Introduction:

The article introduces the area of laser scanning and its impact on process improvement in an industrial environment. We will focus on the latest innovations in this field and consider how precision laser scanning solutions are contributing to improvement in the field of industrial facilities.

The role of laser scanning in industry:

3D laser scanning is becoming a key tool in analysing the structure of industrial facilities, enabling their accurate measurement and creation of complete three-dimensional models for the purpose of its maintenance, modernisation, and development.

Precision on a new level:

Modern laser scanning solutions offer precision at an unprecedented level compared to classic methods. Having an available point cloud and Digital View allows us to make the necessary measurements for selected objects and infrastructure elements almost immediately. The best thing is that we do not need an expensive intelligent model created in dedicated software for this purpose. We can measure installation elements, like tanks, pipes, valves or other objects ourselves from behind a computer desk using the available cloud and the so-called digital view in the online Webpano -Visual Factory (digital twin). Thanks to this, a design engineer, technologist or engineering services supplier who is planning the modernization of installations, is able to make precise measurements for the needs of their project remotely, without the need for a local visit on site.

Webpano is a technological innovation by 3Deling, which brings many other improvements for technical services of production plants. Including, it enables obtaining accurate data even in the most demanding industrial conditions and in places with limited access.

Applications in diagnosing abnormalities:

Laser scanning can play an important role in diagnosing faults and failures in industrial facilities. One of the most important aspects is the ability of laser scanning to precisely map the surface of objects, which allows the detection of material deformations, mechanical damage or damage caused by corrosion.

Laser scanning delivers immediate results, allowing you to quickly identify areas that need attention. This allows technologists and maintenance services to focus on specific areas, eliminating the need for long-term and costly site inspections. This technology allows not only to locate damage, but also to perform detailed structural analysis through a 3D model of the object, enabling engineers to more precisely understand the structure and relationships between various components.

Laser scanning can also be used to monitor changes over time, allowing early detection of parameters are getting worse. This is crucial in the case of objects subjected to various loads or environmental changes and their impact on geometric dimensions.

Thanks to the precise data provided by laser scanning, the process of diagnosing failures can be shortened, leading to reduced down-time and minimized production disruptions.

Laser scanning allows you to create accurate reports that not only describe identified problems, but also help you develop effective remediation strategies. This, in turn, contributes to increasing the efficiency of maintenance activities.

Support for planning production processes:

By focusing on the role of laser scanning in production processes, we observe the possibilities of faster planning and testing of a new layout of the production area. With a 3D model (digital twin) at our disposal, we can more precisely plan the arrangement of the new production line and individual machines, communication routes, storage areas, electrical installations, compressed air and other media.

In the food, chemical, petrochemical and energy industries, laser scanning and providing a point cloud with a digital view is the first and most important step in creating an intelligent model based on dedicated design software. The intelligent model is just one step away from quickly and precisely planning the modernization of installations, testing them in a 3D environment, including diagnosing and eliminating collisions, and ending with the preparation of P&ID documentation for installers and contractors.

Digitizing the technical infrastructure and building an intelligent model is a milestone for production plants as part of digital transformation and deriving long-term benefits from it, such as planning plant expansion, collision analysis, accurate investment costing, as-built inventory and checking the quality of workmanship compared to the design.

Training using Digital View on Webpano on-line tool:

Any changes introduced in the architecture of industrial installations should be supported by appropriate training for employees. Nothing can replace on-site training, directly on the site of the modernization or new installation. However, the use of digital plant models based on laser scanning data to prepare effective employee training is invaluable. Digital View, i.e. three-dimensional visualization of industrial facilities, becomes not only a diagnostic tool, but also an effective training tool for staff. Thanks to it, we can prepare instructional videos on how to operate the installation, showing specific devices on the model along with connecting the appropriate documentation to them. Technologists or people conducting technical training can use the online version of the plant digital view based on Webpano -Visual Factory (digital twin) to, without leaving the training room.

Summary

3D scanning of the plant infrastructure with the use of a point cloud and a digital view of the plant combined with a panorama tool allows it to be used much better and more widely and to benefit from it already at the beginning of the digitization process.

An aspect that cannot be ignored is building knowledge in the organization. Experienced workers retire and take with them valuable information about each element of the installation. A digital scan of a plant or its selected area may become a key element in protecting the organization against knowledge loss. Updated documentation visually connected to each infrastructure element with notes, instructions and approvals allows management to look confidently into the future while ensuring business continuity.

PS. The material uses images of the Webpano -Visual Factory (digital twin) application from 3Deling.