The Use of Laser-Based Measurement Technology to Improve Critical Turbomachinery Overhauls

The utilization of laser-based measurement technology has rapidly spread throughout the global petrochemical industry. The evolution of both contact (laser tracker) and non-contact (laser scanning) measurement technologies has inspired a new dynamic with respect to the execution of critical turn-around activities. Rotating equipment overhauls, project planning, piping modifications, dimensional analysis and reverse engineering efforts are all poised to benefit through the integration of this technology. This paper will focus on the available technology... how it can be implemented to reduce the overhaul duration of critical equipment during major outages as well as highlight the benefits of this technology with respect to preparation and planning of future outages. The end user will provide an overview of things to consider when selecting a specialized metrology vendor as well as current / specific applications of this technology. The specialized metrology vendor will provide descriptions of both current and conceptual technologies within the field of dimensional metrology, the benefits and limitations of these technologies as well as provide prior uses / case studies of these applications.

Applications:

- Precision Alignment

- Dimensional Analysis

- Virtual Assembly

- Reverse Engineering

- Piping Modifications

- Structural Modifications

- Equipment Layout & New Installations

- Point Cloud Development for Modeling / Simulation / Virtual Reality

- Quality Assurance