A Quantapoint White Paper
ABSTRACT Specifying Laser Scanning Services to Help Ensure Trusted and Accurate Results As-built documentation created using laser scanning is rapidly being adopted as the tool of choice for project teams tasked with revamp or expansion projects. This as-built laser documentation is a proven alternative to manual dimensional data collection techniques and can eliminate the need for tape measures, clipboards, calculators and other surveying tools. Unfortunately, no general standard exists for specifying services from providers. This document serves as a guideline template that can be used to specify how laser scanning services are provided. It helps you to ensure that the results you receive are both trustworthy and accurate. CONTACT INFORMATION Quantapoint, Inc. 275 Curry Hollow Road Suite M100 Pittsburgh, PA 15236 Phone: (412) 653-0100 Web: www.quantapoint.com E-mail: info@quantapoint.com COPYRIGHT Copyright All rights reserved. Document Version: 0.0 TRADEMARKS The Company name and the Company logo Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Other marks referenced in this information are the service marks and trademarks of others. USAGE This document may only be distributed in its entirety. Portions may not be distributed without the express written consent of Quantapoint, Inc. OTHER QUANTAPOINT WHITEPAPERS As the acknowledged industry leader in laser scanning technology, Quantapoint has published several papers, some of which are listed below. These are available in the Resources section of www.quantapoint.com. A Project Manager Guide To Laser Scanning Selecting a Laser Scanning Service Provider Seven Things Every Project Manager Should Know About Laser Scanning Specifying Laser Scanning Services Uncovering the Value of As-Built Laser Documentation for Engineering Firms Uncovering the Value of As-Built Laser Documentation for the Power Industry Uncovering the Value of As-Built Laser Documentation for the Processing Industries
Table of Contents SPECIFYING LASER SCANNING SERVICES... 4 SPECIFICATION SECTIONS... 4 USAGE INSTRUCTIONS... 4 SPECIFICATIONS... 5 CONCLUSION... 9
Specifying Laser Scanning Services Specifying Laser Scanning Services to Help Ensure Trusted and Accurate Results As-built documentation created using laser scanning is rapidly being adopted as the tool of choice for project teams tasked with revamp or expansion projects. This as-built laser documentation is a proven alternative to manual dimensional data collection techniques and can eliminate the need for tape measures, clipboards, calculators and other surveying tools. Unfortunately, no general standard exists for specifying services from providers. This document serves as a guideline template that can be used to specify how laser scanning services are provided. It helps you to ensure that the results you receive are both trustworthy and accurate. Specification Sections Four sections are used to specify laser scanning services. These are described below: General: General laser scanning specifications, including purpose, what will be scanned and how the usage requirements for the data. Technical Performance: Accuracy, temperature and humidity compensation, calibration and other specifications for the laser scanning hardware. Execution: Safety, data collection and other specifications for field execution of the laser scanning service. Deliverables: Specifications for the end deliverables from laser scanning. Usage Instructions These specifications are to be attached to either a request for proposal (RPF) or services contract. It is recommended that laser scan service providers be selected using the Selecting a Laser Scanning Service Provider whitepaper, which is available in the Resources section of the www.quantapoint.com.
Specifications 1. General 1.1. This specification addresses technical and performance requirements for laser scanning services for processing facilities. 1.2. Laser scanning of platforms shall include, but be limited to, capturing the following features: Process equipment Buildings and miscellaneous other platform facilities Process piping, fittings, valves, pumps, etc. Critical utility systems (compressed air, water, sewer, drains, etc.) Steel Framing Miscellaneous steel and piping supports Electrical conduit and equipment In-line instrumentation 1.3. The laser-generated point cloud data must be suitable for generating drawings including, but not limited to, the following: Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams Equipment Arrangement Plans Piping Plans, Sections and Details Isometric Drawings Framing Plans Elevations 2. Technical Performance 2.1. Laser Measurement 2.1.1. The laser device shall use calculation of phase difference to compute distance. 2.1.2. The laser device shall emit a continuous beam of laser energy, modulated with a sinusoid in amplitude. The received laser energy shall be compared to the transmitted energy to determine phase shift of modulation. The phase shift shall be used to determine how long the signal was traveling. This duration shall be used to provide a computation of distance. 2.2. Temperature and Humidity Compensation 2.2.1. Temperature can affect accuracy of a laser measurement system. Laser wavelength varies with temperature, as will analog processing electronics and high accuracy power supplies. 2.2.2. The laser measurement system shall be temperature controlled and compensated. The laser scanning vendor shall provide proof that temperature and humidity compensation issues are addressed. 2.2.3. The laser scanning vendor shall provide written documentation as proof that the laser scanner device can operate in intense temperature extremes, especially heat extremes. These
