MISSION AND GOALS

MI Solutions limited offer a range of technical surveying and modelling services. We work with many industries including, but not limited to, oil & gas, petrochemical and construction, who require highly accurate and detailed design plans and access to point cloud models. Our surveying expertise, numerous capabilities and use of the latest equipment ensure you receive the key information and documentation you need at an affordable price. By working with us you also avoid the costs associated with specialist equipment hire or purchase.

DIMENSIONAL CONTROL

Dimensional control surveying is the technique and science whereby 3-Dimensional spaces are accurately measured to determine the area between points, creating digitally mapped objects and their relationship to each other within this 3D space. The objects surveyed are positioned relative to a design co-ordinate system, enabling easy comparison with the original design (verification of new fabrications), or to tie in with existing items. MI Solutions limited offer bespoke dimensional control survey packages to our customers as part of our 3D laser scanning and overall surveying services for the oil and gas, chemical, automotive and other engineering industries. Our dimensional control capabilities allow us to give our clients peace of mind throughout the whole of their engineering project. From the accurate acquisition of the data on which a design is based, to the final checks of the fabricated items, our clients can be sure everything has been done to ensure a first time fit and clash free installation.

3D AS-BUILT SURVEYS

Dimensional control surveys are incredibly useful for providing highly accurate data for 3D as-built models, which accurately detail all the items within a defined 3D space. It is the ideal platform on which to base any design, as well as clash check a completed design.

Using dimensional control we can create a 3D model of existing pipework, steel, vessels and other elements for purposes of clash detection, whether this be for general repair orders, the designing of new pipework and plant, or purely for asset management. Where necessary models can also include accurate flange tie-in point information. This includes flange size and rating, bolt hole rotations and face of flange deviations. Using this information we can red-line existing or design drawings, providing designers with all the information they need for future scopes of work. This reduces the time and cost of having designers visit the site.

THIRD PARTY VERIFICATION SURVEYS

With third party verification surveys, including dimensional control, MI Solutions limited can act as an independent party for your project. We can confirm whether newly fabricated pipe/steelwork has been manufactured to the correct dimensions. By proving this correctness before shipment you will be omitting the need for any on-site corrections or modifications. Such changes often involve cutting/welding and hot-work permits – and therefore downtime. With a verification survey you can avoid these costly delays. Our experienced personnel have carried out third party verification surveys on a range of fabrications from small single pipes to entire platform jackets.

CLOSING SPOOL SURVEYS

It is common practice to delay the fabrication of one spool when installing new pipework systems, i.e. the “closing spool” of the run. By surveying the exact position and deviations of the flanges which the closing spool is to fit between, we are able to provide red-line dimensions for a spool that fits first time. After fabrication we would recommend that MI Solutions limited carry out an independent third-party verification survey. This ensures the replacement/new pipework is within tolerance.

SPECIALIST SURVEYS USING DIMENSIONAL CONTROL

Given the wide-ranging nature of engineering work and applications, there are many other areas that can benefit from dimensional control specialists. The types of survey and surveying work we can undertake include:

•  Tank deformation/ovality surveys – showing deviations against a theoretical profile of a tank or other known shape tank. An example of this is shown to the right.
  
  
• Setting out steel/pipework on complex shapes such as deck and existing framework.
  
  
• Other various surveys tailored to meet your needs.

LASER SCANNING

3D laser scanning surveying is a highly effective form of technology for collecting survey data. A 3D laser scanner can make multiple measurements in quick succession and then produces geometrically accurate image data by reflecting laser beam signals from a surface or object. By utilising the latest laser scanning technologies a surveyor can capture very dense point clouds comprising of millions of connected points (example data set below) in mere minutes. This rapid form of survey measurement ensures minimal disruption and it also eliminates the need for multiple site visits, for your safety and convenience. MI Solutions limited uses several high specification laser scanning machines from reputable manufacturers including Faro, Trimble and Leica, to perform 3D imaging surveys for a variety of clients. We possess a wealth of 3D laser scanning survey experience therefore we can choose the best laser scanner for the task at hand.
This is because one laser scanner cannot effectively fit every requirement of complex industrial applications. The uses of 3D laser scanning surveys are open-ended. Our laser survey work, however, is highly represented in the engineering, construction, architectural and manufacturing fields. Our clients could be looking to produce 2D plans or 3D models, perform structural engineering work, undertake health and safety planning, monitor landscape changes or modify an existing building or structure. In all these cases and more MI Solutions limited can deliver the 3D data you need. In addition, the datasets and models we create can be tailored to your requirements. We can produce a variety of accurate and reliable datasets. These include 3D surface and solid models, 2D drawings, AutoCAD drawings, Revit® and other BIM models and fully intelligent plant models using laser scanner technology. We are proud to go the extra mile in providing all the data and analysis you need. As a result 3D laser scanning really is the ideal technology for identifying potential issues and increasing procedural safety.

DRONE SURVEYS AND INSPECTION

Drones are able to capture detailed photogrammetric data in areas that were previously hard to reach and could even be dangerous for personnel, such as flare tips, pipe racks, overhanging platform edges, jacket legs and bridges. Because of this, drone surveys have opened up new avenues of exploration and calculation, whilst mitigating the need for additional safety control measures such as scaffolding, rope access teams, etc. This, therefore, greatly reduces the time and cost of inspections.
We use a range of different drones dependent upon the specific requirements outlined by our clients, each with different specialties and features.

VIDEO INSPECTION

We can also capture 4k video which is extremely useful for closer inspection works of hard-to-access areas such as pipe racks, flares, steel work, etc. This video footage can be analysed in the office and, if needed, supplemented with any of our other services, such as laser scanning or dimensional control to accurately capture the area in more detail.
This is useful for a multitude of applications including, but not limited to;

CCTV INTERNAL PIPE INSPECTION

There are many methods of inspecting the external condition of pipework but determining the internal condition can be a more difficult task. MI Solutions limited use remote CCTV cameras on a small vehicle. known as a “crawler unit”. This can be fed into a pipe and controlled from the surface, giving a live 4k video feed of the pipe internally. An example of the data delivered can be seen on the right. This is a still image taken from the video inspection. Notice how you can see the joins in the pipe. The photo below shows some of our kit in action.

3D MODELLING

MI Solutions limited specialises in converting survey data into BIM models and CAD plans. We know how to create the right maps and models to guide construction, engineering and architectural projects to successful completion. We can also help you avoid needless errors and costs. Our team can convert your or our data into 2D or 3D BIM/CAD deliverables using the latest CAD and BIM software.

2D DRAWINGS

MI Solutions limited also specialises in the production of the following 2D engineering drawings:

ISOMETRIC PIPE DRAWINGS

Not-to-scale isometric drawings of pipe systems. All dimensions are annotative and information such as flange co-ordinates, face of flange deviations and bolt hole rotations are shown as well as details such as pipe supports.