Digital modelling tools for construction purposes have been used in the oil and gas industry for a number of years. Rapid development has made these tools more powerful, cheaper, more user-friendly and thus more versatile. Modelling tools have long been used in the ISS discipline to visualise construction principles. However, they have been deemed to be too time-consuming to use for generating fabrication documentation, primarily because of uncertainties surrounding input data such as pipe and valve geometry and the existence of and geometry of potential obstacles.
A concept for a digitalised design process
The fourth industrial revolution has seen every facet of society shift towards digitalisation and robotisation – concepts that have traditionally not been linked to the design of insulation solutions to any significant degree. To keep up with developments, Benarx Solutions has dedicated a great deal of effort to developing a concept for a digitalised design process. The concept enables the operator to design solutions based on a set of digital parameters and generates output that can be used both for visualisation and as documentation for automated production.
Benarx Digital Design is based on standardised products, which are then scaled using known parameters. A dedicated modelling programme allows products to be auto-generated based on input from these parameters. Once the products have been modelled, the user will be able to modify them as needed before the 3-D model is converted into automated production input. The savings lie in the auto-generation of the standard products. In cases where modification is not required, the operator will thus auto-generate production input directly. The method really comes into its own when it is combined with input data – in the form of a 3-D model – on the object and its environment. The operator is then able to design the product while taking into account the actual environment in the field without having to be physically present to obtain geometry data. This method will dramatically cut the time spent on location during the design phase.
BENARX DIGITAL DESIGN – 3-D SCANNING
Benefits and properties
• Significantly reduces time spent on site
• Simplifies design verification
• Parameters for automated production are available
The availability of accurate 3-D models has increased considerably over the last decade, be they scanned models or CAD 3-D models. The model also includes scanning in cases where there is insufficient input data. The actual scanning process can be completed very quickly before the project is passed on to the design office for further processing. This is the future model for the design of insulation products. As well as generating time-savings, the method will also break down communication barriers to customers and end users. Design has traditionally been carried out by specialists in the field. It is difficult to include input from customers and end users can since the work always takes place in a tight window before the problem has been visualised. Benarx Digital Design allows the designer and end user to work together, thus increasing the likelihood of identifying the best solution at an earlier stage.
Benarx Preformed End Cap
The introduction of Aerogel as an insulation material in the Norwegian oil and gas industry has enabled operators to create space-saving insulation systems without compromising on performance. However, the combination of thin insulation solutions and relevant fabrication specifications created problems for the fabrication and installation of metal end caps. It was clear that the industry was in great need of a simpler, yet equally robust solution. The main criteria for a new end cap were easy installation, little need for modification, no need for maintenance, and an easy-to-achieve waterproof barrier in the insulation system.
The Benarx Preformed End Cap is the result of extensive R&D specifically aimed at end caps. The focus was on identifying a robust material that best reflected the key criteria. This would make the rest of the development process very straightforward. Numerous materials were examined during the R&D process, and qualification checks were carried out based on internal and external testing. The tests included thermal resistance, dimensional stability, smoke exposure, exposure to toxic gasses and weather resistance. The process resulted in the Benarx Preformed End Cap, a rubber-based end cap solution.
The introduction of the Benarx Preformed End Cap on projects has generated considerable savings for the developers and made it easier to achieve the correct quality at the right time. The product’s instant success goes to show that product development aiming to meet a need in the market is welcomed.
BENARX PREFORMED END CAP
Benefits and properties
• Reduced installation time
• Superior resilience
• No risk of damage to cables and/or paint
