Training Path Module 5

Self-Guided Learning Path: automet® FAB

Module 5: Analysis  ·  Interpreting survey results, visual reports, least-squares fit optimization, manual transforms, and report generation.

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

1. Getting Started

2. Design Input

3. Survey Setup

4. Execution

5. Analysis

Overview

Selecting Visual Report from the main application menu following a survey compares captured field observations against design specifications (`.DES`).

The visual analysis suite enables surveyors to rotate and translate models, include or exclude specific flanges from least-squares fit calculations, zero individual tie-ins, adjust fit weighting preferences, and isolate gross fabrication errors.

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  Graphical visual analysis display comparing survey to design

File Dependencies and Opening Surveys

Analyzing survey data requires two corresponding files:

• Survey File (`.SUR`): Contains observed field coordinate data.
• Design File (`.DES`): Contains baseline CAD model geometry.

To analyze a previously completed survey, select Open for Analysis adjacent to **Survey File:** on the main interface—the corresponding design file loads automatically. If a survey was just completed, click Visual Report directly.

• 
  Main menu analysis launch controls

Visual Report Controls

Navigation and Interface Controls

Main Visual Report Interface Overview

Isometric View Controls

Reset Camera View

Sets the image's North (+Y) to the top left corner.

Toggle Back Vectors

Displays the flange's weld face vector errors.

Toggle Point Spheres

Shows the surveyed location of the prism ball.

Toggle Model Full Shrink

Toggle full shrink and return to full size.

Toggle Model Full Size

Toggle full shrink and return to full size.

Rotation Mode

Toggle between 'Turntable' and 'Free' rotation.

Expanded Viewer Controls and Display Scaling Sliders

Iso view navigation controls

Video guide: Controls for Iso View in Analysis (2:41)

Summary: Demonstrates camera rotation, wheel zoom, mouse pan, camera resets, showing observed point spheres, scaling vector arrows, and adjusting model shrink parameters.

Manual Transforms and Model Adjustments

The **Transform** module allows surveyors to alter survey data with six degrees of freedom by translating and rotating models around the X, Y, and Z axes.

Transform Control Panel Interface

Transform video guides

• Aligning Spool Geometry to Grid Reference Axes (3:34)
• Manual 3-Axis Spool Rotation (2:10)
• Manual 3-Axis Spool Translation (Nudging) (2:10)

Open Tie-In Surveys

When analyzing open tie-in site surveys, enable the **Open Tie-In** function to prevent coordinate fit distortions.

Open Tie-In Configuration Options

Report Generation

automet® FAB generates three specialized documentation reports following analysis setup:

Visual Error Report
3D graphical view displaying vector arrows, rotational offsets, and face touch-point gap dimensions.

Text Report
Tabular coordinate listing showing actual vs. design coordinates, D-point locations, and alignment angles.

QA Integrity Report
Quality audit verifying face planarity, PCD errors, device types, and multi-setup instrument move precision.

Visual Error Graphical Report

All displayed values represent deviations from design; a perfectly manufactured spool yields all zero values.

Full 3D Graphical Visual Error Report

Vector Errors (Black Arrows)

Indicate displacement magnitude and direction (+1.4 mm Z, +0.6 mm Y North, +0.8 mm X East). Correct by adjusting physical flange in the opposite direction (-1.4 mm Z, -0.6 mm South, -0.8 mm West).

Bolt-Hole Rotation (Blue Curved Arrow)

Shows rotational error magnitude (in mm) and direction.

Touch Point (Gold Value)

Identifies the raised-face high point contacting the mating flange first. The value represents the gap opening on the opposite side.

Open Pipe End Long Point

Identifies the longest point on un-flanged pipe ends to guide field bevel grinding.

Text Report

Contains tabular alignment, orientation, and global coordinate comparisons essential for field site surveys.

Text Report Coordinate Summary Page

Flange Specification & Gasket Summary

Displays design vs. actual flange angles, bolt-hole rotation, OD/PCD dimensions, and gasket gaps.

Calculated Work Point Centerlines

Shows actual, design, and positional mismatch error coordinates for each flange center point.

Plane Point Coordinate Locations

Lists 3D coordinates ($X, Y, Z$) for points taken across the flange face using laser or prism.

Individual Observed Point Coordinates

Displays measurement type (laser or prism) and exact raw coordinate readings.

Flange Midpoint Coordinate Summary

Calculates midpoints and average separation distances across crossover locations between flanges.

D-Point Location Reference States

Visual key showing the 6 possible diameter point placement states (bolted vs. open, front vs. back).

QA Integrity Report

Validates observation quality, face flatness (plane error), target seating (Max OD error), and instrument setup resection accuracy across multiple station moves.

QA Integrity Summary Page 1

QA Integrity Summary Page 2

Includes support base plate dimension verification and instrument station relocation residuals.

Key QA Validation Parameters

Plane Error (Face Flatness)

Maximum deviation from a flat plane across the flange face. Values exceeding 2.0 mm trigger automatic warnings.

Circle / Max OD Error

Maximum radial deviation from a true circle, highlighting unseated target devices or ovality.

PCD Deviation Error

Difference between actual Pitch Circle Diameter and database standards.

Max Pitch (Angle) Error

Maximum angular pitch error between adjacent bolt holes.

Live QA Reports During Data Capture

QA integrity metrics can be evaluated live during data capture via the **Objects Tab**, allowing surveyors to identify and re-shoot misplaced points prior to moving the total station.

Live Capture QA Report (Flanges)

Live Capture QA Report (Detailed)

Training Path Completion & Next Steps

Congratulations on completing the **automet® FAB Self-Guided Learning Path**.

To continue expanding your technical expertise, explore the following specialized workflows:

- Automet® FAB - Site Survey – Detailed field site survey procedures. - Automet® FAB - Control Capture Methods – Advanced resection networks and control station management. - Pressure Vessels – Modelling and surveying pressure vessel nozzles and shell alignments.

For technical assistance or training inquiries, contact MLTech support at **info@mltech.co.uk**.