Why Pipework Designers Are Using 3D Laser Scanning Before Mining Shutdowns
Pipework modifications are one of the most common activities during mining shutdowns. Whether installing new pump systems, modifying slurry lines, upgrading process piping, or integrating new equipment into an existing plant, pipework must often be designed and installed within very tight shutdown windows.
For pipework designers and drafting teams, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring that new pipe systems fit within the existing plant infrastructure.
In many mining facilities, the current pipework configuration differs significantly from the original design drawings. Over years of maintenance upgrades, equipment replacements, and operational modifications, plants evolve into complex environments with dense pipework, structures, and mechanical equipment.
When new pipework is fabricated using inaccurate measurements, installation problems can occur during shutdowns.
This is why engineering teams increasingly rely on 3D laser scanning to capture accurate plant conditions before pipework design begins.
Learn more about how this approach supports shutdown engineering here:
https://www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au/3d-laser-scanning-mining-shutdowns/
The Challenge of Pipework Design in Existing Mining Plants
Pipework drafting in brownfield mining environments can be extremely complex.
Designers must work around:
• Existing pipe racks
• Structural steel supports
• Conveyors and transfer stations
• Pumps and process equipment
• Cable trays and electrical systems
In these environments, even a small dimensional error can result in fabricated pipe spools that do not fit during installation.
Common shutdown issues include:
• Pipe clashes with existing structures
• Incorrect pipe routing
• Misaligned connections
• Insufficient maintenance access
When these problems are discovered onsite, shutdown installation crews may need to modify pipework, fabricate new spools, or redesign sections of the system — all of which can delay commissioning.
How 3D Laser Scanning Improves Pipework Drafting
3D laser scanning captures millions of measurement points across an industrial facility, creating a highly detailed point cloud representation of the plant.
Pipework designers can use this point cloud data to develop piping models within the true geometry of the facility.
Instead of relying on manual measurements, engineers can accurately model pipe routing and verify clearances before fabrication begins.
Typical pipework projects that benefit from scanning include:
• Pump station upgrades
• Slurry pipeline modifications
• Water transfer systems
• Process pipework installations
• Pipe rack expansions
By designing pipework inside an accurate digital model of the plant, engineers significantly reduce installation risks during shutdowns.
Scan-to-CAD Workflows for Pipework Designers
Once the scanning process is completed, the point cloud data can be imported into CAD software and used as the basis for scan-to-CAD modelling.
Pipework designers can then:
• Model new piping systems around existing equipment
• Verify flange connection locations
• Confirm maintenance access clearances
• Perform clash detection before fabrication
• Generate fabrication drawings with higher confidence
This workflow greatly improves coordination between design engineers, drafting teams, pipe fabricators, and shutdown installation crews.
Supporting Mining Plant Pipework Upgrades
Across the mining industry, reality capture technologies such as LiDAR and 3D laser scanning are becoming standard tools for engineering teams working on plant upgrades.
These technologies allow engineers to move from site capture to fabrication-ready pipework models much faster than traditional survey methods.
For complex brownfield facilities, scanning provides a level of dimensional accuracy that is difficult to achieve using conventional measurement techniques.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about how 3D laser scanning supports mining shutdown planning and plant upgrades, visit:
https://www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au/3d-laser-scanning-mining-shutdowns/
