digital model shows the parameters and deviations, allows you to correct errors at the design stage. The case clearly shows that the process required a minimum of time and effort. nine0003

    Using FARO 3D scanners on Justin Timberlake's world tour


    Source: disguise.one

    Timberlake's "Man of the Woods" program features scenery brought to life on stage. First, the ScanLAB team digitized a number of corners of the forest in the US state of Oregon. Laser projectors then directed images over the auditorium and stage, painting amazing pictures of the Portland landscape on translucent canvases suspended in the air. nine0003

    Source: faro.com

    Two Faro Focus X 330 laser scanners, Faro Scene 6.2 software were used to prepare visual effects. In total it took 40 digital copies and 1 working day in the concert hall.

    Source: www. esa.int

    Considering the limited preparation time, the large surface areas for displaying the image and the corresponding need for high image resolution, creating visual effects in a short time without using the chosen technology was impossible. nine0003

    Selection guide for 3D laser scanners

    In the review, we introduced you to the equipment of market leaders with an excellent reputation. All the devices described have high performance, so we recommend that you pay attention to these devices for use in various fields:

    FARO Focus: Focus3D S350, Focus 3D S150.
    Creaform: MetraSCAN 350 (350 Elite), MetraSCAN 750 (750 Elite), HandySCAN Black (Black Elite).
    SHINING 3D: FreeScan X5 (X5+), FreeScan X7 (X7+). nine0008 ScanTech: KSCAN20, PRINCE 775, PRINCE 335.

    Results


    Source: 3d-scantech.com

    The cases discussed clearly prove that the use of 3D laser scanning optimizes workflows in many areas. The range of tasks solved with the help of 3D laser scanners is constantly expanding.

    Buy a professional 3D laser scanner in Top 3D Shop — experienced specialists will help you choose the most suitable equipment, software for your business, and offer a project to modernize production. nine0003

    Laser scanning and 3D modeling to restore the information model of the Rostov NPP

    Laser scanning and 3D modeling to restore the information model of the Rostov NPP

    Authors: M. Anikushkin, E. Beletsky, E. Okunkova, S. Serkov, S. Smirnov.
    2013

    Despite the fact that the first terrestrial scanners appeared in the last century, there is no reason to claim that laser 3d scan is widely used in the design and construction of industrial facilities. The main reasons should probably be the still high cost of such systems and the lack of information on how to use them effectively in certain applications. However, interest in this technology and its demand in the surveying equipment market is growing exponentially every year, and the high cost of acquisition is increasingly offset by the offer from scanning service providers. Depending on the goals and objectives of the project, laser scanning technology can be effectively combined in a project with 3D design technologies. nine0008


    Recently, designers of technologically complex industrial facilities are increasingly resorting to the use of intelligent 3D design. Due to the high detail of , 3D model contains a fairly large amount of information about the shape and parameters of process equipment, as well as all the necessary engineering and technical information for the formation and release of design and estimate documentation and subsequent purchase, supply, construction and operation needs. As a result, designers who are customers of measurement work now want to receive as a survey result not executive geodetic schemes with plotted design values ​​and actual dimensions of individual structural elements, but detailed data in a three-dimensional representation containing an amount of information comparable in detail to the design digital model . Software plays an extremely important role in fast and efficient processing point clouds obtained from high-resolution laser surveys.

    In modern realities, in the vast majority of cases, the Customer - the operating organization that orders the entire range of works, from a feasibility study to commissioning and commissioning - is faced with a situation where the design three-dimensional model of the operating object has significant differences from what actually built on site. Currently, there are proven solutions that allow you to quickly and efficiently obtain the so-called executive model of a plant or other complex engineering facility. The second task that design organizations face more often is reconstruction and deep modernization of existing engineering structures and enterprises of continuous operation. Existing technologies make it possible to automate typical tasks and increase the speed and quality of performing diverse work on restoring "from paper", that is, according to the documentation available in the archives, or in the absence of such, an integrated information executive model of an enterprise or its individual parts, depending on assigned tasks. nine0003


    Let us turn to the description of the processes of restoring the information model. The software developer for lifecycle management of industrial facilities Intergraph recommends using the Smart3D 3D design module in conjunction with software developments from Leica Geosystems, which allows you to get a tool for restoring an intelligent 3D model from a point cloud.

    Solution Leica CloudWorx acts as a software module for Smart3D, embedded in the powerful Intergraph Smart3D shell. This module is designed to work with a point cloud, that is, gaining access to the database where the point cloud is stored, and further processing the point cloud, as well as working with it inside the Smart3D software as a "substrate" for the purpose of accurate and error-free positioning of objects, measurements and design. In this program, based on the well-established technology Leica Cyclone , the entire toolkit of the Intergraph Smart3D system is used to perform measurements, correct data, visualize elements of scanned pipeline structures, build models based on the Smart3D object catalog and generate reports.

