Rainmaker puts a new perspective on 3D modelling

Rainmaker 3-D laser scanning technology provides a highly effective plant management tool that has many different maintenance applications, already proven in use mapping existing plants

Maintec 2004 saw the official world-wide launch of a unique new software technology which has already begun to revolutionise the use of 3-D modelling.

The new Rainmaker technology provides a highly effective plant management tool that has many different maintenance applications, but which can also provide tremendous benefits in the fields of risk analysis, upgrade planning, safety and training.

Already proven in use on behalf of such international customers as BNFL, Laing O'Rourke, Syngenta and The British Airports Authority, Rainmaker makes 3-D computer modelling far more attractive and easily accessible than previously by dramatically reducing the costs and lead times involved.

It also provides a unique way to visualise plant, equipment or entire production sites from any ordinary desktop or mobile PC, and eliminates the 10% of total maintenance costs traditionally incurred through clashes and reworking during maintenance shutdowns.

Rainmaker uses sophisticated 3-D laser scanning and digital photogrammetry techniques that map existing plant or equipment with unparalleled degrees of detail and accuracy.

This overcomes the traditional barriers presented by a lack of accurate plant drawings from which to work, or the need for a significant investment in time and cost.

Plant is modelled 'as-is' rather than 'as originally designed', and the results are available far earlier in a project schedule than with any other 3-D modelling technique.

Rainmaker also provides an invaluable new asset management tool by allowing the user to link any digitally stored information to the resulting 3D model, or to an attached photographic database.

This can include specifications, drawings, maintenance instructions and safety records, which combine to form one central source for all information relating to a plant, process or site.

Rainmaker can even use this information to create animated sequences which have many applications in maintenance, construction, quality assurance and inspection operations.

The system is fully compatible with both PDS and PDMS formats and the results can be exported into virtually any existing CAD system.

3-D models created within Rainmaker can be accessed via an ordinary computer terminal, even from a remote location, as can any associated information or attached databases.

"Having already successfully completed some extremely high-profile projects we can demonstrate that Rainmaker really does provide the many advantages we claim for it," comments Technical Director Barry Bassnett.

"It puts a whole new perspective on the idea of visual asset management by making it far more practical, reliable and affordable than ever before, and so opens up the variety of areas to which it can now be applied.

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