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The testing laboratory of the company “MSI” has been successfully accredited according to the DSTU ISO / IEC 17025:2019 (ISO / IES 17025:2017) standard

THE NATIONAL ACCREDITATION AGENCY OF UKRAINE has attested the competence of the testing laboratory of the company “MSI” in accordance with the requirements of DSTU ISO / IEC 17025:2019 (ISO / IES 17025:2017). This is evidenced by the ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATE issued by the company “MSI” No. 202273.

The laboratory accreditation certificate according to ISO / IEC 17025:2019 (ISO / IES 17025:2017) demonstrates the high level of the company’s testing laboratory, which is capable of conducting tests in accordance with the requirements of national and international legislation and with high reliability of test results.

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The measuring department of the company “MSI” has successfully passed accreditation in the SE “Ukrmetrteststandart”

The State Enterprise “All-Ukrainian State Scientific and Production Center for Standardization, Metrology, Certification and Consumer Rights Protection” (SE “Ukrmetrteststandart”) has confirmed the conformity of the equipment and the qualifications of the personnel of the measuring department of the company “MSI”.

This is evidenced by the received certificate (No. ПT-72/21 dated 12.02.2021) issued to the company MSI LLC, which is valid until 11.10.2022.

This enables the measuring department of the company “MSI” to provide the following certified services:

1. Graduation of tanks;

2. Determination of the volume of bulk materials in warehouses and in containers.

At the end of the measurements, the customer is given a measurement protocol of the established form.

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Our works. Publication of the most interesting works performed by our experts.

Determination of grain volumes in silos and flat warehouses by means of laser scanning.

Our company has received an offer from one of the largest grain processing companies in Ukraine to carry out measurement work at the grain processing terminal. The offers were also sent to other companies. The main criteria for choosing an inspection company for performing measurement work were:

  1. Experience in performing similar work.
  2. Carrying out measurement works in the shortest possible time, since to complete these works it was necessary to stop the work of the grain processing terminal.
  3. High accuracy of measurement work.

Our company was selected and received a request for the execution of these works for the following reasons:

  1. Extensive experience in performing similar work.
  2. The ability to carry out measurement work in the shortest possible time due to the use of the Leica RTC360 laser scanner, since it is currently the fastest scanner in the world and performs 3D reality capture at a speed that was unattainable before. Measuring up to 2M points per second and advanced HDR image capture, the scanner generates 3D color point clouds in less than two minutes. Automated, stamp-free field data logging based on VIS technology further accelerates fieldwork and increases productivity. Combined with Cyclone FIELD 360 software for automatic data logging in the field, the Leica RTC360 scanner delivers incredible accuracy that can be verified on site. In comparison with other inspection companies, we got an advantage, since they usually use the simplest means of determining the level of filling of silos and floor warehouses with grain – laser rangefinders, which allow determining only the average filling level of a silo or warehouse, but they do not provide either the shape of the mound or the exact consideration of the size and shape of the silo or warehouse and, as a result, there is a large measurement error.
  3. The presence of a measuring department created specifically at the company’s laboratory.
  4. Highly qualified staff.
  5. Methodology for performing this type of work.

The only measuring tool that gives a high-precision ability to measure the inside of silos and warehouses is a 3D laser scanner. The achievable accuracy of determining the volume of grain in silos by laser scanning is 0.1%, provided there is a possibility of preliminary shooting of empty silos from the inside and building their accurate 3D models, and for flat warehouses – up to 1%.

Measurement work to determine the volume of grain in silos

To determine the filling level of the silos and the shape of the “reverse cone” of the grain embankment in the silos, there was only single possibility – to carry out a 3D laser scan of the interior of each silo through a special inspection hatch located on the border of the upper cone / roof and the vertical wall of the silo.

It took about 2 minutes to prepare for the scan and another 3 minutes to scan each silo, excluding the time required to get to the inspection hatch. During the scanning of each silo with a Leica RTC360 laser scanner, about 240 million measurements of the grain surface were made.

Data processing, 3D modeling and calculation of grain volumes in silos

After field work at the facility, we completed the office stage of this work. Laser scanning results were processed using Leica Cyclone software. Further, a set of works was performed for each of the scanned silos, which included cleaning the obtained data from extraneous noise, thinning point clouds for modeling, building accurate 3D models of grain heap surfaces, calculating grain volumes by calculating the volumes of the resulting geometric shapes from the top surface of the heaps to the bottom each silo. At the final stage, our specialists compiled a detailed report on the results of measurement work and the calculation of grain volumes in silos, which included a description of the types of work, 3D models of all grain piles in each silo and the results of calculating the grain volumes in each silo.

