3-D Scanning and Modeling Technology Prepares Shell Petroleum to Revamp its Platform and Work Process
HOUSTON, June 21, 1999 - MENSI, Inc., the world's leading developer and supplier of 3-D laser scanners and 3-D modeling software for as-built industrial data capture and conversion, recently announced that its technology has been used to complete a comprehensive project for The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, a joint venture between Shell, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, ELF and AGIP. The project required scanning Shell's entire offshore platform located about 30 miles off the coast of Forcados, Nigeria, and the creation of a 3-D model necessary to revamp the platform. The project was completed in 23 days, causing officials to call it "a huge success."
The goal was to enable Shell to replace a large portion of piping on the platform, as well as automate the associated work process. This required a 3-D model of the platform, including the piping and the flanges, from which the geometries could be exported to various design programs to create new drawings. Prior to this time, Shell only had the 2-D AutoCAD drawings used to construct the platform, but with the task at hand, these drawings were inadequate.
In addition to replacing the piping of this manifold facility, Shell also wanted to automate the workflow required to operate the platform. By automating the work process, Shell will realize a substantial cost savings, considering it is employing 6 operators, 24 hours a day to man the facility. With the necessary requirements in hand, Shell is now equipped to revamp its platform and its process. Kenneth S. Shain, CEO of MENSI, Inc. stated that this is another great application of MENSI's trend-setting technology. "Offshore oil platforms are ideal targets for operators of MENSI's patented 3-D Laser scanning system."
MENSI produces both hardware and software products. Its 3-D scanning sensor uses laser technology to capture physical objects such as structures and converts them into digital point cloud data for follow-on processing. Its software program processes point data from its scanner or any source into 3-D models. The user can then manipulate this model, extract its geometry, and output it to 3rd party CAD and plant design programs such as Microstation, AutoCAD, PDS or PDMS. It is ideal for companies that need to capture as-built geometries and physical relationships when traditional drawings are inadequate or unavailable. Used extensively in electrical power, oil and gas, chemical, mining, metrological and process plant applicatio ns, the system also has wide appeal in cultural and architectural applications involving restoration projects of historical artifacts and structures. Customers of its products and services to date include EDF, Exxon, Southern Company, Dassault, Renault, Peugeot, Fluor Daniel, Dupont and Bechtel.
For more information:
Contact: Lisa Cooksey
MENSI, Inc.
35 Technology Parkway South, Suite 170
Norcross, GA 30092
Phone: (770) 613-5255
Fax: (770) 613-5254
E-mail: lisa.cooksey@mensi.com
Web Site: http://www.mensi.com