dimension pipe tips

[sbronson]

Can anyone point me in the right direction or have to time to give me some tips to help me dimension pipe. Sometimes pipes are too high and a ladder won't reach, so I try to measure from support to support but I'm not always accurate. On the ground some pipes are just hard to get to and I'm not sure how to get the dimension of those pipes.

 

[XL83NL]

Safety first.
Read the iso.
Check if there's an as-built 3D-model.
Get a tapeline or ruler.
Get a higher ladder or use a scissor lift or scaffolding.
Ask the engineers for the isometrics.
Ask someone else.

 

[rconner]

[might want to read through the thread e.g. at

http://www.pipingdesign.com/mailarc/0410/8119.html,

or ask gator?]

 

[LittleInch]

Have you got a photo of what you mean?

Invent something that measures circumference easily.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[sbronson]

CAD operators aren't allowed to use scissor lifts at the refinery I work at sometimes. I have a tape measure and use whatever ladder I see lying around. Guess I just need to think outside the box and be a little creative.

 

[cvg]

3d model, laser scanning / point cloud. you could spend months doing it with a tape measure on a ladder and end up with crappy results. if you dont fall off the ladder

just a sampling:

http://faro-3d-software.com/CAD/Industry_Sector/plant_survey.php

http://www.controlpointdesign.com/

http://www.aveva.com/en/Products_and_Services/AVEVA_for_Plant/Laser_Technologies.aspx

 

[Fyokou]

Sometimes I use some string with weighted ends to throw the string around the pipe to measure the OD the pipe.

Of course depends on the what the pipe is carrying....

Sometimes I can read a valve model no or flange/pipe marking which has the dia.

 

[BigInch]

A long string and two plumb bobs. tie one on each end. Throw one plumb bob over the pipe. Measure distance between strings.

 

[sbronson]

sounds odd, and it helps?

 

[BigInch]

I'd get a cherry picker myself, but hey; don't see why it wouldn't work.

 

[NBrink]

For measuring the pipe diameter? Yeah, that would do.

For actually making ISOs? You work with what you've got: distance between supports, laser measuring tapes (not nearly as cool as a full laser scan, but much, much cheaper), eyeballing, raiding as-built isos (if they exist)...

You can only ever get so close, that's why (FFW) exists...

 

[BigInch]

The whole idea of laser scanning is IT IS cheaper, if you've got a lot of pipes and structures to do.