Introduction
Complex piping systems that move supercritical fluids and gases throughout reasonably large facilities are the foundation of the oil and gas sector. Error-free precision and foresight are essential for designing, installing, and maintaining these systems. That’s where 3D laser scanning for piping comes in as a turning point for accuracy and efficiency.
SES Digital brings together engineers, piping designers, surveyors, and CAD specialists to deliver outstanding results. With a history of successfully working on refineries, petrochemical plants, and offshore platforms, our 3D laser scanning for industrial plants is the preferred solution for oil and gas facility owners who need to solve piping problems: corrosion, dents, leaks, poor welds, fatigue from pressure fluctuations, improper installation, damage from natural events, etc.
Piping System Complexities in Oil and Gas Facilities
Oil and gas facilities are amongst the most intricate industrial settings: refineries, offshore platforms, natural gas plants, pipeline breakout facilities, petrochemical plants, and more. Piping systems in these facilities are networks of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of components such as valves, flanges, elbows, and supports. Each component must be installed perfectly to avoid leaks, meet regulatory requirements, and keep the fluid flow optimal without friction losses or drops in pressure.
Retrofitting and maintenance work is even more complicated for older facilities due to rework costs, extended downtime, and operational risk. SES Digital tackles these challenges head-on by using 3D laser scanning for the oil industry to generate an exact digital twin of the facility so you can execute projects smartly and effectively.
How 3D Laser Scanning Changes Piping Design and Installation
SES Digital can integrate this technology into every stage of piping projects. For example, during the design stage, 3D laser scanning of industrial plants allows engineers to measure spatial constraints, topography, and land use and find the most efficient route for new pipelines. The scanned data can then be imported into advanced design software and overlaid onto the existing environment.
Precision and Speed in Piping Projects
Laser scanning for piping captures pipes, beams, supports, and walkways when designing a new pipe route through an existing facility. The scanning data is aligned to a geo-referenced coordinate system for precise spatial integration. This geo-referencing allows for more advanced tasks, such as automated clash detection in the design software, where any pipe routes that clash with existing elements are flagged, and engineers can resolve them before construction.
Automated workflows speed things up. SES Digital’s 3D laser scanning for the oil industry uses software to process massive amounts of point cloud data into mesh models that engineers can use immediately for design review.
Safety and Reliability with 3D Laser Scanning
Our 3D laser scanning for industrial plants uses mobile scanners and drones in hazardous areas where human involvement is impossible or too dangerous. For example, in high pressure areas such as compressor stations or offshore rigs, drone scanners can capture 3D data of piping systems from all angles without a worker having to enter the confined space.
Predictive maintenance models also ensure reliability. With highly detailed 3D scans, SES Digital creates digital twins of critical piping systems so you can monitor and assess stress points or wear and tear in real time.
Conclusion
Laser scanning for piping is a game changer in an industry where every decision has technical and financial consequences. This technology lets you see beyond the limitations and optimize piping designs, improve safety, and extend asset life. SES Digital’s 3D scanning services allow you to predict challenges before they happen, reduce operational risk, and get the most from your piping infrastructure investment.
