How a 3D Scanner streamlines HVAC Retrofitting Projects?

 

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) retrofit projects are tedious especially when you are still in the “measuring tape” ages. HVAC retrofit involves getting an accurate condition of all the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in the building. 

Precise measurements of these MEP and HVAC systems are required to determine the current condition and impacts of the retrofit or renovation jobs. Conventional measurements and recording of such are time consuming and quite expensive. 

For HVAC contractors who want to minimize the time spent on measurements alone, a 3D scanner is your best choice to do so. 

 

How 3D Digital Scanner Helps HVAC Contractors

 

HVAC retrofit means installing new technology with the existing yet old ones. An HVAC system of any size has networks of numerous hangers, sleeves and other components. Which are all positioned precisely within the structure to support it. 

During the measurement stage, a 3D digital scanner can help you collect necessary information. These are the following:

 

1. Floor areas
2. Heights
3. Steel Widths
4. All spatial dimensions
5. Elevations 

 

All of these with speed, accuracy, and range to make in-field data collection. Fast and easy. 

A 3D scanner can help you collect accurate as-built information. This way, you can determine as early as possible the impacts of the additional retrofitting of MEP systems. A laser scanner can help you scan exact measurements and positions of surfaces, HVAC components, and duct works.

During each scan, the 3D digital scanner collects millions of data points, also called a point cloud. This collected information is now accessible to a CAD software to provide a view as-built documentation. 

Which then enables HVAC contractors to get a bird’s eye view of the existing MEP systems and adjust the retrofitting project in accordance with the client’s requirements. 

 

How Usage of a Laser Scanner Improves Dealing with Clients?

 

When you use a 3D scanner, you practically minimize the time spent on mere measurements of the project. With an accurate point cloud and measurements courtesy of your laser scanner, you enable your team to tackle complex projects.

At the same time, you can offer your clients comprehensive and innovative solutions that saves time and money. All the while you meet industry standards of quality. 

Depending on the project, setup and scan won’t interfere in your client’s day-to-day operations. It is also possible to do this with only one person and some light equipment.

Handheld scanners such as Calibry, David Starter Kit, David SLS 2, and THOR3D Scanner Drake are your best options. These laser scanners are built for one-man operation and can scan difficult crawl spaces or above ceiling tiles. 

 

Benefits of 3D Scanner for HVAC Retrofit Projects

 

These are the various benefits of using this equipment.

 

Time and Cost Saving	Conventional measurement of MEP and HVAC systems often takes 4 days or 32-man hours to complete as-built measurements manually.  This also depends on the number of people working and the project site.  With 3D scanner, collection of accurate measurements is possible in real time thus minimizes the time to complete the as-built documentation
Smooth Installation Progress	An accurate point cloud from a laser scanner can help you determine and ensure that the new equipment will fit into the intended location within the existing system.  Scanned files are transported to a CAD Software where you can spin the model around, cut sections, and zoom into areas.  This way you can figure out if concepts and project proposals will fit into the space. Adjustments are made as early as possible without spending too much time and expenses on equipment.
Accurate Drawings for Prefabrication	For buildings, shutdown time may be needed to finish the retrofit project. Which may mean profit loss for your client.  Pre-scan is also used to coordinate prefabrication of the piping system. Thus creation of a scheduled mechanical and electrical downtime is put in place to minimize unproductivity.  This will also help your client to determine the necessary time or personnel movement before and during the start of the retrofit process.
3D View of the Retrofit Project	Through CAD software, you can offer your clients an accurate representation of the improvements in the HVAC system. Even before its completion.  This is also a good way to present your abilities to integrate new technology into decade old systems.

 

Common HVAC Retrofit Projects Where 3D Scanner Can Help

 

Most retrofit projects for HVAC systems are package rooftop units, boilers and chillers. The following are the commercial retrofit projects where 3D scanner is quite useful:

1. Installment of CO2 Sensors
2. Ductwork sealing or replacement
3. