When it comes to 3D data, we don’t leave room for error.
The key to successful and accurate dimensional analysis by 3D scanning begins with an uncompromised campaign of 3D data collection. We will not downscale the images or 3D data to make them easier to handle or convert the geometry to a ‘mesh’ to make it look more complete. We will diligently apply the capture techniques, photographic skills, and analysis software to reduce dataset errors to the smallest possible degree.
To minimise errors during dimensional analysis, it is important to understand the basis of such errors. These can occur during data collection, but also during the analysis if the correct methods are not used. As such, we use raw points clouds during analysis, alongside the very latest in point cloud analysis software.
Our track record in collecting high-fidelity 3D data is second to none. Our dedication to accuracy, reliability and dimensional assurance are founding priniciples of our business. Where installation and repair timings come with significant commercial implications, technical value is paramount. Since 2017, Viewport3 have worked to ensure that our 3D data, analysis reports and damage quantification projects offer demonstrably valuable technical insights that protect budgets and schedules.
Mooring link measurement details the precise dimensions of individual chain links to quantify corrosion and wear, against designed annual loss rates. Viewport3 captures link diameter, crown wear, link length and intergrip measurements with ±0.05mm accuracy — well within the resolution needed to detect degradation against a typical designed corrosion rate of 0.4mm per year. Year-on-year comparison of datasets allow your Certifying Authority to make informed remaining-life assessments. We perform these measurements in-situ, even inside the hawse pipe when required, removing doubt as to the link geometry. Our results are certified under Lloyd’s Register’s ANDE accreditation which accepted by all major classification societies.
Viewport3 captures precise 3D geometry of components topside or underwater, providing your engineering team with additional confidence through ‘virtual fit-up’ excercises, which we’ve successfully completed on more than 30 occasions. These activities confirm fit or flag discrepancies while correction is still feasible. Our sub-millimetric accuracy ensures that installation campaigns proceed without the delays caused by lack of a first-time-fit at the worksite. Subsea component dimensional checks have helped save our customers from unnecessary expenditure during retro-fit installation by treating the interface much as they would a pre-installation metrology.
Structural dimensional verification confirms the geometry of large structural elements — jackets, carousels, templates, and monopiles against design specifications or previous baselines. Viewport3 uses virtual primitive identification and raw point cloud analysis techniques to measure complex curved and freeform structures where callipers and tape measures simply cannot help. This service supports ‘as-built ‘ quality assurance following fabrication, in-service monitoring of structural deformation and repair clamp design processes. Certified accuracy data underpins engineering decisions on strengthening, repair, or continued operation.
Digital 3D datasets provide unhindered measurement capabilities by enabling analysis of complex geometries in ways that traditional tools like callipers cannot replicate. This allows measurement of freeform surfaces between any two points, comparative analysis vs CAD (or previous 3D datasets) and material loss calculations. These capabilities are also essential for building digital twins, which depend on highly accurate baseline measurement data.
There are very few reasons to convert your hard-worked 3D point cloud into a mesh, and dimensional analysis is not one of them. Meshing of datasets creates false measurement points, and more importantly ‘papers over the cracks’ in terms of revealing critical information. A gap in point cloud data is very important and the reasons for the gap need to be understood. Oftentimes it can represent a crack which the lighting system hasn’t illuminated, leading to a gap in the points. If processed as a mesh however, the conversion process will simply ‘bridge’ the data gap and offer the impression that no crack exists.
Learn more about how subsea photogrammetry delivers dimensional assurance.
In the subsea sector, no dimensional analysis is more crucial or safety-critical than that applied to the monitoring of mooring links. With designed corrosion rates of around 0.4mm per year, only the most accurate methods can provide a measurement tolerance that can track such degradation year after year and provide assured dimensions to your Certifying Authority.
Our experience in the underwater sector allows us to work seamlessly alongside your engineering teams and intimately understand your measurement needs. This helps you to eliminate doubt and ensure your project meets the demands of your project team and stakeholders, whilst using remote inspection to reduce the need for additional or unnecessary offshore visits.
Yes. We perform in-situ mooring link measurement including inside the hawse pipe when necessary, delivering ±0.05mm accuracy to track corrosion, wear and pitting against designed annual loss rates. Our in-house 3.4u qualified inspectors negate any need for additional vendors.
Our dimensional analysis is certified to ±0.05mm (50 microns) by Lloyd’s Register. Achievable accuracy depends on camera-to-subject distance, water visibility, and equipment, we ask customers what they need, then configure accordingly.
Probably not, and please let us qualify. Specifications for mooring chain acceptable dimensions following manufacture are extremely forgiving and can be as high as 5%. In order to advise what’s been lost, we’d have to know the as-built dimensions much more accurately than 5% in order to create a 3D shape to compare it to. So unless the link you’re interested in was accurately measured or 3D scanned after manufacture, the results of such a deviation could be misleading. It is however perfectly feasible to identify and repeatedly scan a ‘reference’ link, which can be revisited each time mooring links are inspected. Time-lapse datasets such as these can identify changes as small as 0.05mm between checks.
Very much so. Stipulations for mooring link inspections are based on the inspection technologies that were available when they were written, and do not currently take advantage of what full-surface 3D scanning can offer. Taking just the bar-stock diameter measurement as an example; the diameter was never what the engineers actually wanted, it was simply a way of obtaining what they wanted via inference. Whilst we do still provide rationalised value for bar-stock diameter, we take this from a full profile slice of the 3D data which offers minimum diameter, maximum diameter and crucially, the actual surface area of the profile slice, which is the truest measure of remaining strength. Experienced engineers will know that the requirement is to take this measurement opposite the butt-weld, but having seen some eye-watering mooring anomalies over the years, we would propose that what is far more valuable is the smallest diameter that can be found on the entire link, not simply at the area that callipers can most easily access.
