CASE STUDY :

Scanning large terminals with 100 bulk

storage tanks, enables the client to

have their entire terminal digitally

available. In only 5 days the data was

captured using 3 surveyors and

4 scanners. 

SPECIALISTS IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRY CUTTING EDGE 3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY MAPPING YOUR SITE FOR ANALYSIS, MODELING, AND DOCUMENTATION

LARGE PETROCHEMICAL TERMINAL

Advanced 3D Laser Solutions (A3D) completed the 3D laser survey on a large upper-tier COMAH chemical terminal in the North East of England. The client required A3D to prepare an Autodesk Plant 3D Process model where A3D would be exporting pipework orthographic drawings as part client’s NDT inspection program in meeting their health and safety initiatives. Prior to the start of the survey, our Operations Manager prepared a detailed scan plan, necessary to ensure efficient progress during the survey given the multiple scanners the three-man team would be operating. A3D submitted RAMS (Risk Assessment + Method Statement)
documentation to the terminal management team covering our site scanning activities and mobilization commenced. A3D used FARO Focus 3D laser scanners, our preferred choice for field surveying as the reliable instruments are light and easy to use. The overall site would require over 1200 scans making the scan plan prepared at outset, essential in determining the daily schedule for the six days spent surveying. Given our experience in surveying large bulk storage terminals, A3D would divide the terminal into logical areas, for instance, tank bunds and loading racks.

 The individual areas would eventually be linked together using strategic reference scan points throughout the terminal. On completion of the site surveying, the individual scans were registered and processed in preparation for our 3D modeling team, each dedicated to their own areas in building the process models. This method enabling large terminals with over 100 bulk storage tanks, to be modeled efficiently. Advanced 3D Laser Solutions completed this project on time and within budget. From scanning site to completion of Orthographic NDT inspection pack, the overall project was completed within 12 weeks. Our impressed client being pleased with the efficient turnaround and the ongoing support A3D offered their team in adopting the modeling technology. For those client’s not having accurate P&ID files, A3D can prepare Smart P&IDs using our specialist surveyors who use the smart P&ID package for many reasons including the ability to automatically cross-validate our 3D modeling file as a checking facility.

An entire site can be surveyed in a matter of days with laser scanners, traditional methods would have taken at least a year using two surveyors. using laser technology is quicker, safer and more cost effective.

GALLERY PICTURES

JOB BREAKDOWN

Pre-Planning

A3D will complete pre-planning in order to determine the most efficient and therefore, cost effective solution.

Risk & Method Statements

A3D recognise that any form of site work on an operating site must be subject of both RAMS along with planning documents in order to expedite an efficient and safe survey.

3D Laser Scan

Recognized as the preferred method for accurately capturing measured site data using 3D laser scanning instruments. Traditional methods being time-consuming and subject to error.

Register Scan Data 

Once A3D has been out on site with the 3D Laser Scanners we then process the scan using faro scene software.

Auto Pipework Recognition

A3D uses pipework recognition software to pick out the spherical shapes from the point cloud data this saves valuable time modeling.

Once A3D has been out on site with the 3D Laser Scanners we then process the scan using faro scene software.

3D Spec Driven Models

Extrapolate Steel Work

Once A3D has been out on site with the 3D Laser Scanners we then process the scan using faro scene software.

A3D uses the client's specific nomenclature.

DO YOU HAVE A JOB REQUIREMENT LIKE THIS?

RELATED SERVICES

LASER SCANNING

A3D is proud to have established point cloud technologies – now recognized as the preferred method for accurately capturing measured site data using 3D laser scanning instruments – traditional methods are time-consuming and subject to error

P&ID DRAWINGS

Piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) are considered a fundamental requirement for companies managing a process operation. P&IDs play a significant role in its maintenance and modification.

TANK ANALYSIS

The A3D Tank Analysis Reports deliver critical information at a high level of granularity, unachievable by traditional methods.  We use advanced 3d laser scanners without the need to employ temporary access platforms, proving to be a very competitively priced alternative.

FOLLOW US

[instagram-feed num=4 cols=4 showfollow=false]

RELATED CASE STUDIES

3D P&ID Validation

Using 3D process models to cross-validate with smart P&IDs to determine their as-built accuracy and also allow for their on-site documentation to be kept up to date via a 3D model.

Pharmaceutical 3D Design

Complete 3D laser scanning and 3D modeling of a specific process area ahead of a new capital initiative. This initiative would require process changes to enable removal of gas from the top of the existing two vessels, compressing the removed gas and returning liquid downstream.

Large Petrochemical Terminal

Client required A3D to prepare an Autodesk Plant 3D Process model where ALS would be exporting pipework orthographic drawings as part client’s NDT inspection program in meeting their health and safety initiatives. 

Water Authority Design Service

Completed a project for the water industry at one of their pumping and filtration sites. Our client for this project was an EPC contractor who required first a RECAP scan project file, Smart 3D process model, and Smart P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams). Although smaller in terms of number of laser scans than a typical bulk storage terminal, water industry installations present different challenges.

NDT Inspection Drawings

A major UK pharmaceutical firm, required piping isometrics for NDT purposes of their main process plant, because of the size of the processing unit (over 6000m2) and their limited staff, they asked us to scan the unit and from the scan data produce isometrics. The unit consisted of two buildings (each roughly 500m2), which both had a minimum of 3 floors, and a roofing area, which consisted of a further few levels of steelwork walkways.

Contact Us

COLIN PITTMAN

P: (+44) 01245 407551

M: (+44) 07435 760153

A3D Colin Pittman Profile Image