Onshore-Offshore 3D Laser Scanning and Dimensional Control Technology for Engineering Solutions

Are you looking for Engineering Solutions? Learn more about 3D Laser Scanning and Dimensional Control Technology.

12 August 2014

Intertek Surveying Services (ISS) is a new service line in Brazil offering on- and offshore engineering solutions using dimensional control services and data collection via 3D laser scanning technology.  These innovative services were introduced to the Brazilian market in March 2013.

Laser Scanning - ISS uses high definition 3D laser scanning to gather large amounts of field data with accuracies of +/- 3mm, the scans are individually referenced to a coordinate system using an ultra-high precision industrial survey method and a 3D calculating proprietary software called DIMES (Dimensional Control Methodology). The end of an asset's life cycle, known as decommissioning, can be an expensive process that requires proper management.  During any retrofit, upgrade or revamp project, accurate and timely, photorealistic, 'as-built' information can help mitigate re-doing the work, can reduce costs and increase efficiency, so providing tangible benefits. The 3D Scanning unit captures a complete 'sphere' of data from any scenario and in a very short period of time (3-6 minutes per scan) creates high definition photos that can be extracted with the simple click of a mouse. Laser scan data can be shared for collaboration or to manage a plant. Advanced technology along with Intertek's survey method, allows ease of data transfer to CAD and Laser Scanning software. In addition, Intertek's dimensional control survey method serves as a backbone for the delivery of successful laser scanning projects to include point clouds, 3D Model 'As-Built' and to ensure a "clash-free" design.

Dimensional Control - Here's where experience with design, fabrication, and installation pays off.  A dimensional control expert who is engaged throughout the fabrication can, not only identify potential fabrication dimensional problems and tolerance accumulations, but can also advise on practical solutions to correct for the accumulations.  By having dimensional control insight into the fabrication processes and by having experience and understanding of installation procedures as well as knowledge of the capabilities of individual contractors, dimensional control experts can inform project teams on how to make mid-course corrections and adjustments. This means they can avoid potential serious expensive problems from occurring at the critical stages.

Construction of some offshore structures requires the coordination of multiple fabrication contractors, each responsible for producing components to a specified tolerance. The challenge for the project team is to manage the accumulation of the variations between the nominal design dimensions and the as-fabricated dimensions. Tightening the specifications has cost and schedule implications and in most cases becomes impractical. Due to cost and schedule concerns, a project team can be pushed to take risk on 'out of tolerance' dimensions. Dimensional control applied accurately and with construction experience and knowledge can provide the assurance that components will fit together when it really counts, the first time.

Today's expert blogger is Mr. Rui Esteves, South America Regional Director Industry Services. Rui is located in Alphaville, São Paulo office.

Tags: 2014 | Aerospace | Oil and Gas | Renewable Energy | Rui Esteves