A new software tool has been developed that could reduce the time it takes to create engineering models for oil and gas platform and pipeline repairs.
The tool, known as Advanced Modeller, automates the process of turning laser scans of platforms and pipelines into detailed and precise engineering models which can be used to plan repairs, maintenance, and modifications.
Advanced Modeller was developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen, working with digital asset management solutions provider GDi Ltd as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
Current processes involve engineers using laser scans and HD photography to create 3D models for platform changes and pipeline part manufacturing. However, this method is labour-intensive, the University of Aberdeen says, especially for precision modelling.
The university says Advanced Modeller simplifies this by allowing operators to click along the pipeline and immediately obtain a precision-fitted pipe, reducing the process from hours to minutes.
Dr Marcus Campbell-Bannerman, working with the project, said: “The oil and gas industry face significant challenges with ageing infrastructure, volatile oil prices, pressure from the regulator, and the shift towards renewable energies. It is critical that technological step-changes are introduced to enable operators to reduce their maintenance and operation budgets and continue to operate in a cost-effective way. The cost of decommissioning is also largely borne by the taxpayer so we need to find ways to better plan modifications on ageing assets to ensure this burden can be reduced.”
He added: “These point-cloud data sets provide a huge opportunity to apply artificial intelligence techniques to automate inspection, modification planning, and maintenance. The development of Advanced Modeller demonstrates this potential in a way that could provide huge savings for an industry adapting to a fast-changing energy landscape.”
Gianni Brook, Managing Director of GDi, said: “Advanced Modeller was released for external trials at the start of the year as a plugin for AutoCAD and AutoCAD Plant 3D and we have had some very promising results and feedback which we have used to improve the software further. While we have started with automating the process for pipeline repair and modification, the software has the potential to redefine the whole design process and we will use it in all our future modelling automation plans.”
