Research on the accuracy of point cloud formation for vertical steel tanks using laser 3D scanners and integrated software

Purpose. Improving the accuracy of accounting for oil and petroleum products by enhancing methods for determining the capacity of vertical steel tanks. Research methodology. Analysis of different methods for point cloud formation in the integrated software of Leica and Faro laser 3D scanners based on real measurement results during the calibration of a vertical steel tank. Research results. Significant discrepancies in the accuracy of forming a unified point cloud of the object were identified, depending on the chosen method. Methods for point cloud formation have been proposed to ensure the required accuracy for calculating the interval capacities of tanks during their calibration. Originality. For the first time, an experimental study has been conducted on the influence of point cloud formation methods in the integrated software of laser 3D scanners from different manufacturers on the accuracy of determining the interval capacities of vertical steel tanks.New regularities of point cloud formation depending on the method used and algorithms implemented in software from different manufacturers are established, an analysis of their impact on the accuracy of calculating interval tank capacities is determined. Recommendations are substantiated for choosing the most accurate point cloud formation methods for use in practical tank calibration tasks. Practical implications. The object of measurement is a vertical steel tank (VST-20000) with a nominal capacity of 20,000 m³, used for petroleum product accounting. The error in determining its interval capacities must not exceed 0.05%.Previous studies focused on theoretical modeling of expected errors based on the declared technical characteristics of scanners. The experimental results obtained in this study make it possible to assess the real impact of point cloud formation methods on the accuracy of determining the interval capacities of tanks, which is of practical importance for the metrological assurance of tank calibration.