[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a tool for designing real 3-D structures based on 2D representations.

Background Art

[0002] Within process industry, oil, gas industry, and other industries, insulation is important to among other factors protect equipment to damage caused by fire, reduce heat loss and to reduce noise emission. According to standards, it can be compulsory to isolate particular installations against damage caused by external influence. The installations can be piping's, pipefittings, valves, controllers etc.

[0003] It is common practice to encapsulate elements or parts of elements or installations that shall be insulated. Valves and pipe fittings are commonly covered by insulation boxes, which meets defined requirements with respect to fire classes, thermal classes, acoustic classes, or any other defined class.

[0004] A typical scenario can be that several valves and flanges in an oil and gas installation shall be fire protected according to a relevant standard. The provider of insulation boxes will receive a specification of the installation including valve types, flange dimensions, pressure classes and insulation classes. The provider will then produce insulation boxes in accordance with received specification. On site, during installation of the insulation boxes, the installers will often find that valves etc. is surrounded by building structures, pipes, hoses and cables etc. which prevents installation of the insulation boxes, i.e. it is a clash between the boxes and surrounding elements. ?

[0005] The installer or any other competent person will then have to provide a representation of the valve, pipefittings and its surrounding elements to a design engineer, which will have to redesign the insulation box to include one or more recessions to receive intruding elements surrounding the object to encapsulate. Following this, the redesigned insulation box will be shipped to the relevant installation and an installer will try to mount the redesigned insulation box, whether he succeeds or not is heavily dependent on the representation of the valve, pipefittings and its surrounding elements provided to the design engineer. It shall be noted that it is not trivial to provide precise information regarding spatial oriented objects; it can among others be difficult to define unique reference points.

[0006] From US 2009/0273598 A1 it is known methods, apparatuses/systems, and software for representing 3D objects such as; a bridge, a building, an automobile and airplane etc.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks

indicated above with respect to manufacturing insulation boxes.

Disclosure of Invention

[0008] It is one object of the invention to provide CAM-data to customise

insulation boxes in accordance with real environment challenges.

[0009] In particular it is disclosed a method for delivering 3D CAM valves and flange boxes parameters based on a 2D representation and/or a written description of pipe fittings and valves for encapsulation of the pipe fittings and valves with the valves and flange boxes where the valves and flange boxes meets specified insulation classification requirements comprising the steps of:

a. analysing 2D representation and/or analysing description of pipe fittings and valves to be encapsulated,

i. extracting product specific parameters for each single pipe fitting or valve from the analysis in a) and b. mapping the product specific parameters with a table including representations of valves and flange boxes for best match between the product specific data and the representation of the valves and flange boxes,

i. selecting valves or flange boxes based on best match for each set of product specific parameters associated with single pipe fittings or valves,

ii. for selected valves or flange boxes that is within a predefined best match range execute step j

c. scanning the pipe fittings and valves presented in the 2D

representation and/or written opinion,

i. defining at least two reference markers on each pipe fitting and valve and mapping dimensional data associated with the at least two reference markers,

d. providing a scanned image of each scanned pipe fittings and valves to a scaling software for scaling dimensions of each pipe fittings and valves presented in each associated scanned image based on each scanned image and the at least two reference markers with its associated dimensional data,

i. the scaling software returns a representation of each

scanned image with real dimensional parameters, e. importing each scanned image with real dimensional parameters into a modelling software, either by importing one scanned image at a time or several scanned images as a batch,

f. importing a library with library models of valves and flange boxes into the modelling software,

g. associating library models of valves and flange boxes with the

scanned image with real dimensional parameters where the association is based on a best match test where the relationship between the dimensional parameters of the scanned image and the parameters of the library models of valves and boxes are compared, h. performing a clash test, where the library models of valves and

flange boxes is adapted to include any clashes from the scanned images, and

i. producing a software model based on the adapted library model, and j. producing CAM-parameters for production of a real valves and flange boxes based on the adapted library model. In the method step, a) above may include one or more of: extracting information regarding valve type, flange type, NPS, pressure class and insulation class. An alternative of the method above can be formulated as a method for producing CAM-production data for valve and flange boxes meeting specified insulation class requirements for encapsulating objects and a defined portion of environment surrounding said objects at least comprising the steps of:

