A virtually new plant for ICI

While the researchers at Imperial are finding mathematical ways to describe processes, VR Solutions is engaged in another form of simulation. The Manchester-based firm has just completed what it claims is world's largest virtual reality (VR) model - of ICI's newest plant on Teesside. And the company claims that the technique promises to make plant design so simple that even an accountant can understand it.

Working in VR ensured that the plant design allowed enough room for maintenance of plant components, and that safety signage would be visible. It also indicated areas where operators might be in danger of falling or banging their heads, explains the firm.

The scale of the project was immense. The 120MB model simulates 2000 tonnes of steelwork, 200km of cabling and 21km of pipework, and 1300 separate items of equipment. And they aren't just static models. `Valves can be turned, gauges rotated, hatches opened, vessels moved and pipe routes followed,' comments VR Solutions' technical director, Andy Connell.

VR modelling represents a huge advance over more traditional CAD systems, says Fluor Daniel mechanical engineer Ian Hogg. `In a CAD system, it isn't easy to ask a valve what it is, but in VR this is intuitive. You don't have to be an expert any more. It's even possible to explain conceptual equipment to accountants!'

For more information on: CPSE enter 260; VR Solutions enter 261