Measurement work to determine the volume of grain in the warehouse

When inspecting the warehouse prior to carrying out the measurement work, we faced the fact that the warehouse was almost full to its full capacity and it was not possible to perform a floor scan of the warehouse – the only way to perform the measurement work was scanning from the viewing gallery. Thus, it was necessary to tinker on-site a mount for the scanner, since the use of the scanner provides for the possibility of shooting in an inverted form, the scanner was fixed between the structures of the conveyor belt and the gallery, after which scanning was performed.

Time spent for preparation and scanning:
Eight scanning stations were performed, the scanning time for one station was 3 minutes. The preparation time for scanning was about 3 minutes, since it was necessary to place the scanner between the conveyor belt structure and the gallery. The total time was about 1 hour. During the scanning of the grain warehouse with the Leica RTC360 laser scanner, 1,920 million measurements of the grain surface in the warehouse were made with a step of 3 mm. For comparison, using traditional measurement methods by rangefinders or tacheometers, it would take more than a dozen years to take such a number of measurements of the grain surface in a warehouse with a step of 3 mm and determine the volume with the same accuracy. Experts of our company, using a Leica RTC360 laser scanner, performed these measurements in 24 minutes, excluding the preparation time for scanning.
Unlike measuring the volume of grain crops in a warehouse using tacheometers or laser rangefinders, 3D laser scanning technology allows you to measure and reflect the shape of the surface of the material in the warehouse in detail, with a step of up to millimeters. Such detail of measurements with a 3D laser scanner allows obtaining measurement accuracy that is unattainable when using any other existing measurement technology. Summarizing the above, we can safely say that the higher the density of measurement points, the more accurate the measurement will be and the volume of grain in the warehouse will be determined.

Data processing, 3D modeling and calculation of grain volumes in silos

After field work at the facility, we completed the office stage of this work. Laser scanning results were processed using Leica Cyclone software. Further, a set of works was performed for each of the scanned silos, which included cleaning the obtained data from extraneous noise, thinning point clouds for modeling, building accurate 3D models of grain heap surfaces, calculating grain volumes by calculating the volumes of the resulting geometric shapes from the top surface of the heaps to the bottom each silo.

At the final stage, our specialists compiled a detailed report on the results of measurement work and the calculation of grain volumes in silos, which included a description of the types of work, 3D models of all grain piles in each silo and the results of calculating the grain volumes in each silo.

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3D Laser Scanning

There are different types of laser scanners, but they all work the same way. The laser scanner is a technically complex device, but the control of the shooting process is arranged simply for the operator. The scanner generates a constant or high-frequency pulsed laser beam, while the device itself automatically rotates around its axis, while a rotating or oscillating mirror positions the beam in a vertical plane, as a result, the beam covers the entire space around the scanner. When the beam hits an object, part of its energy returns back to the scanner and the device fixes it. The arrival time of the signal is used to calculate the distance from the scanner to the object. However, in a laser scanner there is not only a laser rangefinder, for each measured distance, other measurement information is also recorded – the horizontal angle of rotation of the scanner and the vertical angle of rotation of the mirror. The scanner automatically combines all measurement information and calculates the x; y; z coordinate for each measured point, so the resulting scan is a set of x; y; z measurements. This is a detailed three-dimensional representation of the surrounding area, commonly referred to as a billion-point cloud of points, in order to add real point colors to the scan, panoramic images can be taken with the cameras built into the scanner. Using the built-in cameras, you can automatically match photo data with scan data.

Laser scanning is a method of high-precision digitization of structures, parts, mechanisms, terrain mapping or its digitization, however, unlike technologies that allow sequential survey of individual points, laser scanning allows you to quickly obtain detailed measurement data about the entire object as a whole. It’s like the camera is taking a 360 ° panoramic photo, but it still gets the exact 3D coordinates of each pixel. This is one of the main advantages of obtaining high-quality executive survey or measurement information about the current state of the object.

No other method can give such a complete picture of the object. At the same time, we work not just with an image, but with a model that preserves full geometric correspondence to the shapes and sizes of a real object. This provides the ability to measure the real distances between any points or elements of the model.

The survey is so complete and detailed that whenever you access data sets, it is as if you are returning to the field to find any data or supplement the project. Plus, you shoot faster. The control is much more complete. Scan data is measurement information, and you can use it in programs for various types of tasks. For example, using virtual data, you can analyze the real position of the structure relative to the design one, calibrate tanks, etc.

Laser scanning technology works as follows:

The first is the field stage – the scanner captures objects.