a. scanning objects scanning objects to be encapsulated and providing a scanned image of each scanned objects and associated defined portion of environment surrounding said objects,

b. providing a scanned image of each scanned objects and associated defined portion of environment surrounding said objects to a scaling software for scaling dimensions of each scanned objects and associated portion of environment surrounding said objects based on each scanned image and the at least two reference markers with its associated dimensional data,

c. importing each scanned image with real dimensional parameters into a modelling software, either by importing one scanned image at a time or several scanned images as a batch, d. importing a library with library models of valves and flange boxes into the modelling software,

e. associating library models of valves and flange boxes with the scanned images with real dimensional parameters and the relationship between the dimensional parameters of the scanned image and the parameters of the library models of valves and boxes are compared,

f. performing a clash test, where the library models of valves and

flange boxes is adapted to include any clashes from the scanned images, and

g. producing CAM-parameters for production of real valves and flange boxes based on the adapted library model.

[001 1] In one embodiment, the insulation classes are one or more of fire class, acoustic class thermal class and subsea insulation class.

[0012] In one aspect CAM-production data and CAM-parameters are converted to CNC-parameters for production of real valves and flange boxes based on the adapted library model.

[0013] In one aspect step a) includes defining at least two reference markers on each object and mapping dimensional data associated with the at least two reference markers.

[0014] In another aspect step a) includes one or more of: extracting information regarding valve type, flange type, NPS, pressure class and insulation class.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the valves and flange boxes are insulation boxes, where the insulation boxes can be any of: pipe fittings, valves, controllers, flanges, pipe components in general, cables or supporting structures.

[0016] According to the present invention it is provided a model adaptation tool for producing CAM-data for manufacturing valves and flange boxes with specific insulation classes, where the model adaptation tool comprises: β

a. a 3D scanning device for scanning of objects and a defined portion of environment surrounding said objects,

b. means for making mark references on scanned objects,

c. dimensional measuring means for distance measuring of distances between reference marks on scanned objects

d. scaling software for scaling scanned objects into real size based on scanned image and distances between reference marks on scanned objects and for producing 3D real size software models, e. model library with models of valves and flange boxes,

f. modelling software where 3D real size software models from the

scaling software is imported together with elements from the model library, for a best match comparison between library models and 3D real size software models,

g. a CAM-data production routine configured to produce CAM-data for manufacturing valves and flange boxes with specific insulation classes.

[0017] In one embodiment, the insulation classes are one or more of fire class, acoustic class thermal class and subsea insulation class.

[0018] Other advantageous features will be apparent from the accompanying claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] Following is a brief description of the drawings in order to make the

invention more readily understandable, the discussion that follows will refer to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0020] Fig. 1 Valve, flange, pipe and valve box assembly

[0021] Fig 2 shows a flow chart of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0022] Fig. 3 shows an example of a specification and a product library/table [0023] Fig. 4 shows insulation box specifications from library / valve and flange box specifications in library,

[0024] Fig. 5 shows an example of a scanning device in operation in an

environment with valves and clash / interfering objects

[0025] Fig. 6 shows an example of distance measurement on a valve

[0026] Fig. 7 shows an example of a scanning image,

[0027] Fig. 8 shows an example of a scanning image in a scaled up version

[0028] Fig. 9 shows an example of a clash modified insulation box

[0029] Fig 10 shows an example of a clash modified insulation box prepared for generation of production data, and

[0030] Fig 11 shows examples of models ready for production.

[0031] Fig 12 shows a simplified path from scanning objects to encapsulating object with one or more insulation boxes

Detailed description of the Invention

[0032] In the following it is firstly disclosed general embodiments in accordance to the present invention, thereafter, particular exemplary embodiments will be described. Where possible reference will be made to the accompanying drawings and where possible using reference numerals in the drawings. It shall be noted however that the drawings are exemplary embodiments only and other features and embodiments may well be within the scope of the invention as described.

