Development of an AutoCAD Plant 3D-Based Plug-in Type System for the Shape Similarity-based Fitting Retrieval

Aged process plants have typically different configurations from those in the as-built status and thus 3D CAD models for the aged process plant have often been outdated due to the difficulty of data update activities. This situation disturbs the efficient and safe operation and maintenance of aged process plants. As a solution to this problem, 3D CAD models in the as-operated status are reversely generated from point cloud obtained using a laser scanning device. 3D modeling with a point cloud in a plant 3D CAD system needs retrieving catalogs for equipment and materials and placing them in 3D dimensional design space. To accomplish this, this study designs an AutoCAD Plant 3D-based plug-in type system for the shape similarity-based fitting retrieval and implements it according the design.