Golf Bag,Golf Clubs Bag,Best Golf Bags,Custom Golf Bags Shenzhen New Gaopin Sports Goods Co,Ltd , https://www.newgaopin.comDrone-to-BIM: Elios 3 Digitizes a Cement Plant in France
A cement plant in France utilized the Elios 3 drone for a Scan-to-BIM project, capturing a comprehensive LiDAR scan of the entire facility, both inside and out. This innovative approach replaced conventional terrestrial scanning methods, which often struggle to cover hard-to-reach areas like spaces between pipes and ducts.
Key Benefits at a Glance
| **Aspect** | **Description** |
|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Data Coverage**| Elios 3 ensured full scans without blind spots, unlike typical terrestrial scans. Easily repeatable for updates. |
| **Speed** | Reduced scanning time drastically—going from at least 10 days to just 1 day with the drone. |
| **Site Management**| Minimal operational disruption, allowing contractors to complete the task in a fraction of the usual time. |
| **Reduced Cost** | Lower overall expenses due to faster data collection and simpler post-processing, eliminating reliance on external contractors. |
Infrastructure managers are leveraging Scan-to-BIM techniques to create digital twins of physical assets, transforming industries like construction and manufacturing. BIM (Building Information Modeling) has become a standard tool for storing and presenting data, streamlining workflows and improving collaboration across sectors.
BIM in the Cement Industry
Holcim, a global leader in cement production, is spearheading the "Plants of Tomorrow" initiative. This ambitious project focuses on integrating Industry 4.0 technologies into the building materials sector, including BIM. By modernizing plant management, reducing carbon footprints, and enhancing performance, Holcim aims to revolutionize the cement industry.
One key component of this initiative involves digitizing assets and production sites. At a French plant, the goal was to create a precise digital twin of the entire facility. This digital model would guide strategic planning, optimize operations, and support efforts to lower the plant's carbon emissions. Additionally, this data could serve as evidence for grant applications with European commissions.
Using the Elios 3 for Scan-to-BIM
The Elios 3 drone is already a staple at this plant, employed for asset inspections and monitoring stockpile levels. The skilled pilots who operate it trust its accuracy and safety features, making it the perfect choice for the Scan-to-BIM project.
*The Elios 3’s laser scan captures intricate details, even in tight spaces.*
Traditional methods for mapping such environments are labor-intensive and prone to gaps in data. Attempting to fully digitize the plant with conventional tools would have required at least 10 days of scanning, costing upwards of €30,000. Moreover, incomplete initial scans might necessitate additional visits, further delaying progress.
In contrast, the Elios 3 team completed the entire scanning process in just one day. Pilots familiar with the site efficiently navigated obstacles, ensuring comprehensive data collection without disrupting ongoing operations. Post-processing took only two more days, resulting in a polished, gap-free BIM model within a week.
Flying the Elios 3 for BIM Data Collection
Creating an accurate BIM model requires thorough documentation of every aspect of a site. Traditional scanners often miss crucial details behind obstructions like pipes and ducts. The Elios 3 excels in these scenarios, offering unparalleled maneuverability to capture complete datasets.
With the Elios 3, pilots achieved full coverage in a single day, drastically cutting down on time compared to weeks of terrestrial scanning. Afterward, post-processing aligned and merged scans into a cohesive file, filtering out low-quality data caused by dust or distance issues.
*Post-processing began with FARO Connect, the software included with Flyability's Surveying Payload.*
Implementing the Drone Scan-to-BIM Model
This project yielded impressive results that have significantly benefited the plant. By using the Elios 3, the plant minimized costs while ensuring seamless data collection. No gaps existed in the final BIM model, eliminating the need for multiple sessions. The in-house team’s familiarity with the site expedited the entire process, avoiding delays associated with external contractors.
For this mission, the plant aimed for a "schematic design," corresponding to a BIM Level of Development (LOD) 200. The Elios 3's LiDAR data exceeded expectations, delivering the necessary precision for the project.
*Schematic design of a plant section used for engineering layouts and spatial planning.*
The resulting BIM model empowers the plant to strategically integrate carbon capture technology. Engineers and architects can precisely determine where to install ducts, fans, filters, and heat exchangers. Furthermore, the plant can document its sustainability efforts, securing EU funding and demonstrating compliance to authorities.
Long-Term Value of Drone Scan-to-BIM
The success of this Scan-to-BIM project marks a significant leap toward Industry 4.0 in the cement industry. The BIM model has already proven valuable, shared with subcontractors for other initiatives. Its creation reduced costs, minimized disruptions, and ensured 100% data coverage.
Looking ahead, the plant plans to leverage the Elios 3’s LiDAR and UT capabilities for continued digitization and remote inspections. The BIM model complements existing drone-based workflows, driving innovation and efficiency.
This project exemplifies how drones and BIM are reshaping industrial operations, setting a benchmark for future developments in the sector.