[0033] In the following description it will be adhered to the definitions below:

[0034] By "specified classification requirements", it is meant specified requirement to meet specific insulation classes such as fire classes, acoustic classes, thermal classes, subsea classes etc. according to standards.

[0035] By valves and flange boxes it is meant boxes or structures for

encapsulating pipe fittings, valves, controllers, flanges, pipe components in general, cables, supporting structures etc. Typically, these objects forms part of a system including combinations of the mentioned objects. Generally, any structure that can be encapsulated/covered by the boxes or structures according to the present invention, which according to standards must be insulated, is included by the wording "valves and flange boxes".

[0036] The boxes will typically comprise at least two parts which are separate and which comprises fastening means to secure the at least two parts together or the at least two parts can be pivotally hinged together where the parts comprises fastening means to secure the at least two parts together.

Moreover, the insulation boxes can be provided with inspection covers for example with access to display means.

[0037] According to the present invention it is disclosed a method and a tool for production of manufacturing data for the manufacture of insulation boxes.

[0038] A typical scenario for manufacturing insulation boxes for protection of

valves pipes etc. in an installation can be as follows. The specification received as parts of a purchase order is converted to one or more detailed lists connecting each purchased item to technical specifications such as ISO-drawings/classes etc.

[0039] In a second step 2.0, (ref. fig. 2) a provider of insulation boxes receives an electronic version of a specification of a production environment etc.

including several pipe elements, fittings and valves. The technical information provided is typically received as ISO-drawings. From the technical drawings, the provider of insulation boxes extracts product specific information such as valve types, NPS, pressure class and insulation class etc. The extracted information is mapped with information uploaded from a database included in a table, fig. 3 based on best match criteria. The table includes insulation box data, such as classes, sizes and shapes. The best match criteria can in some instances readily be determined as the type of component (Valve type is extracted from the received technical information) and a direct match associated with that particular valve type is found in the table as a particular standard insulation box. Manufacturing data of this particular insulation box is well known and CNC-data/Cam data can be provided to production facilities for production of the particular standard insulation box.

[0040] In other instances, there is not sufficient information to extract all

necessary information to select a particular insulation box from the table.

[0041] In a step 3.1 onsite personnel, uses standard checklist to verify whether the selected standard insulation boxes fig. 4 fit to the objects to

encapsulate by the insulation box. The outcome of this verification process is either that a standard insulation box fits or it does not fit. In the event that it does not fit, this can be due to modifications that has been made onsite after production of the specification of the production environment, it may also be that minor additions to the installations have been made; these additions can include adding cables, building structures, cables etc. These objects may be close to objects that shall be encapsulated and hence hamper installation of the insulation box, i.e. insulation box clashes with elements surrounding the objects to encapsulate.

[0042] If the standard insulation box fits, the provider of the boxes can initiate production of such a standard box or standard boxes. If it does not fit, onsite personnel 3.3 scans the objects to encapsulate and its

environments including any clashes/deviations, ref. fig. 5. The scanning process produces a reproduction of the scanned objects, however it does not provide any dimensional data, hence the 3D-presentation is not suitable as the basis for production of insulation boxes. To facilitate scaling of the 3D-representation it is necessary to provide some dimensional data of the scanned object. In one example the scanned object is marked with markers with a known distance there between, the markers can be physical, one can use laser light and measure distance between two or more laser light markers. One may also simply measure the distance between two points on the object to be encapsulated and take a picture of the measurement, fig. 6. In figure 6, the distance between the flanges selected as markers is indicated with a vertical arrow.

[0043] The scanned object creates a 3D representation; this 3D-representation is transferred (fig. 2) 3.4 to the provider of insulation boxes together with the representation of the distance measurement, the latter to be used for scaling of the 3D-image/representation.

[0044] At the receiver of the 3D-image, (fig. and the picture for scaling (picture with distance measurement) the 3D-image is imported into a 3D-scaling program. The distance measurement is used for scaling of the 3D-image. The operator of the scaling program can for example make virtual marks on the 3D-image and then map these marks with the distance (dimension reference) shown in the picture, fig 6. The outcome of adding dimension into the 3D-scanned image is that a dimension specific image is created, this is necessary for production of production data and for modification.