    Simplified laser scanning technology is as follows. First, a work plan is developed, a laser scanning procedure is carried out with panoramic photography of the object. The rest of the work is carried out remotely from the facility. The scan results are pre-processed and as a result we have a point cloud - a virtual copy of a real object with millimeter detail. Geometric modeling is often carried out, the essence of which is to create a vector model from a cloud of points. The result of the stage is a geometric solid model of the object, available for import into almost any CAD system. nine0008 As a rule, a geometric model is used for the reconstruction of industrial enterprises - it is important for a designer to know where and how the existing equipment and communications are located, what are the geometric parameters of the room. The use of a three-dimensional model based on scanning data at the stage of reconstruction design can significantly reduce the likelihood of collisions and errors at the stage of construction and installation works. Within the framework of the project described below, another task was solved - a comparison of two models, design (as-designed) and executive (as-built). Such a comparison, carried out periodically during the construction of an industrial facility, makes it possible to control the quality of construction and installation works, improve the efficiency of construction process management, which ultimately significantly reduces the likelihood of violations of the construction schedule and going beyond the estimated cost. nine0003

    Another significant challenge is engineering data management. The urgency of this problem increases with the increase in the complexity of objects, the detailing of models, the growth in the number and methods of presenting engineering information. To work effectively, it is necessary to use some tool that can “combine” all the data into an information model (“ as-built ”), which will later be used to manage a complex engineering object or project. Unfortunately, the possibilities of information modeling are often underestimated by operating organizations. Given the limited resources of engineering, administrative and IT personnel at the facilities put into operation, solving the problems of collecting information and tracking changes in order to form an updated information model seems to be an extremely difficult task, especially given the constant updates, re-equipment, overhauls and operational changes in the enterprise configuration. nine0003

    New capital construction projects also face the challenge of handling large volumes of unstructured information that is regularly received from suppliers, equipment manufacturers and design offices. If this information is not properly processed directly in the process of its transfer from the contractor to the customer, then it may be distorted or lost forever.

    Speaking of a “data collection” tool, it is essential to find one that allows you to organize data in order to enable you to make optimal management decisions. It is this approach that allows navigation with a high degree of accuracy, while displaying real connections between design positions, as a result forming an intelligent model of the operating object. nine0003

    The implementation of the laser scanning technology described above, the creation of a point cloud and a geometric and subsequently information model, allows you to fully familiarize yourself with the features of solving the problem of restoring the information model of an existing object.

    You should refer to an example project illustrating the application of the technology described above. In 2013, a team of specialists, which included representatives of companies Intergraph (Intergraph PP&M Russia), Trimetari (St. Petersburg), Navgeocom (Moscow), implemented a project to obtain a three-dimensional information model of an engineering facility (reserve diesel power plant of the 3rd power unit of the Rostov NPP) based on laser scanning technologies. The Customer was the leading design institute in the structure of the State Corporation Rosatom - United Company OJSC NIAEP - CJSC Atomstroyexport. The main goal of the work is to test the effectiveness of laser scanning and Intergraph technologies as a method of building an "as built" model when reconstructing existing objects, when designing new objects based on existing ones in order to replicate the design solution, at the operational stage, etc. It should be noted that the authors cases of similar projects being carried out in Russia are unknown, although foreign design and operating organizations have long and successfully used the capabilities of laser scanning and Intergraph CAD to perform these tasks. nine0003

    The object was Rostov NPP - one of the largest energy enterprises in the south of Russia. Power unit No. 1 is at the stage of pilot operation at a capacity level of 104% of the design one, power unit No. 2 was put into operation in 2010. Power units No. 3 and No. 4 are currently under construction, the launch of which was scheduled for 2014 and 2017. Electricity generation is over 25 million kWh per day and about 8 billion kWh per year. nine0003

    Laser scanning work was carried out at the reserve diesel power plant of power unit No. 3. This facility has 3 levels located at elevations from −7 m to +9.6 m.

    When planning work, the following list of stages was approved:

    • analysis of the received project documentation from NIAEP specialists,
    • field work on site - laser scanning ,
    • nine0072 primary processing of laser scanning field data - registration and georeferencing of scans,
    • creating a service of spherical panoramas,
    • building a geometric (non-intelligent) model,
    • obtaining intelligent three-dimensional model operating object
    • preparation of server grouping for the project:
      • provisioning servers,
      • software deployment and configuration,
      • nine0080
      • preparation of catalogs for simulation:
        • unfolding the received project catalogs for further use at the 3D modeling stage,
        • directly 3D modeling 3rd cell of the RDES building,
        • comparison of simulation results with available geometry,
        • Processing of the transferred set of documentation, structuring and loading data into the Intergraph SmartPlant Fusion system,
        • Creation of a unified integration platform based on the Intergraph SmartPlant Foundation.

