3D scan technology eliminates human error on complicated industrial applications

Retrofitting new equipment in an industrial facility can be challenging, especially with pipes, pipe bridges, and many other obstacles. SafeRack, leading the industry in innovation, manufactured a complex 12-spot double-sided railcar access platform at one of HollyFrontier’s US Asphalt facilities. The design/engineering phase was kicked off with a 3D laser site scan that plotted the entire facility, eliminating user error and ensuring the new equipment would be successfully implemented. With precise digital dimensions imported directly into our engineering software, weeks were shaved off the design phase and approval process. With accuracy never before seen in this industry, the 3D scanning software completely removed any burden to the customer’s engineering and operations team. This specific 720’ long complex platform system included secondary bump-outs at each offloading spot, tracking gangways, pivoting safety cages, and strategically placed fans to mitigate hazardous vapors along with many other terminal and safety features.

Operators at this asphalt terminal previously used ladders for access while bottom offloading railcars, which presented fall hazards and exposed them to potentially dangerous H2S gases. The last thing this energy company needed was operators getting light-headed while working 15-feet in the air. SafeRack Regional Area Manager Nathan Elliott used our 3D software to scan the area to locate existing pipe rack obstructions so that the custom-engineered design could be implemented successfully. By incorporating these site conditions during the design phase, construction and installation costs were dramatically reduced, and the final installation was far more efficient.

With a 31’ track center, secondary bump-out platforms were installed in order to reach the railcars. The platform walk surface even passes through a pipe bridge! To limit operators’ exposure to hazardous gases during venting, the 12-spot double-sided railcar access platform was mounted with fans to redirect the Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) vapors away from workers. SafeRack’s Dan Wiegand served as a dedicated project manager to ensure a swift and effective process from design to completion. When the client experienced delays, the SafeRack production team was able to put the project on hold to meet their timeline with no additional fees, making the customer very happy. Our design/engineering team was able to transform the site-specific data this project presented and turn it into a customized solution that met the needs of the customer perfectly.

Contact SafeRack to get our innovative approach and industry-leading technology to discuss or get ideas for your project.