[0045] The scaled scanned image is saved and imported by a modelling software.

The modelling software can import one image/file at a time or it can import batches of files/images. The modelling software has the capability to import not only images from the scaling software but also models from a model library. Figure 4 represents an example of one model in the model library. Figure 4 indicates the shape of a valve and flange box moreover the information regarding dimensions such as NPS width; height etc. is given for each model. It shall be appreciated that the model library can be a part of a database or it can represent the full database, i.e. be identical or substantially identical with the database.

[0046] The "box designer", i.e. the person who runs the modelling software and is supposed to modify the models now has a number of scanned images which is to scale, i.e. all dimensions are known and all clashes etc. are indicated, furthermore he has access to a library with several valve and flange box models where information as indicated in fig. 4 is presented. Based on the scanned images the "box designer" shall, based on a best match philosophy, select a box from the library which best fits a particular scanned image. He may have to change one or more dimensional parameters of the selected library model. He can modify the library model in the xyz-direction and modify the pipe dimensions, R2, etc. The box designer will based on the scanned image modify a standard box and include any necessary recesses for clashes, see fig. 9 or 10. Moreover, any inspection windows in the form of a hinged lid can be added to the design in accordance with need, ref. fig 12.

[0047] Having modified a library model to fit a particular scanned 3D-image the box designer will save the modified library model and produce CAM- specific data (production specific data) based on the saved model. The CAM-specific data can be converted to CNC data for manufacturing of tailor-made valves and flange boxes.

[0048] The production specific data are exported to a manufacturing facility, which based on said production data can produce valve and flange boxes in accordance with specification from the box designer.

[0049] List of references

CAM Computer aided manufacturing

NPS Nominal pipe size

CNC Computer numerical control

1 .0 Work preparation

2.0 Predesign, ref. fig. 3

3.0 Design verification,

3.1 Standard boxes sent to onsite personnel for verification, fit or not fit

3.2 Documentation stage for standard boxes that does fit

3.3 Scanning step onsite, documentation of dimensions,

clashes etc.

3.4 Step where information from 3.3 is sent to a receiver at

the "box design" provider, and scaling is performed 1 ?

3.5 Box designer performs best match analysis including clash testing and modifies model for best fit.

3.6 Model is saved and production specific data are

generated.

4.0 Production at manufacturing site based on production specific data.

5.0 Logistics and installation

10 Valve, flange, pipe and valve box assembly

1 1 Gasket

12 Valve

13 Insulation box, in general a valve and flange box

14a Fastening means,

14b Complementary fastening means with 14a

15 Gasket

31 Specification forming the basis for mapping valve and flange boxes from a library with valve and flange boxes

32 Table, from a library with valve and flange boxes

40 Insulation box specifications from library / valve and flange box specifications in library

41 Example of an insulation box

I Length of an insulation box

i.1 Distance from one edge of an insulation box to a hole for a valve stem

D1 Distance from a first side of an insulation box and to the centre of a hole adapted to receive a pipe

D2 Distance from a second side of an insulation box and to the centre of a hole adapted to receive a pipe

H1 Distance from the top edge of an insulation box and the centre of a hole adapted to receive a pipe

H2 Distance from the bottom side of an insulation box and the centre of a hole adapted to receive a pipe

R1 Diameter of a hole at a first side of the insulation box to receive a pipe

R2 Diameter of a hole at a second side of the insulation box to receive a pipe

R3 Diameter of a hole for a valve stem

51 Scanning device

52 "Clash element" 53 Valve

61 Measuring means

d Indicating distance between two reference marks, here between to flanges of a valve.

70 One example of a scanned image as presented by a scanner

71 Valve

72 Interfering object, i.e. clash

80 One example of a scanned image imported into a

scaling software program

90 Example of a clash modified insulation box

91 Insulation box

92 Interfering/clash object

93 Recess in insulation box

100 Example of a clash modified insulation box prepared for generation of product specific data

101 Insulation box prepared for generation of product

specific data

102 Interfering/clash object for generation of product specific data

103 Recess in insulation box for generation of product

specific data

121 Inspection lid