{"id":958,"date":"2025-04-16T10:18:57","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T08:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/3units.ch\/case-study\/titolo-caso-studio\/"},"modified":"2025-07-09T16:27:44","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T14:27:44","slug":"hydrochem","status":"publish","type":"case-study","link":"https:\/\/3units.ch\/en\/case-study\/hydrochem\/","title":{"rendered":"Predictive maintenance of a chemical plant: from laser scanning to Digital Twin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Hydrochem\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n
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INTRODUCTION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Today, the digitization of industrial plants is no longer optional \u2014 it is a strategic necessity for companies that aim to stay competitive.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With this in mind, 3Units, in collaboration with WeScan, undertook an ambitious project for HYDROCHEM<\/a>, part of the Altair Chemical Group<\/a>, a company specializing in the design and construction of chemical production facilities. Our team traveled to the province of Verbania to create a highly accurate and up-to-date digital representation of a 160,000 m\u00b2 production site. The goal was to overcome the limitations of existing documentation and establish a solid foundation for efficient predictive maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main challenge was to map a vast area with significant structural complexity \u2014 all within a tight timeframe and with maximum precision. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and the combined expertise of 3Units and Wescan Solutions<\/a>, we exceeded the client’s expectations and delivered a high-quality digital model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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STEP 1<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n

Integrated survey
\nwith SLAM technology<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

To address the complexity of the project, we adopted an integrated survey approach that combined SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology with traditional topographic methods. This enabled the rapid acquisition of high-density, geo-referenced data.<\/p>\n

The first phase involved the installation of a high-precision topographic control network, followed by the placement of reference points to ensure the accuracy of the point cloud. An operator then performed the survey using a mobile laser scanner \u2014 a compact, lightweight device equipped with LiDAR sensors and Full HD cameras \u2014 allowing for safe and precise data capture throughout the site.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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STEP 2<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n

Post-processing and digital
\ntwin creation<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Once the survey was completed, the acquired data was processed using specialized software. The coordinates of the control points were integrated to correct the mobile laser scanner\u2019s trajectory, resulting in a highly accurate, consolidated point cloud.<\/p>\n

The 3D data was then filtered, cleaned, colorized, and made accessible to the client through a dedicated, user-friendly web platform. This enabled visualization of the point cloud, high-resolution spherical images, and geotagged information related to plant assets. From this dataset, three-dimensional models of piping, equipment, and pipe racks were extracted, forming the basis for the creation of a Digital Twin of the entire industrial plant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n 160,000 m\u00b2<\/span>\n 160,000 m\u00b2<\/span>\n <\/div>\n

Total area surveyed<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n 4<\/span>\n 4<\/span>\n <\/div>\n

Operators involved<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n 1<\/span>\n 1<\/span>\n <\/div>\n

Mobile laser scanner<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n 2<\/span>\n 2<\/span>\n <\/div>\n

Working days<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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