The second is office processing, where field data is converted into the results you want. In the field, you simply put the scanner in the optimal position for shooting an object, press a button and wait for the scanner to do its job. At the field stage, if necessary, you can take panoramic images of the object and make the data even more realistic. To obtain a survey of the entire object, scanning is performed from different points and several scans are obtained, which are then stitched and snapped to the coordinate system during scanning or later. The scanned data can be precisely referenced to the desired coordinate system, just like a standard topographic survey. Data processing software allows users to create an infinite number of final designs, ranging from the most basic results such as 2D plans and elevations, clear and convenient panoramic images with the ability to obtain measurement information for each pixel, dimensions, measurements between points, points and surface, high and low elevations of nodal points, sections and profiles, measurement of volumes. In addition, scanning technology provides additional results such as detailed topographic plans, triangulated spline surfaces, information asset links, fully textured models, overviews, intelligent 3D industrial models, and BIM – building information models. It all depends on the software.

Applications for 3D Laser Scanning

Construction and operation of engineering structures:

  • control over the compliance of the geometric parameters of newly built objects and design documentation for these objects;
  • adjustment of the project during construction;
  • executive shooting during construction and after its completion;
  • optimal planning and control of the movement and installation of structures and equipment;
  • monitoring of changes in geometric parameters of operated structures and industrial installations;
  • updating of the general plan and reconstruction of the lost construction documentation of the existing object.

Mining industry:

  • determination of volumes of workings and warehouses of bulk materials;
  • creation of digital models of open pits and underground workings for the purpose of their monitoring (data on the intensity of the reflected signal and real color allow creating geological models);
  • mine surveying (volumetric measurements) support of drilling and blasting operations.

Oil and gas industry:

  • creation of digital models of industrial and complex technological objects and equipment for the purpose of their reconstruction and monitoring;
  • calibration of oil-loading shore and tankers tanks.  

Architecture:

  • creation of architectural drawings of building facades;
  • restoration, repair, decoration, re-equipment of internal premises or individual decorative elements.

Other areas:

  • development of measures to prevent and eliminate the consequences of emergencies;
  • performing topographic survey of areas with a high degree of development;
  • shipbuilding;
  • modeling of various types;
  • creation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional geoinformation systems for enterprise management.

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Is it worth investing in high-quality business equipment?

You may have a business that you are just starting, or you want to take your business to
new heights and increase your profits. In any case, you are looking for equipment that will help you in your work. You can search
for equipment such as monitors and computers, or you can search for highly specialized equipment such as high-tech robotic machines. Whatever your needs, the principles are the same: buy cheap and you buy twice. Below are the reasons why you should increase your budget a little in order to invest in quality equipment instead of trying to save a little money now and suffer losses in the long run.

Whatever equipment you are looking for, high quality options will always be significantly
more expensive. However, first you need to estimate the initial cost of the equipment and
the cost of the equipment over its lifetime, and then you will understand why you need to
buy premium equipment. Many high-value units of equipment are more powerful, more
efficient, and more reliable. This means that during operation you can expect fewer breakdowns, operating costs and more productivity. The premium
price for quality is justified when you factor in the
return you will get by increasing productivity and reducing repair costs and equipment downtime. Better to pay more for something that is reliable and will last. For example, when buying computer equipment, it can be tempting to save a small amount by buying equipment with a lower specification. However, decreasing opportunities can slow you down, which means your company will not perform optimally and will lose profits. The total cost of substandard equipment, when you
factor in an inefficient work environment, repairs, replacements, and so on, will be far more
than the one-time cost of premium equipment you were initially trying to avoid.

By investing in premium equipment, in addition to helping

your business run efficiently and
saving money, you also gain certain advantages over your competitors. If you’ve spent a lot
of time and money finding and buying the best equipment available to you, it makes sense
to let your customers know abou it. This shows that you are a company that spares no expense to ensure that their product or service is unmatched. It also shows potential clients or clients that you believe in your business and that you are a businessman who has invested so much money in its infrastructure. By demonstrating these solutions, you build yourself a reputation as a reliable supplier of quality products or services.

Also, the purchase of low-quality equipment affects the moral
climate in the team. If your employees work on equipment
that is constantly failing or in need of
repairs, team morale plummets. Having equipment that works
regularly and efficiently and safely gives them pride in their work and
boosts morale throughout the company. If employees believe that you
are investing in them and care about their well-being and working
conditions, they will more energetically invest their time and efforts in
developing your business.

There are countless reasons why investing in high-quality equipment, from computer monitors to high-tech robotic machines, can benefit your company. If you believe that your company and all of its aspects are worth investing in for long-term benefit, then you will find that the equipment you spent your budget on could very well be the defining moment for the birth of a new path that will work for you and your company and will bring significant profit.

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