3D Laser Scanning for Off-Site Piping Emergency Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refinery and petrochemical facilities face challenges in accurately mapping and managing off-site piping systems, leading to difficulties in rapid response during emergencies due to the complexity and vastness of these systems, reliance on human knowledge, and potential for human error.
Innovation Solution
A method involving aerial or 3D imaging and 3D laser scanning to create accurate geographical maps of off-site piping systems, including the location of piping lines, valves, and other components, integrated with a searchable database system for rapid identification and isolation during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional manual mapping methods are used for off-site piping systems, then personnel can identify piping locations, but response time during emergencies is excessive and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates accurate digital copies and visual representations of off-site piping systems through aerial imaging and 3D laser scanning. These digital models serve as virtual replicas that can be quickly queried and analyzed during emergencies, eliminating the need for manual field identification while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the physical piping system into digital data with specific parameters including spatial coordinates, piping configurations, and component locations. This parameter transformation enables rapid computational analysis and precise identification during emergencies, dramatically reducing response time while improving accuracy.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive mapping of all piping components is performed, then complete system knowledge is achieved, but system complexity and data management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex off-site piping system into discrete, manageable components such as individual pipes, valves, flanges, and other fittings. Each component is mapped and stored as a separate entity in the database, allowing comprehensive data collection while enabling targeted queries and analysis without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based database and software system as an intermediary between the physical piping system and human operators. This intermediary automatically stores, organizes, and retrieves piping data, reducing the complexity burden on human operators while maintaining complete system information.
3Measurement precision
If detailed 3D mapping and laser scanning are implemented, then accurate piping location identification is achieved, but initial system setup cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive aerial imaging and 3D laser scanning of the off-site piping system during normal operations before emergencies occur. This preliminary action creates a ready-to-use digital database that can be immediately queried during emergencies, sacrificing initial setup time to gain rapid response capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual field measurement and identification methods with automated aerial imaging and 3D laser scanning technology. This substitution achieves high measurement precision through automated optical and laser-based systems, reducing the need for time-consuming manual measurements while improving accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A process of mapping piping systems associated with a refinery and petrochemical facilities is disclosed, which maps piping systems, which interconnect facility operating units with other operating units, utilities, distribution facilities and storage units. A system for aiding in the isolation of piping systems, operating units and other facility components is also disclosed. The system includes a search database having representations of the piping systems and its related components. A method of isolating an event within a facility is also disclosed. The method includes identifying the location of an event in the facility, performing a search to identify the impacted piping systems and related components, and identifying measures to isolate the event.