Plain sailing with 3D plant design

Author:Renata BarradasGutiérrez

Most passengers sailing across oceans are often unaware of the herculean labour to build and maintain a cruise ship. 3D modelling and Building Information Modelling (BIM) generated with laser scanning have eased most titanic tasks by providing a detailed digital blueprint of a vessel, increasing productivity during navigation, easing retrofit and improving maintenance.

Time is money, especially in the shipping and maritime industries. Enhancing productivity while repairing and retrofitting large vessels is crucial as stopping commercial operations is a total financial loss for ship-owners. To minimise time spent in the dock,Nautiscan3d，专门从事3D建模和测量的公司，surveyed a 288-metre-long passenger ship。这项调查帮助建筑师检查生产冲突并计划洗涤器系统的改造。

洗涤器系统属于一种种类繁多的空气pollution control devices. The scrubber system surveyed by NautiSCAN3D consisted of a steel tower on the ship funnel where sea water is injected to clean exhaust gas from Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This system helps shipping companies to be compliant with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

All hands on deck

Laser scanning collects all dimensional data to create 2D drawings, 3D models and BIM models. Elevations, sections and floor plans can all be converted into 3D models, 2D drawings or BIM-compatible formats to enhance the productivity of any retrofit work, such as adding new parts or replacing Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

In association with Damen Shiprepair Brest and Sofresid Engineering Brest, NautiSCAN3D surveyed the passenger ship to prepare the studies for replacing the scrubber of the ship. Using aLeica P30扫描仪, the survey captured the data of seven decks, the engine room compartment and the30-metre funnel casingof the cruise ship.

The team acquired the data in international waters between England and the Portuguese island of Madeira. Despite strong winds and waves of the Bay of Biscay,在大约五个小时内收集了54次扫描。Scans were processed, registered and checked for quality control in almost two days.

“Accuracy and speed of data acquisition were some major factors that drove us to acquire a Leica Geosystems ScanStation. The equipment meets our needs, and quality of the technical support is very appreciable. The ScanStation is very intuitive and simple to use – we haven’t experienced any issues,”said Henri Patou, manager at NautiSCAN3D.

Point cloud for plant

Laser scanning helped to create a model for the disassembly of the old scrubber system, the assembly of the new system, and a detailed 3D model was created in a Plant Design Management System (PDMS) to avoid any interaction during fitting. All data collected has been registered in Leica Cyclone and as-built point cloud data was manipulated inLeica CloudWorxfor PDMS plug-in.

The virtual site within CloudWorx for PDMS helped the team to预测零件之间的任何相互作用during the next dry dock and assess the potential construction and operational impacts of the new equipment. Experts created the as-built model, checked the proposed design against the existing conditions, and performed critical construction and fabrication quality analysis, all directly within CloudWorx for PDMS.

“这种在导航期间工作的方式在不停止船舶的情况下节省了宝贵的时间来提前在工程部分上工作，避免在院子里的技术停靠期间感到惊讶，并预计所有行动都会发生冲突。随着新系统安装在船上，该项目取得了成功，”帕图说。

An ocean of possibilities

激光扫描为任何船只的设计，建造和改造提供了多种应用。3D中环境的捕获使专家能够以准确且安全的方式检测任何缺陷。除了翻新外，BIM模型还允许专业人员实时协作，从大规模到详细的区域访问，以满足紧迫的物流海上和陆上。

With the power and knowledge to leverage this technology, NautiSCAN3D can offer services in the maritime sector and the naval industry intervening at various stages of the lifespan of a ship. Laser scanning allows them tomeasure with millimetre precision the geometry of parts, such as moulds, demoulded parts, primary forms, and appendagesto:

• Create shape and design plans for stability studies or installation
• Generate as-built plans
• Assist the assembly or disassembly of any elements, such as floats, link arms, and bulkheads
• 执行几何形状和变形分析的控制
• 在现场监视中进行。

The quest for increased productivity pushes the boundaries of technology. Mirroring the reality in 3D and CAD environments has revolutionised productivity for architects, engineers, plant managers and other professionals who now can plan, build, maintain and renew any structures with unforeseen speed, precision and accuracy.