conditions and operating parameters shall be consistent with those expected in the tropical regions during the time of year when laser scanning will be performed. 2.2.4. Laser scanning equipment shall be rated to handle condensing humidity. Humidity in some regions can exceed that rated for the laser device. The laser scanning vendor shall provide written documentation on how it will address this issue. 2.3. Laser Wavelength 2.3.1. The laser device shall be eye safe to either Class IIIB in accordance with the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). 2.3.2. The laser manufacturer shall be prepared to submit proof that the classification of its equipment complies with US law. The equipment shall have the correct tags and markings indicating compliance. The vendor shall be prepared to furnish its laser safety calculations. 2.3.3. The laser scanning vendor shall be trained and have an established and formal safety program in place to ensure compliance with all OSHA and CDRH regulations. 2.4. Performance Specifications 2.4.1. Measurement Accuracy 2.4.1.1. Measurement accuracy shall be defined as the ability to generate physical dimensions using the point cloud data that are correct metrically to within a stated tolerance. 2.4.1.2. Measurement accuracy shall be specified as a ± quantity and will have a standard deviation attached to it. The lower limit on this quantity shall be ± ¼ inch, with a possible to achieve ± 1 / 8 inch accuracy over small local volumes. 2.4.1.3. The laser scanning vendor shall provide proof of calibration, perform repeatability tests, perform variability tests, control temperature variations, collect data with the appropriate spatial resolution, and show proof that they can register the data accurately. 2.4.2. Spatial Resolution On Measurement Accuracy 2.4.2.1. Spatial resolution shall be defined as the point spacing of the point cloud. 2.4.2.2. Laser scanning shall be performed at an average special resolution of ± 1 / 8 inch with a range value of ¼ inch at 60 feet. 2.4.3. Calibration 2.4.3.1. The laser scanning vendor shall provide proof of calibration. The device shall be calibrated prior to shipping. 2.4.3.2. Calibration shall be completed in a controlled environment and consist of the following tests:
3. Execution Specifying Laser Scanning Services Repeatability: The laser scanner vendor shall take multiple images (more than two) of a controlled scene and compare the results statistically to determine the amount of difference. A quantitative statistical-based summary shall be required to evaluate repeatability. The laser scanner shall be repeatable to the tolerance required to make the measurement accuracy specification achievable. Variability: Variability shall be defined as a measurement of the quality of the calibration across the entire field of view of the laser scanner. A variability test shall be performed by taking scans of a controlled scene from multiple viewpoints but with a large degree of commonality. The scanner setups shall be as dissimilar as possible while still maintaining common coverage. Measurements shall be made in the data between known targets in the scene and compared between scans. If a scanner is well calibrated then the measurement results between the different scans will be within a specified tolerance. 2.4.3.3. Test results shall be provided with the project deliverables. 2.4.4. Data Registration 3.1. Safety 2.4.4.1. The parameter for registration accuracy shall be the Chi 2 test. The Chi 2 statistic shall be defined as a statistical measure of the quality of fit of a survey network. The result of the Chi 2 test is a simple pass or fail criteria. If it passes then the registration network statistically fits to the tolerances required; if it fails then it is unacceptable for delivery. 2.4.4.2. The laser scanner vendor shall have a work process that correctly addresses the laser registration issues and shall be able to provide proof of the registration accuracy. 3.1.1. Laser scanning vendor shall participate in site-specific safety programs. 3.1.2. Laser scanning vendor shall be prepared to submit safety procedures and proof that field crews have received proper safety training. 3.2. Field Work 3.2.1. The laser scanner vendor shall provide proof that field crew has performed laser scanning on projects of a similar scope and complexity. 3.2.2. The laser scanning vendor shall provide all materials and equipment required to perform laser scanning services. This includes, but is not limited to, the following devices: Special jigs needed to access difficult to reach locations Safety equipment Targets and miscellaneous other field equipment Total Station Generators
3.2.3. Time spent on each platform shall not exceed five working days. The laser scanning vendor shall furnish the required number of crews and scanner devices needed to ensure that time spent on each platform is minimized. 3.2.4. A spare scanner shall be available should it be necessary to replace or supplement existing equipment. 3.2.5. Each field crew shall consist of a lead scanner. The lead scanner shall be responsible for safety performance, schedule and ensuring proper coordination with platform operations and personnel. 3.2.6. Field Survey 3.3. Data Processing 4. Deliverables 3.2.6.1. Targets shall be used to locate scanner within each image and for entire data network. A minimum of three targets per horizontal scan and five targets per vertical scan shall be established. 3.2.6.2. The field crew shall be capable of using Total Station should it be determined that field data be referenced to a specific platform coordinate system. 3.2.6.3. The laser scanning vendor shall ensure that survey closes within acceptable standards before leaving each platform. The vendor shall be able to view scanned images (point cloud data) immediately following each scan. This will allow owner, contractor, field crew, etc. to ensure that adequate coverage was attained prior to leaving the platform. 3.3.1. The laser scanning vendor shall process and provide quality control on all data prior to issuing. 3.3.2. The laser scanning vendor shall deliver all data on DVD or hard drive. Delivery of point cloud data shall be within two weeks following conclusion of laser scanning. 3.3.3. The laser scanning vendor shall have internal capability to generate 2D drawings and deliverables. 4.1. The following deliverables shall be provided: 4.1.1. Laser scans shall be submitted as photo-realistic reflectance images from which sections and dimensions may be retrieved. 4.1.2. The laser scanning data shall be processed to create visually realistic three-dimensional models for regions measuring 20 feet in length, width, and height. 4.1.3. All software necessary for reviewing laser scanning data as photo-realistic images and as three-dimensional laser scanning models shall be included.
