The oil and gas industry’s growing need for digital documentation requirements has created the growth in specialist companies delivering precise 3D laser scanning technology and related engineering services.

A global leader in this rapidly developing field is FARO. Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, FARO is one of the world’s most trusted sources for 3D measurement, imaging and realisation technology. The company develops and manufactures leading edge solutions that enable high-precision 3D capture, measurement and analysis across a variety of industries including manufacturing, construction, engineering and public safety.

Testimony to the benefits of the FARO Scanner technology is widely known -- one such user Aberdeen-based Global Design Innovation (GDI) is championing FARO.

GDI provides laser scanning, repairs, engineering support and design solutions across the energy sector. The company uses a range of advanced FARO laser scanning technologies to capture high-precision 3D measurements and images on projects throughout the world.

With the aid of advanced FARO technology, the company has developed an automated design workflow, from the initial 3D scan through to a completed winsketch. This process significantly reduces the time taken to create a work pack, it eliminates potential for human error and reduces design hours and associated cost.

GDI company owner, Gianni Brooke explains: “We were recently commissioned to undertake a comprehensive laser scan and to produce a complete 3D point cloud model of Dana Petroleum’s entire Triton, FPSO. Although we employed other FARO equipment to complete this demanding task, the main scanner used was our powerful, high-speed FARO Focus3D X 130.

“In addition to extremely precise dimensional data, the finished model provided 360 degree photographic images of the facility in HD and made available a desktop visual walk around capability to the client. The captured point-cloud data represented a comprehensive, three dimensional as-built model of the entire facility. The data provides multiple benefits, including acting as the basis for future FPSO design modifications, it also allows the effective installation of add-on equipment and enables efficient repairs to be carried-out, all without the need for additional survey mobilisation.

“The use of our precise FARO Focus3D X 130 proved ideal for this difficult 3D documentation application. Given the hostile environment we were operating in, the scanner’s robust nature, portability and ease-of-use made our task relatively straightforward. Our speed of operation was helped by the Focus3D X 130’s one million points per second scanning rate.”

With a battery runtime of 4.5 hours, the laser scanner also has a high level of flexibility and endurance, whilst its light weight, small size and SD-card make the scanner truly mobile.

Brooke concludes: “GDI has now successfully delivered more than 400 projects throughout the world, many of them located in harsh environments. The fact that throughout this time no rework was needed, bears testimony to the robustness and great accuracy of FARO equipment. Our Precise 3D laser scanners, such as our FARO Focus3D X 130, not only help us to document as-built conditions, they also enable GDI staff to quickly and easily inspect, measure and align every part of clients facilities and to provide full, in-house management capabilities.”

Faro has a technology centre and manufacturing facility in Exton, Pennsylvania containing research and development, manufacturing and service operations for the FARO Laser Tracker and FARO Cobalt Array 3D Imager product lines. The company’s European regional headquarters is located in Stuttgart, Germany and its Asia Pacific regional headquarters is located in Singapore.

Demonstrations of FARO technology will take place at the North Star Technologies Stand at MEPEC taking place in Bahrain from October 9 to 11, 2017.