The engineering IT industry is now being called upon to focus not on applications but on crossing the space between them. A 3D model is the new paradigm to access technical data supporting the operation life cycle of large industrial assets. Addressing these new challenges, VRcontext delivers decision support tools enabling higher operational efficiency of massive 3D assets containing up to one million objects.

For years, portal based applications have been showing how to consolidate and manage information. However, the CAD industry lags behind in the consolidation methodology of 3D information. Today, industry still uses predominantly 2D schematics and P&IDs – with limited interconnection – managed by simple file or document management systems. Basically, project information is divided into four types of dimensional data:

o  1D: functional schematics (wiring diagram, P&ID, etc).
o  2D: drawings with dimensions.
o  3D: 3D models/submodels of the project.
o  4D: 3D models including scheduling information.

Most of the time, industrial projects are created by disciplines such as steel structure, concrete, equipment, piping, HVAC, etc, generating a multitude of different 3D files. Projects are then subdivided by zones, floors or sub contractors, depending upon the type of project, its size, its complexity. This approach limits the risk of information loss, helps managing drafting teams, and reduces 3D models loading time. As an example a complete FPSO, including its subsea equipment, can be made of up to 2000 3D models.

Updating the World

When sorting and naming conventions have been fully defined, collecting 3D models can start, followed by consolidating, updating, archiving and last but not least, publishing all of them as a unique 3D model.

o  Collecting means copying – onto a main server – the original files downloaded from the main office, a remote office or a subcontractor's office. This automation process should be user-friendly and adapted to the various document management systems and/or operating systems used.
o  Consolidating means converting files – having different file formats, units and coordinate systems – into a single reference system. Resulting files are then ‘assembled’ into one unified 3D model.
o  Updating means downloading new versions of 3D models onto the server. Updated 3D models can cover different areas and overlap with other models. Specific procedures need to be implemented to manage these situations on a case by case basis.
o  Archiving means, not only storing a copy of the files in a vault, but also controlling the various revisions in such a way a designer can at any moment revert to a previous version of the project.
o  Publishing means giving worldwide access to the consolidated 3D model.
This process needs to be performed routinely, as a deep water field 3D model can be updated up to 200 times a year. Once the unified and ‘as maintained’ model has been channelled to the owner/operator, decision support tools can be designed.
In the next generation control room, the 3D Unified model will federate the existing knowledge through live connections to real time process monitoring systems, predictive maintenance systems, survey databases, safety information and simulations, etc.

Control room dispatchers, engineers, HSE managers will experience in this new ‘immersive’ interface an innovative way to feel the world, their world. This is a much more efficient way to work than before.

Enter 90 or  at www.engineerlive.com/iog

Alain Hubrecht is President and CTO, VRcontext s.a. nv, Brussels, Belgium. www.vrcontext.com