4.1.4. Laser scan data on a DVD or hard drive. 4.1.5. Dimensional extraction software shall be provided free-of-charge. Software shall allow its user to extract useful information from the point cloud data such as pipe diameters and centerlines, x-y-z coordinates, etc. Software shall allow its user to slice through data to assist in generating 2D drawings and deliverables. 4.1.6. A key plan shall showing locations of all scans. Scan locations shall be linked to images so that by clicking onto scan location on key plan launches the image. 4.1.7. Hardcopies of all laser scan images. 4.1.8. If required and as agreed in writing, 2D as-built drawings from scanned data. Typical drawings may include, but not be limited to, Floor Plans, Elevations, Equipment Arrangement Plans, Piping Plans and Isometrics, Framing Plans, and P&IDs. 4.2. The laser scanner vendor shall provide the required training and on-going project support. Conclusion This document serves as a guideline template that can be used to specify how laser scanning services are provided. It helps you to ensure that the results you receive are both trustworthy and accurate. These specifications are to be attached to either a request for proposal (RPF) or services contract. For more information, please visit Quantapoint s web site at www.quantapoint.com or directly contact a Quantapoint representative at +1-412-653-0100 or info@quantapoint.com.
Quantapoint Whitepaper: Selecting a Laser Scanning Service Provider Quantapoint, Provider of the World s Most Trusted and Accurate As-Built Documentation Advanced Technology Patented 3D continuous laser scanning for capturing plant as-built dimensions o SceneManager technology provides both high resolution and fast data capture o Enables as-built data to be displayed as photo-realistic 3D image Designed for plant usage o Compensates for temperature and humidity effects, which reduce accuracy o Custom mounts to enable difficult scans Experienced and Highly Trained Field Crews Extensive expertise in rapid, safe and complete project execution in plants o Two man crew can document an entire unit in 2 to 4 days o All fields crews receive rigorous safety and laser scanning training World s most experienced provider of laser scanning services o Dedicated field crews with the most plant laser scanning experience o Crews trained to identify and prevent scanning blind spots o World s largest fleet of laser scanners that can be deployed on short notice Proven and Repeatable Work Process Field proven and repeatable work processes that deliver trustworthy and accurate results o Equipment calibrated before and during project to ensure precision o Data reviewed prior to leaving plant to verify comprehensiveness Advanced algorithms to integrate individual laser scans into as-built documentation o Based on real-world laser scanning and plant experience o Trust measurement provided to prove trustworthiness and accuracy Next-Generation Software and Value-Add Services PRISM, software that enables the Digital Plant o Ensure precision by extracting as-built information from an interactive photo-realistic 3D image o Increase design productivity and efficiency by more quickly and accurately generate 2D drawings o Enhance design and constructability by displaying CAD models with the as-built documentation o Ensure clash-free project design and execution using advanced built-in clash detection algorithms Value-add services to help extract greater value o 2D drawing generation o Link as-built documentation to existing asset data sheets About Quantapoint Quantapoint, Inc. provides the world s most trusted and accurate as-built documentation to the processing and power industries. Quantapoint has become the acknowledged industry benchmark for trust and accuracy by offering a unique combination of advanced technology, experienced and highly trained field crews, proven and repeatable work processes, and next generation software. Quantapoint s solutions have helped customers reduce construction rework to less than 1% of total installed cost and typically provide a greater than 10 times return on investment. For more information, please visit the newly redesigned website at www.quantapoint.com. 2004 Quantapoint, Inc. Page 10 of 10