Brownfield projects often start with drawings that no longer match the plant. Laser scanning captures the real geometry in millions of points, giving engineers an accurate picture of what is actually installed.
Key takeaways
- A point cloud is a measurement, not a design model.
- Agree the level of detail and tolerance before modelling starts.
- Model tie-in areas as intelligent objects to design new work against.
From cloud to intelligent model
A raw point cloud is useful for measurements and visual checks, but new design work needs intelligent objects — pipes with specifications and line numbers, equipment with nozzles, and steel with profiles. These are modelled in platforms such as AVEVA E3D, SmartPlant 3D or AutoCAD Plant 3D.
What to specify
- Level of detail by area and discipline
- Modelling tolerance and deviation reporting
- Target software and version
- Naming, tagging and specification rules
- Registration accuracy and control points
Where it pays back
The biggest savings come from clash checking new piping against the as-built model before fabrication. Spools that fit first time mean shorter shutdowns and less hot work on live plants.