Advantages of Using Laser Scan and UAV Technology in Virtual Asset Management Authors: Paul David Ramirez and George Mann Unmanned Ad-Hoc Industries, Inc. 519 E Oak Hill Dr, Spring, Texas 77386 www.globaluai.com Tel: 888-396-5924 Presented in April 2017 at the SPAR3D Conference in Houston, Texas Abstract An examination into the efficiency of using LiDAR and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology to perform offshore asset integrity inspection is provided using a case study project performed in August 2016. Intuitive 3D environment software like Leica TruView and Faro WebShareCloud designed for external user analysis of LiDAR data were used to widely disseminate the project information across multiple disciplines, all without requiring specialized computing hardware. These new process methods have consistently shown value efficiencies by allowing multi-level project contributors to have direct access to extensive asset data without requiring frequent in-person visits to the site location. Case study data is presented to demonstrate the high-level business case, improvements to conventional asset inspection processes, and the evolution of working with precise and accurate asset information that is associated with the current advancements in LiDAR technology. Future development applications will also be presented to illustrate the versatility of these new advancements in virtually managing field assets from the office. Keywords: laser scan, LiDAR, virtual, asset integrity management, unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, intelligent data collection, Unmanned Ad-Hoc Industries, Inc. 1
Introduction The aging state of the over 3,000 active offshore platforms provides a constant need for owners and operators to implement inspection and maintenance programs to ensure safe operations. With specific attention to the marine environment, which presents a unique problem due to the effects of chemical, physical, and biological deterioration; this paper considers new methods to inspect the structural integrity, corrosion and overall fatigue of assets. Over the past 2 years, budget owners who are responsible for implementing programs to deal with these issues have looked to UAI, a Houston, Texas based data collection and remote sensing company, to find creative innovations to aid in the inspection of their offshore assets. While budgets are continually shrinking and managers are tasked with doing more with less, utilizing technology that allows engineers and other personnel to view, manipulate and design around assets without leaving the office and saving costs associated with frequent mobilization. The solutions to be presented demonstrate useful alternatives to traditional methods of inspection. Problem Statement Current methods of asset inspection usually involve inspection teams using rudimentary tools which only provide a limited visual photographic data set. Tools may include camera, tape measure, binoculars, notepad, pencil, etc. This type of inspection output not only fails to provide a cohesive picture and understanding, but is in its very nature inefficient. The top of the matrix below shows the typical time that inspection personnel will spend on-site, whether collecting initial asset data measurements, completing visual inspection or in frequent follow-on trips to the asset site. Much signifies a reactive process that requires significant interaction at the project site to support an issue; Some signifies time spent at the site and contact that can be remote in nature, usually via phone, email to support inspection process; and None signifies an interaction that is physically separated from the site/asset this is the most ideal and efficient use of time. Fig. 1: Illustrative Graph to Demonstrate Virtual Asset Management Time Value 2
High-Level Solution Assessment The project objective was easily determined; could technology be used to provide asset stakeholders a widely disseminated virtual walk-through of an offshore facility? To answer this question, several technology solutions were considered by UAI s data collection team to address the issues presented by the client. Aerial LiDAR: Aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors are employed to collect laser scan points from an aerial perspective. This type of data collection has been successfully used for large area scanning and surveying. Not only was this technology the wrong tool for the job when considering the client s need to collect internal and external structural data, but was cost prohibitive and showed to be an incomplete solution due to aerial coverage unable to capture internal facility structures. 360 Camera: While the virtual panoramic viewing experience of this technology provided an appropriate visual basis for inspection, it would ultimately fail to suit point cloud engineering functionality and rich data set that was needed. Fig. 2: Panoramic Snapshot View from 360 Camera Stationary Laser Scanning: Stationary laser scanners proved to be an ideal technical solution to the problem due to the richness and accuracy of both the laser point cloud and photographic data collected. Certain limitations regarding the scanners ability to collect 100% of the internal facility structural data due to visual line of sight were identified, and a data collection plan was implemented to work around this risk. Aerial Drone Photo/Video: An aerial drone provided a full coverage solution for aerial reference of the entire facility asset, with specific value added in difficult or inaccessible areas of the facility such as underdeck, outer railings, and elevated structures. 3