      To perform field work on laser scanning, the scanner ScanStation P20 was used - the latest model of the Swiss manufacturer of geodetic equipment Leica Geosystems . The device has excellent technical characteristics for shooting complex industrial structures - a maximum range of 120 m at 18% reflectivity, a distance accuracy of less than 1 mm, a speed of up to 1 million points per second, a built-in camera. In addition, the possibility of continuing the project with the shooting of the object from the outside in the cold season caused special requirements for the “endurance” of the scanning system. The parameters of the P20 scanner - operating temperature from -20°С to +50°С and dust and moisture protection IP54 - allow the device to be used in harsh climatic conditions. nine0003

      Initially, a work plan for scanning of was developed at the facility, a registration method was chosen, and scanner installation locations were determined. Direct laser scanning was carried out in 360-degree mode with panoramic photography of the object. Over two days of field work, surveys were made from 38 stations. Scanning was complicated by the ongoing construction and installation work at the facility. Advantages of the method - non-contact and speed surveys - allow you to minimize the impact of laser scanning work on construction or operational processes at industrial facilities.

      All subsequent work was carried out in camera, remotely from the object. The initial processing of laser scanning data - registration of scans (combining into a single coordinate system) was completed in one day. The registration result - point cloud - is a virtual copy of a real object with millimeter detail (see Figure 8). The total number of points in the final cloud was 1.3 billion. nine0003

      Geometric modeling of was performed in the Leica Cyclone software. It took 23 man-days to create a vector model from a point cloud. Despite the fact that the Leica Cyclone has ample opportunities for automatically fitting graphic primitives into a point cloud, modeling work is mostly manual and very painstaking work.

      To download point clouds and their subsequent processing in Smart3D, the following software was used:

      • Leica Cyclone;
      • Leica CloudWorx for Smart3D;

      The file was loaded into the same working project on which the object was built, which made it possible to combine the design model and the actual data (as built). Next, the object was divided into sections according to the alignment construction axes, after which we analyzed these sections for compliance - with the identification and recording of discrepancies. Thus, as a result of the work done, we received a list of actual discrepancies, supported by visual materials. This made it possible to quickly eliminate the discrepancies found even at the construction stage and significantly improve the quality of the final object, ultimately achieving its full compliance with the working documentation. nine0003

      It is difficult to underestimate the opportunities that open up:

      1. point cloud automatic model building
      2. automatic detection of model intersections with a point cloud, for example, if the model was built without taking into account the location of the object's point cloud.
      3. building a new (non-existent) structure without building the rest of the model.

      With the help of Cyclone or CloudWorx you can organize bulk data processing. nine0272 Cyclone works as a client-server application, so you can create simultaneous access from multiple computers to one database. At the same time, all changes made on one computer will be immediately visible on others. This property significantly speeds up the processing of large data arrays.

      Remote and mobile access to ensure a complete work is carried out using the SPF Web portal or the Dashboard. nine0008

      The obtained three-dimensional model of the object and high-resolution panoramic images obtained as a result of laser scanning were published in the SmartPlant Foundation, a portal integration core of integrated design, an information flow management solution from Intergraph.

      In addition, as part of the work on the pilot project, JSC NIAEP specialists transferred about 600 MB of unstructured documentation for 7 sections of the project in various formats. Most of the submitted documentation was in scanned form. With the help of the ABBYY software product, the scanned documentation was processed, and the xml files with smart data and source documents were loaded into SmartPlant Fusion. Documentation in dwg, doc, xls, etc. format was processed using the built-in SmartPlant Fusion tools, and no preliminary recognition was required using ABBYY. In SmartPlant Fusion, the downloaded documentation was automatically, according to pre-configured rules, structured by project sections. The classification of project items according to the relevant standard was also set up. nine0003

      SmartPlant Fusion "can" process various sources of information, extract data in accordance with the configured rules, and, based on this data, restore a consolidated information model. The project used various approaches to obtain data. Information can be obtained from the stamp of the document itself (for example, the document type and description from the document stamp), from the file name (for example, in this project it was the archive number of the document), from the folder structure of the transferred documentation set (in the project, based on the folder structure were classified documents). The system allows you to extract information on equipment and related documentation, build relationships and navigate between these objects. For example, by selecting the desired design position (pump, valve, etc.), you can view all documents in the system related to it, for example, a process flow diagram, wiring diagram, specifications, etc. The navigation mechanism allows you to switch from a design position to a photorealistic panoramic image obtained as a result of laser scanning and loaded into the system, and see how this equipment is mounted on the site. This functionality will help to compare the actual state of the object with the way it is displayed in the engineering documentation. Remote and mobile access to ensure a complete work is carried out using the SPF Web portal or the Dashboard. nine0003

      When demonstrating the results of the pilot project to the specialists of JSC NIAEP - CJSC Atomstroyexport, as well as representatives of other organizations, the demand for laser scanning technologies and the SmartPlant Fusion solution was noted:

      • in the reconstruction of existing facilities,
      • when designing new facilities based on existing ones in order to replicate the design solution,
      • in commissioning,
      • in service,
      • for decommissioning,
      • for the purpose of extending the life of the operating object,
      • for monitoring construction and installation works,
      • to control the supply of equipment.

      Gerhard Sallinger, President of Intergraph Process, Power & Marine:
      "The completed project illustrates the high potential of carrying out work of this kind at other industrial facilities.


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