Unit Laser Scan
Project Overview
Engineering Design Services conducted a comprehensive facility scan of an operating refinery unit in South Texas to support future engineering and design activities. The objective was to capture high-accuracy spatial data of existing conditions while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations. The resulting digital model provides a reliable foundation for engineering modifications, upgrades, and planning activities.
Result & Impact
• Delivered a highly accurate, high-density point cloud of the operating refinery unit
• Improved safety by reducing personnel exposure in an active industrial environment
• Enabled reliable design development through precise as-built spatial data
• Supported efficient future engineering activities including clash detection and layout verification
• Reduced rework risk by providing a complete digital representation of existing conditions
• Established a strong technical baseline for future refinery modifications and upgrades
Engineering Tools & Technologies
• Ground-based laser scanning (LiDAR)
• Drone-based aerial scanning
• High-density point cloud processing
• Facility documentation and as-built modeling
• Industrial mapping technologies
Scope
• Perform full-unit laser scanning of an operating refinery system
• Execute coordinated ground-based scanning of piping, equipment, and structural components
• Conduct drone-based laser scanning for elevated and hard-to-access areas
• Capture high-resolution spatial data across the entire unit
• Generate a complete high-density point cloud of existing conditions
• Support downstream engineering tasks including:
o Layout verification
o Clash detection
o Design development
o Constructability reviews
Solution
Engineering Design Services deployed a combined scanning approach using both ground-based & drone-based LiDAR scanning to ensure full coverage of the refinery unit. This methodology enabled safe access to elevated and congested areas while maintaining operational continuity. The collected data was processed into a detailed point cloud model, providing an accurate digital representation of existing site conditions for future engineering use.