Fig. 3: Underdeck View from Remote Inspection UAV Drone Intelligent Data Collection IDC Process Following the data collection solution assessment, an operational plan was constructed to aid the crew in formulating a comprehensive strategy that would emphasize effective scanning and data collection methods, but would also minimize the crew time spent on the asset. The below list is the outcome after sorting through the many ideas in the problem solving exercise and determining that the combination of a stationary laser scan and aerial photo/video would provide a full coverage solution. 1. Preliminary Asset Survey: Utilized overhead Google Earth imagery to formulate a scanning profile that would provide sufficient of the asset. 2. Project Site Assessment: Confirmed preliminary survey and adjusted data collection techniques using asset owner input. 3. Project Preparation: Emplaced control points to ensure adequate overlap of each individual scan. 4. Data Collection: Placed laser scanner in pre-determined locations throughout multiple levels of the facility to ensure maximum coverage. 5. Conventional Photography: Highlighted areas with close-up HD photos for more in-depth analysis, if required. 6. Aerial Video/Photography: Utilized UAV to cover inaccessible location underdeck and around outer portions of the facility. 7. Quality Verification: Data collections were verified to ensure successful scan. 8. Data Processing: (see information systems). Equipment: 1. FARO X330 Laser scanner: Provided ability to scan both visually with photo data and collected point cloud of internal structures to aid in the measurement application of the inspection and maintenance program. 2. DJI Matrice 100 UAV Drone : An excellent custom developed platform capable of capturing highdefinition photos and videos in 4K, and equipped with collision avoidance system and 40 minutes of flight time. 4
Fig. 4: Overview of Laser Used for Data Collection Fig. 5: Overview of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Used for Aerial for Data Collection Information Systems: The data delivery to the client was a critical part of the project since the objective was to enable multiple users to view off-the-shelf software from Leica and AutoDesk to create an interactive 3D Point Cloud and 3D model, shown in Figure 6. 5
Fig. 6: Point Cloud Generation (left) from Laser Scanner Provided Basis for Structural Modeling (right) Demo of Structural Modeling (Rishabh): As many of the datasets collected provide a great engineering platform, we enlisted the support of an international firm, Rishabh Engineering, who specializes in field engineering and intelligent 3D modeling. A model was created for the entire facility, including piping, equipment, civil and structural which enables virtual with the client and provides a basis for clash detection. Leica TruView: TruView was the primary program used for data delivery. It is a free downloadable program for viewing scan data. The main value takeaway is that the customer did not have to purchase any new software platforms to avoid enterprise software issues. Fig. 7: Leica TruView Delivery Software 6
Demo of WebShareCloud (Faro): While this delivery system did not necessarily fit in the widedissemination scope of the data delivery, it was important to introduce the client to other services available. This subscription and cloud based point cloud viewer provided a more robust viewing of the scan data. Fig. 8: Faro WebShareCloud Delivery Software Business Benefits: Bringing the Field to the Office Safety - Provides unique point of view to inspect hard to access and underdeck areas of the facility. Delivery - Provide high-definition panoramic, 3D point cloud, videos and photographs identifying wear and damage. Cloud based reporting and hosting of inspection data. Time - Save time on follow on maintenance with intelligent data utilization from the office. It is clear that with large integrated inspection data sets, a true capture of the existing conditions can be obtained; and at a higher level of efficiency than conventional methods. With this information, a true baseline of site conditions will be created, which not only allows a present site picture to be assessed, but more importantly provides future ability to track potential site degradation through subsequent scans. While project site inspection laser scanning is still relatively new technology, further development of process and delivery mechanisms are necessary in many industry applications. An important differentiator is the ability for the inspection crew to provide added value to the end user in actionable survey data that can be immediately disseminated as information used in decision making. In this regard, the necessity for accessible data management applications serve a critical function. While UAI has presented the current offshore facility case to highlight an efficient and accurate use for technology like laser scanners and drones, there are a myriad of other uses that either augment or replace current inspection and survey methods as the technology continues to evolve. 7
To better illustrate typical efficiency gains by using aerial inspection drones and stationary laser scanners, a comparison is provided which shows from previous case studies similar to the offshore facility inspection, average efficiencies realized are around 60%. Fig. 9: Integrated Inspection Yields Efficient Results Summary As the adoption of new technology increases, the efficiencies realized should become the inspection standard. While the intelligent data collection standard is not a one size fits all process, leveraging industry expertise to utilize the correct technology to best-fit the inspection protocol is essential. It is always necessary to not only consider the ideal data collection methodology, but just as important, ensure that the delivery mechanisms are implemented to maximize utility for stakeholders. Intelligent deliverables can provide a digital baseline of the asset condition before, during and after routine or unscheduled inspection and maintenance. Armed with this critical data, asset owners and operators now have real time information providing enhanced situational awareness to better manage, whether it be in the field or in the office. Call to Action UAI provides a range of services focused on educating the industry on the technology and new processes being innovated every day. While project site scanning is still relatively new technology, the failure to implement new methods will never allow stakeholders to benefit from these efficiencies. Companies with progressive cultures have realized the need to investigate intelligent data collection instead of refusing to change and deprive opportunities for their inspection personnel. The most respected business managers who are leading their industries work with UAI to stay ahead of the curve and learn about how we can help virtually manage field assets from the office. Contact UAI and find out how we can help. 8