Neutral model-based interfacing of 3D design to support collaborative project management in the process plant industry

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3D) design data employed in a process plant construction project are generated during both the basic design and detailed design stages and are used for various purposes throughout the life cycle of the project. After the design stage, 3D design data are converted to a lightweight 3D format and utilized to support procurement, construction, and audit work in a collaborative project management system. However, significant time and cost are incurred when separate interfaces to convert design data are developed for each plant 3D computer-aided design (CAD) system. As an alternative, a method exists to integrate an interface using a neutral model. After translating the 3D input design data for the plant 3D CAD system to a neutral format, this study proposes an interface for use in collaborative project management by converting the data into a lightweight 3D model. In addition, detailed techniques for implementing the proposed interface are described. To verify the validity of the proposed neutral model-based 3D design data interface, translation, inspection, and lightweighting experiments are performed using 3D design data for a synthesized natural gas production plant project.