Exploring 3D Chemical Plant Using VRML

The research project focused on how virtual reality could create an immersive
environment and improve in designing a chemical plant. The main problem is the
difficulties in designing chemical plant since 2D plant layout cannot provide the
real walking-through. The aim of this project is to develop and design 3D
Chemical Plant which allows users to explore the virtual plant environment
freely. The objectives of this project are to design and develop 3D Chemical
Plant in the virtual environment; to enable user to walkthrough the chemical
plant; and at the same time evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of
3D Chemical Plant. In completion the project, the framework used is based on
the waterfall modeling theory. This study also examines the structure and
existing use of VRML (International standard for 3D modelling on the internet)
in constmction and architectural practice as a means of investigating its role and
potential for extensible construction information visualization in chemical plant.
The phases involved in the framework used for project development is the
initiation phase, design specification, project development, integration and
testing and lastly project implementation. Developments tools have been used in
the project are VRML and 3D Max 6. As a result from the evaluation conducted,
the mean of 3.5 from level of satisfaction ranking shows that mostly the
evaluators are satisfied with the project and feel that the realism of 3D chemical
plant and suitability of color and textures will improve the designing of chemical
plant in virtual environment. As conclusion, the research project show that
VR!VE are very useful and give a good impact for the chemical Engineer in
designing a chemical plant.