3D Laser Scanning for Upgrade Layout Engineering in Paper Mills

3D laser scanning captures the as-built conditions of an existing WSR subsystem, Material Handling- or Effluent Treatment- Plant in a paper mill

The capturing is executed with millimeter accuracy using Laser and LiDAR scanners, millions of data points are recorded to generate a point cloud model, which is then converted into a 3D environment for engineering use.

Key functionalities

  1. Accurate As-Built Documentation
    • Captures existing tanks, piping, cable trays, structures, and confined spaces.
    • Provides a digital twin of the mill for precise integration of new systems.
  2. Clash-Free Design for Brownfield Projects
    • Engineers overlay new equipment (ETPs, scrubbers, sludge presses) in the scanned 3D model.
    • Ensures new piping, cable routing, and foundations fit without site surprises.
  3. Complex Geometry Capture
    • Ideal for irregular structures, congested pipe racks, or legacy areas with no drawings.
    • Detects underground or overhead space constraints for routing.
  4. Remote Collaboration
    • The 3D scan allows engineers, operators, and contractors to “walk through” the plant virtually, even from remote locations.
  5. Lifecycle Utility
    • Beyond project execution, the scan becomes part of the digital asset for maintenance, inspection, and future upgrades

Advantages for Environmental Solutions & Upgrades

  • High Accuracy → ±2–3 mm precision, far better than manual surveys.
  • Full Coverage → Captures areas that are difficult or unsafe to measure manually.
  • Rapid Data Collection → Large mill areas can be scanned in hours instead of weeks.
  • Reliable Basis for 3D Modeling → Reduces dependency on outdated or missing 2D drawings.

Project Advantages

  • Clash Detection Before Construction → Minimizes costly rework during installation.
  • Optimized Layouts → Accurate space utilization for new tanks, pipelines, and racks.
  • Reduced Downtime → Faster installation due to pre-fabricated piping/cables designed with real as-built dimensions.
  • Lower CAPEX & OPEX Risks → Prevents “surprise” site modifications that escalate budgets.
  • Safety Improvements → Limits manual site surveys in hazardous or high-access zones.

Typical Scope in Paper Mill Environmental Projects

  • Scanning of existing ETP areas, sludge handling plants, pipe racks, utility corridors.
  • Capture of congested mill interiors where new pipelines/cables must pass.
  • Conversion of point cloud data into intelligent 3D CAD models (Invetor and NAVIS works)
  • Integration of new system components and meri machines into the model.
  • Clash analysis and layout optimization for:
    • Piping systems (effluent, sludge, utilities).
    • Cable trays and MCC connections.
    • Structural modifications (platforms, supports, racks).

Typical Deliverables

  1. Point Cloud Database – raw and processed.
  2. As-Built 3D Model – showing all captured structures, piping, and equipment.
  3. 2D Extraction from 3D Scan –
    • Updated GA drawings.
    • Isometrics with exact dimensions.
    • Cable routing layouts.
    • Civil/structural interface drawings.
  4. Clash Reports – between existing and proposed systems.
  5. Digital Twin (Optional) – fully navigable model for operations & maintenance.