Figure 1. Advantages of 3D scanners: Fast, precise data acquisition and ease of use (©Andritz Hydro).
Jérôme-Alexandre Lavoie, Product Manager, CREAFORM, Canada, outlines the power of 3D scanning for corrosion and mechanical damage assessment.
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recent study shed light on the most important factor when it comes to managing asset integrity in refineries, power plants, and pipelines in the field.1 Some 58% of the people surveyed identified accuracy and repeatability as the most important factors when managing asset integrity and choosing an inspection technology. Since 3D scanning is well established in the automotive and aerospace industries, it is not surprising that the vast majority of pipeline operators surveyed (97%) were willing to adopt the technology for corrosion and mechanical damage assessment. Nevertheless, they also mentioned wanting more information about the technology as well as more knowledge about its performance. This article highlights the possibilities offered by 3D scanning, such as better information-based decision-making for repairs, major financial savings, and improved public safety. It also presents information to help NDT professionals choose the right 3D scanner for the right application. In short, it answers the following questions: ) How does 3D scanning differentiate itself from traditional NDT techniques? ) What are the different types of 3D scanners and their
advantages according to specific applications? ) What do users who have opted for 3D scanning say about
the performance of the technology when assessing pipeline corrosion and mechanical damages?
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