PETROCHEMICAL/ 3D DOCUMENTATION The FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D helped to quickly and safely collect and process a vast amount of data by site scanning of 5 large fuel distribution terminals

1. >>
User Story
Advanced 3D Laser Solutions
PETROCHEMICAL/ 3D DOCUMENTATION The FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D helped to quickly and safely collect and process a vast amount of
data by site scanning of 5 large fuel distribution terminals
Following the completion of a major contract in-
volving the scanning and generation of a large
chemical processing site, Advanced 3D Laser
Solutions were the recent successful bidder for
similar complex projects related to the scanning
of five large UK fuel distribution terminals. Ad-
vanced 3D Laser Solutions client’s primary re-
quirement was the preparation of precise piping
isometrics for all terminal lines, in advance of
inspections related to compliance with the Pres-
sure Systems Safety Regulations.
Advanced 3D Laser Solutions expert enginee-
ring background, gained over the past 35 years
within the field of process engineering in gas ha-
zardous environment, gave the company a major
advantage over the other competing surveying
companies. So impressed was the client by the
Advanced 3D Laser Solutions & FARO – A
Winning Combination
scanning methods and the highly accurate FARO
Focus 3D Laser Scanners used, the client quickly
realised the further, ongoing benefits of modeling
the complex sites in a more comprehensive manor
The client had previously contemplated gat-
hering all relevant measurements using traditio-
nal surveying techniques. However, it was consi-
dered that this time consuming methods involved
significantly higher costs, in addition to represen-
ting a higher risk to surveyors when attempting to
access elevated pipe lines.
Demonstrating the ability to quickly and safe-
ly collect and process a vast amount of data (the
Faro Focus 3D can collect around a million data
points per second), without the need to contact
the client’s plant, convinced the client that FARO
laser scanning represented the way forward. This
methodology also vastly reduced the potential for
human error associated with hand measurements
and was deemed safer. Consequently, a contract
was awarded; Advanced 3D Laser Solutions sub-
mitted a method statements and undertook risk
assessments with the purpose of controlling on-
site activities.
SCANNING
Two advanced FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanners,
supplied by Opti-Cal Survey Equipment, were
used to accurately complete the in-depth site
survey work. The easy to use FARO Focus Laser
Scanner is the smallest and lightest laser scan-
ner on the market and is the ideal tool for fast
and exact indoor and outdoor measurements in
three dimensions. Used throughout the world wi-
thin the most demanding of conditions,

2. ADVANCED 3D LASER SOLUTIONS
A privately owned company with a wealth of engineering
experience and an in-depth knowledge of utilising new
technologies, including 3D laser scanning / modeling
and 2D CAD services
Since the 1970’s, Advanced 3D Laser Solutions has
provided its clients with engineering, design, draught-
ing and surveying services across a whole spectrum of
process, manufacturing and building industries. The
company’s client base has grown to include all major oil
refining and distribution companies, gas, pharmaceuti-
cal, detergent as well as building industries. Advanced
3D Laser Solutions have undertaken design / construct,
Hazop, surveying and draughting projects and have
built up particular expertise in the surveying to produce
process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs). Over
the past decade the company has focused on surveying
services which include 3D scanning and modeling. As
a result, clients not only benefit from the implementa-
tion of the latest 3D laser surveying techniques, but
also from the supporting applications that are able to
provide effective solutions to the most demanding of
today’s engineering challenges.
WWW.LASERSURVEYING.COM
PHONE: +44(0)1277 829 976
EMAIL: MAIL@LASERSURVEYING.COM
the ultra-portable Focus Laser Scanner ena-
bles fast, straightforward, and accurate measure-
ments of objects and buildings. It records architec-
tural façades, complex structures, production and
supply facilities, accident sites, and large-volume
components.
FARO is the world's most trusted source for 3D
measurement, imaging and realization technolo-
gy. Technology from FARO permits high-precision
3D measurement, imaging and comparison of parts
and compound structures within production and
quality assurance processes. The devices are used
for inspecting components and assemblies, produc-
tion planning, documenting large volume spaces or
structures in 3D, and more. FARO's 3D measurement
technology allows companies to maximize efficienci-
es and improve processes.
The Focus3D X 330 offers an extra-long applica-
tion range of 330m, whilst the Focus3D X 130model
is a mid-range device offering precise scanning up
to 130m.
Both scanner models are equipped with GPS and
offer the ability to perform scanning even in bright
sunlight. Remote scanning as well as almost limitless
scan data sharing via SCENE Webshare Cloud makes
the laser scanning solution truly mobile.
By the use of FARO’s Focus Laser Scanners and
four sets of ‘Flexi’ spheres for target referencing
between scans, Advanced 3D Laser Solutions’ ex-
perience in the field ensured that all surveys were
completed with minimal impact to the sites’ efficient
operation. In total, more than 1000 individual pre-
cise scans were completed across the five terminals.
Typically, Advanced 3D Laser Solutions completed
the site scanning of each terminal in 3-4 days. The
collected point cloud files were then quickly conver-
ted into easily manageable 3D CAD files.
In addition to benefiting from the contracted
deliverables, Advanced 3D Laser Solutions’ client is
already reaping the many further advantages of ha-
ving a very accurate site model. With an accuracy of
+/-2mm, sections of the site model are now being
supplied to contractors involved with new capital in-
vestments. Advanced 3D Laser Solutions also sup-
plied high-quality virtual video fly-throughs, which
the client is now considering for use as aids in opera-
tor training events. In the future Advanced 3D Laser
Solutions are looking to develop asset management
systems based around the advanced site modeled
process.
SUMMARY
Advanced 3D Laser Solutions were the re-
cent successful bidder for similar complex
projects related to the scanning of five
large UK fuel distribution terminals. By
the use of FARO’s Focus Laser Scanners
and four sets of ‘Flexi’ spheres for target
referencing between scans, Advanced 3D
Laser Solutions’ experience in the field
ensured that all surveys were completed
with minimal impact to the sites’ efficient
operation. In total, more than 1000 indi-
vidual precise scans were completed across
the five terminals. The collected point
cloud files were then quickly converted into
easily manageable 3D CAD files.
www.lasersurveying.com
Advanced 3D Laser Solutions
– FOUR GOOD REASONS –
1Faro Focus 3D offers a highly ac-
curate and greater efficiency and
can collect around a million data
points per second resulting in
more data, less capital outlay
2Multiple scans from different
locations can be referenced
together to create a point cloud,
presenting an accurate meas-
urable copy of even the most
complex subjects.
3Faro Focus 3D is easy to setup,
easy to use and delivers consist-
ent results.
4Removing the need to be in
contact with elevated structures
is both safer and removes the
cost in erecting temporary access
platforms.
Colin Pittman, Commercial Director
Advanced 3D Laser Solutions
WWW.FARO.COM/FOCUS
CONTACT COLIN PITTMAN:
07435 760153