3D Laser Scanning : Benefits for Industrial Plant Design

The foundation of every successful facility, manufacturing, and processing project depends on the accurate background information. Without adequate information, the initial projects must be reconsidered at a later phase, which leads to the manufacturer’s time, money, and resources wastage. 

Any downstream facilities contain complicated processes such as survey, design, operations, and asset management. The emergence of model-driven software, process control software and other automation tools has proven beneficial for the industries. One such advent of 3D laser scanning computing technology is a powerful way to collect and evaluate the data needed to plant an industrial facility project.

Traditional data collection methods were limited, cumbersome, and prone to errors as multiple technicians used to involve in collecting field data using manual measuring devices and paper-based data records. The survey recorded by multiple technicians gets transferred to an office technician who might have never visited the project site. During several instances, this would lead to confusion and slipups. When compared to traditional methods of collecting data at the project planning stage, 3D laser scanning technology has significant potential to reduce multiple follow-up visits and maintenance. 

Working of 3D Laser Scanner

3D Laser Scanner uses a concentrated beam of light to map the surface of the field digitally. The laser sweeps the object to identify and locate millions of data points, also referred to as “point cloud” to extrapolate features of the object. Features could be elements of structure, shape, location, size, anchor bolt locations, remote utilities, piping tie-points, and more. After completion of 3D laser scanning, several scans get recorded together to create a 3D point cloud image of the scanned part. 

Crucial Benefit Drivers of 3D Laser Scanning

• Speed, Accuracy, and Consistency: The development of any engineering design emphasizes accurate background information. If construction information is ambiguous, the contractor engineer changes orders leading to project delays and high costs. The engineers using 3D laser scanner technology for data collection no longer rely on the contractor to field verify the collected information. The 3D laser scanning provides an accurate and speedy means of collecting millions of quantifiable data points within seconds with higher accuracy. Hence, using laser scanning, as-built drawing shows the exact locations of structural, mechanical, and plumbing features of any construction site.
• Minimizes Visit to Project Site: Though 3D scanning technology doesn’t replace the traditional fieldwork completely, it can help team members to speed up on the project site in numerous ways. For instance: A 3D color representation of the project site provides a virtual view to engineers that improves the perspective of a complex project. Moreover, the point cloud and 3D active scanned images enable the user to walk through the project site virtually.
• Reduced Risk and Increased Safety: The detailed 3D laser scanning documents help identify vulnerable and unsafe areas of the field quickly by reducing the risk of on-site injuries and accidents. It is beneficial in the modernization of historic buildings, where a 3D laser scan identifies potential areas of deterioration. 

Are you’re seeking an engineering services company providing efficient design solutions with 3D Laser Scanning? If yes, then consider hiring an expert team that includes conversion of point cloud data to 3D model format to improve your plant flexibility and productivity.