P&ID DRAWINGS

Building Smart P&ID Drawings from point cloud data in a proven innovative approach for the process industry

What are P&IDs?P&ID Symbology

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

INTRODUCTION TO P&ID DRAWINGS 

Process and Instrumentation Drawings (P&IDs) are considered fundamental for companies running process systems. P&ID Drawings play a significant role in maintaining and modifying the process and need to be maintained to reflect an up-to-date status. These drawings are critical, demonstrating the physical sequence of equipment and systems, as well as how these systems interconnect. During design the P&ID provides a basis for developing control systems for safety and operational investigations including a hazard and operability study (HAZOP).

A3D utilise laser technology to capture site data – a simpler, safer, faster method than traditional surveying. Our experienced engineering surveyors can collect in days, what traditional methods can take in months or even years. Human error is eliminated and the overall reduction in time and effort is passed back to our clients as savings. Traditional methods are expensive, with large teams spending long periods on client sites. Accessing data at height requires temporary access, which our 3D laser scanners capture from ground level.

The smart P&ID system is set up to allow a consistent approach across all client P&IDs for their site. The blocks, templates, and nomenclature are all built-in, so the consistency is kept through the life of the record.

Smart P&ID WALKTHROUGH

Autodesk Plant 3D P&IDs are built against a database, with all CAD standards, templates, and borders built-in, allowing multiple CAD operators to work on a site, a consistent drawing format, and with the ability to download complete asset reports.

A3D has accumulated over 40 years of experience creating, surveying, and updating P&IDs across petrochemical, chemical, detergents, pharmaceutical, food, and gas industries. Our experience ensures P&IDs are drawn to the highest CAD standards with correct symbology. We provide advice to clients regarding drawing standards and best practices whilst providing a bespoke solution.

SMART P&ID DRAWING BENEFITS

Design Consistency

The Smart P&ID system is setup to allow a consistent approach across all client site P&IDs. The blocks, templates, and nomenclature are built-in so consistency is maintained for the life of the record.

CAD Speed

Due to its built-in consistency, asset numbering and extensive library of components, smart P&IDs allow for a fast efficient preparation, for new and for converting existing P&IDs.

Data Extraction

A Smart P&ID clearly identifies asset tags for individual items including line numbers, equipment numbers, valve numbers and instrumentation tags held in a database that can be extracted by client operating systems.

3D Validation

A particular feature of the Smart P&ID product is the ability to automatically cross-validate with our Plant 3D process model files. This simple automated feature eliminates the time-consuming traditional
methods associated with ratification.

DOWNLOAD EXAMPLE

To find out more on how SMART P&IDs will benefit you and your business please fill out the form below.

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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.

Point cloud data of Oil Storage Tank and Pipework

PFD Production

A3D have a unique processing technique for producing process flow diagrams from point cloud data.

Plant 3D Data Manager

Metadata Recording

Using Autodesk's Smart P&ID software the system automatically populates the database with useful metadata, this is also supplemented with extra information such as data plate information and asset numbering.

Industrial COntrol Panel to collect P&ID data

E&I Research

A3D's instrumentation department works with our clients to find and understand their E&I systems so that the PFDs can be upgraded into a P&ID status.

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Site Validation

A3D uses a unique technique of validating the new P&IDs with a combination of on-site surveying and point cloud visuals.

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GALLERY PHOTOS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do we require specialised software, to use the P&IDs?

Our P&ID Drawings are created in Autodesk Plant 3D, so it’s highly likely if you already have an AutoCAD licence, you will have access to the same software package.

Would we need specialist training?

Advanced 3D Laser Solutions can supply training to you and your team, or give you details of an Autodesk Partner, so you can proceed to fully  digitise your terminal.

Can you convert our P&IDs into smart?

Yes, we can convert your existing P&IDs into smart P&IDs.

Can you draw them geographically?

Yes, we can draw P&IDs geographically.

RELATED SERVICES

LASER SCANNING

A3D are proud to have established point cloud technologies, now recognised as the preferred method for accurately capturing measured site data in using 3D laser scanning instruments. Traditional methods being time consuming and subject to error

3D MODELLING

The vast engineering experience from over 30 years working within process industries has resulted in A3D now leading in the production of ‘brown field’ technical process models. A3D recognized the importance of our skilled 3D laser surveyors’ site familiarity.

TANK ANALYSIS

The A3D Tank analysis reports deliver critical information with a level of detail not previously achieved using traditional methods. since we are using advanced 3d laser scanners without the need for temporary access platforms, this technology is a market-leading competitively priced alternative.

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

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