Introduction
Lasers are considered to be the epitome of cutting-edge
technology, and today the process engineering industry is
using lasers to reduce the time and cost required to modify
offshore platforms, gas processing facilities, refineries
and petrochemical plants.
During these debottlenecking and upgrading projects, the
conventional manual method of acquiring accurate measurements
of existing plant facilities is both time-consuming and
prone to errors. Laser scanning technology speeds up data
capture and the resulting data can be accessed directly
via 3D CAD design software, minimizing field time, eliminating
manual remodeling, reducing clashes and minimizing re-work.
Further, laser scanning can be used to check modules under
construction at different locations for compatibility and
accuracy to ensure that assembly will proceed without a
hitch. With the potential to save thousands of work hours
and millions of dollars, laser scanning technology is improving
the engineering design process and resulting in better quality
facilities - on time and on budget. |
