Scanning of large industrial equipment

Large industrial equipment — turbines, pump and compressor units, gearboxes, tanks and vessels, crane structures — cannot be taken to a workshop for measurement. Traditional manual measurement of complex geometry is slow and error-prone. 3D scanning digitises the equipment in full where it stands, often within a short shutdown window.

Depending on the task, Topoqraf AZ combines terrestrial laser scanners (±2–6 mm) with high-accuracy handheld scanners: overall geometry and surroundings are captured with the terrestrial scanner, while connection flanges, seats and critical areas are captured in more detail with the handheld scanner. Scans are registered in a single coordinate system and, where needed, tied to the plant survey control network.

From the scan data we prepare a CAD model of the equipment, dimensional layouts for installation and upgrades, fit checks of new assemblies against the existing installation, and deformation analysis. This reduces the risk of unexpected clashes on site when new equipment is ordered and installed.

When you need it

• Upgrading and replacing equipment
• Fitting new assemblies to the existing installation
• Assessing deformation and wear
• Documenting equipment without drawings
• Planning repairs and overhauls

What's included

• Site visit and scanning plan
• Overall scan with a terrestrial laser scanner
• Handheld scanning of critical areas
• Registering scans in one coordinate system
• CAD model and dimensional layouts
• Fit and deformation analysis

How we work

1. Agreeing the task, accuracy and site access
2. On-site scanning
3. Data processing and registration
4. Preparing the CAD model and analyses
5. Delivering the results

Deliverables

• Registered point cloud (E57, RCP)
• CAD model of the equipment (STEP, IGES)
• Dimensional layouts and drawings (DWG, PDF)
• Fit or deformation report