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3D Laser Scanning for Corrosion

Full-surface corrosion profiling on pressure vessels, storage tanks, structural steelwork, and complex fabrications — capturing millions of dimensionally referenced data points across the entire accessible surface where conventional UT thickness grids measure at discrete, disconnected points.

What Is 3D Laser Scanning for Corrosion Assessment?


3D laser scanning for corrosion assessment uses structured-light or time-of-flight scanning technology to capture the complete surface geometry of a component — producing a dense, spatially referenced point cloud that records every measurable variation in the surface profile, including areas of localised pitting, general wall thinning, and corrosion-induced deformation.


Unlike conventional UT thickness surveys — which measure wall condition at a defined grid of discrete points and interpolate the condition between them — 3D laser scanning captures the full surface topology. Pitting depth, corrosion extent, and area of metal loss are measured and visualised across the entire component profile, not estimated between measurement points.


Scan data is registered against the component's nominal geometry — drawing dimensions, previous scan baselines, or photogrammetric reference — enabling every area of dimensional deviation to be directly quantified in three dimensions and referenced against API 579, ASME FFS-1, and equivalent fitness-for-service assessment criteria. 3D laser scanning is entirely non-contact and can be performed on pressurised, in-service vessels and structures without process interruption.

Where We Apply 3D Corrosion Scanning


        Above-ground storage tank shell and floor assessment

        Pressure vessel external corrosion mapping — nozzles, shells, heads

        Piping corrosion under insulation (CUI) assessment following targeted insulation removal

        Structural steelwork condition survey — bridges, offshore jackets, jetties

        Corrosion growth trending between formal inspection intervals

        Pre- and post-repair dimensional verification

        Fitness-for-service input data generation — API 579 / ASME FFS-1 Level 2 and 3

        Corrosion mapping on complex fabricated components where UT grid coverage is impractical

Applicable Codes and Standards


        API 579 / ASME FFS-1 — Fitness-for-service assessment — corrosion assessment methodology and remaining strength calculations

        API 653 — Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction — floor and shell condition assessment

        ASME B31.3, B31.4, B31.8 — Pressure piping and pipeline inspection codes

        ISO 17025 — Measurement traceability requirements for scanning system calibration

        ASME B89 — Dimensional metrology standards — applicable where scan data is used for precision measurement