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Benefits of 3d laser scanning for process plants
by Engineering Geek Expert in industrial engineering including piping,Every successful facility, manufacturing, and processing project starts with accurate and complete background information. Without it, original project decisions may have to be changed later, squandering the manufacturer's time, money, and resources. Here is where 3D laser scanning comes in handy!
3D laser scanning is a powerful technique in an industrial facility to collect and view the data needed to plan a project. 3D laser scanning is a quick and accurate approach to converting existing parts, converting point cloud data to 3d models, prototypes, and landscapes into digital design data. It is used to expedite the design and production process in various sectors.
In this article, I will discuss 3D laser scanning, its importance, and its benefits for process plants.
What is 3D Laser Scanning?
3D laser scanning is a digital modeling technique that creates precise 3D models using laser light and basic mathematics and converting point cloud data to 3D models. Reverse engineering, quality control and assurance, dimensional analysis, and surveying are just a few of the uses of this technology. Parts can be scanned and digitally rendered to make changes to handcrafted prototypes, recreate legacy parts, design aftermarket parts, and more. Surveying construction sites, facilities, and archaeology digs and generating video game terrain are all examples of external uses.
Operators can model in the point cloud fast and correctly with 3D laser scanning, which is very useful when executing conversions. Consider pipe tie-in flanges; in that case, you must be able to pinpoint the exact location down to the sixteenth of an inch.
A laser point or a laser line is directed at the object to be scanned, depending on the 3D laser scanner. Specialized software then calculates and records data points where the laser contacts the object's surface using triangulation or time of flight. Cartesian coordinates represent these points (X, Y, and Z planes).
Importance of 3D Laser Scanning
Data collection is crucial in manufacturing engineering projects, particularly planning. Engineers must decide the appropriate way for collecting accurate data once the project scope has been sufficiently established. Data must also be collected in a timely and safe manner without interfering with plant operations. Engineers need data that is generally dimensional or utilized to locate existing things when building and renovating facilities. To identify how a project might interface with nearby processes, we need to locate existing buildings and structures, existing above-ground utilities, process equipment, existing tie-points, and more. This is where 3D laser scanning helps us.
Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning
Many oil and gas businesses are turning to 3D laser scanning to address these issues. Not only is the technology quick and efficient, but the resulting digital record demonstrates cost savings. As a result, several benefits are applied to the oil and gas business.
- Quick and comprehensive: Other measuring technologies, including CMMs, hand tools, and traditional surveying instruments, measure just one data point at a time, making them laborious and time-consuming. 3D laser scanning can record hundreds to tens of thousands of data points per second as the laser moves over the object's surface or terrain. This allows scans to be done in hours or days, depending on the size of the object being scanned, allowing your project to move at a faster pace. Furthermore, because many data points can be captured quickly, 3D laser scanning delivers a more full, detailed picture than older approaches. As a result, you can be certain that all of the information is accurate.
- Obtaining More Information: You might need to resume the initial fieldwork if you choose a traditional data collection method. This difficulty can be solved by 3D laser scanning, which saves money and time by avoiding the need to start over. The data points are most likely collected in great detail and accuracy by the 3D laser scan. This allows the engineer and the owner to make early design adjustments. In comparison to the traditional technique of data gathering, the engineer's range of view of the project landscape is dramatically enhanced once the data is acquired, providing him more alternatives to relocate equipment or processes. As a result, smarter decisions can be made earlier in the project lifecycle.
- Optimal deployment: Scans find problems before your staff does. Some past companies described how their team analyzed scans on behalf of a client and discovered that the fireproofing was deteriorating. With this information, the client's team could pinpoint the specific location of the problems and deploy to those areas without manually inspecting the entire facility.
- Accuracy: From the start of a project, reliable background information is very important when building an engineering design. Contractor field change orders can easily add to project delays and costs when construction information is confusing. Engineers employing a 3D scanner no longer need to rely on the contractor to validate current field data, thanks to advancements in data collection technologies.
- Contactless: The scanner does not need to touch the object because 3D laser scanning is an optical-based technology. This can be useful when measuring small, complicated, or fragile features that can be deformed or damaged if touched. Because distorted items will produce inaccurate readings, 3D laser scanning is recommended in such instances.
- Cost-Effective: 3D laser scanning is significantly more cost-effective than other measuring technologies since it requires less time and workforce during measurement acquisition and design iteration. Furthermore, it is cost-effective because 3D laser scanning can be readily outsourced to a business specializing in 3D scanning services. This could save money on labor and operator training.
- Worker safety: It is always a top priority on construction sites, and 3D laser scanning can help with that element of surveying. Surveyors utilize portable 3D laser scanners that can take precise measurements from a distance of several hundred meters. Proximity must be continuously monitored when the survey region is risky due to geography or poisonous circumstances, such as chemical or nuclear facilities. This can assist keep operators safe. The speed of this technology also cuts down on the number of times operators are exposed to hazardous circumstances.
Conclusion
3D laser scanning accelerates innovation by speeding up maintenance and restoration work in processing plants and manufacturers. With so many uses for 3D laser scanning in oil and gas, it's evident that now is the time to invest in the technology.
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About Engineering Geek 
Expert in industrial engineering including piping,
1 connections, 0 recommendations, 18 honor points.Joined APSense since, November 20th, 2019, From Seattle, United States.
Created on Mar 4th 2022 07:06. Viewed 241 times.
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