3D Scanning for LNG Vault Panel Splicing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional method of constructing the top vault of large LNG storage tanks is hazardous, inefficient, and lacks accuracy due to manual measurement at high altitudes, resulting in high operation risks, low construction efficiency, and low measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional modeling and scanning method is employed to create a set of panels with predetermined shapes and dimensions, where a first set of panels is partially constructed without touching, allowing for gap measurement using a 3-D scanner, and a second set of smaller panels is produced to fit the gaps accurately, significantly improving splicing efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement is performed at high altitude during construction, then the vault plates can be measured and laid out, but the operation risk increases and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a 3-D scanner to create a digital copy (point cloud data) of the vault plates and their spatial relationships. This digital model serves as an accurate replica that can be measured and analyzed without requiring personnel to physically measure at high altitude, thereby eliminating the operational risk while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated optical scanning system. The 3-D scanner uses laser beams to capture spatial data, substituting the manual measuring process with an automated optical-mechanical system that can operate remotely and provide precise measurements without human exposure to hazardous conditions.
2Productivity
If numerous vault plates are measured successively by construction personnel, then the layout can be determined, but the construction efficiency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of multiple vault plates into a single integrated scanning operation. Instead of measuring each plate sequentially, the 3-D scanner captures all vault plates and their spatial relationships simultaneously in one operation, generating complete layout data for all plates at once, thereby dramatically improving construction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary 3-D scanning and digital modeling of all vault plates before the actual construction layout work begins. This preliminary action captures all necessary spatial and dimensional data in advance, allowing the layout to be pre-calculated and prepared without time-consuming on-site measurements during construction.
3Manufacturing precision
If the size of arc surface of vault plates is difficult to control, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the accuracy of butt joints between vault plates becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3-D scanning to obtain precise feedback on the actual dimensions and shapes of vault plates after manufacturing. The scanned data provides detailed information about deviations from the ideal arc surfaces, enabling feedback-based adjustments to the manufacturing process or compensation during the layout calculation to achieve accurate butt joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D planar measurements to 3D spatial analysis by using 3-D scanning. This adds the vertical and depth dimensions to the measurement process, capturing the complete surface geometry of the arc-shaped vault plates. The 3D data enables precise calculation of joint accuracy that cannot be achieved with traditional 2D measurement methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces construction risks, enhances measurement accuracy, and significantly improves the efficiency of vault splicing in LNG storage tanks by using 3-D modeling and scanning to ensure precise fitting of panels.
Implementation Method 1
using a 3-D scanner to measure the dimension of the actual gap
Data Source
AI summary
Method of constructing a vault of a large storage tank for liquefied natural gas by first modeling the vault with a 3-D modeling software application, then partially building the vault with a framework and a first set of covering panels fixed on the framework where the panels do not touch each other, but leave a number of gaps between them, measuring the dimensions of the actual gaps between the panels using a 3-D scanner, producing a second set of panels according to the scanned dimensional data, and finally filled the gaps between the first set of panels with the second set of panels, which are much smaller than the first set of panels, making the building process earlier and more accurate, which are difficult issues in building large tanks for liquefied natural gas.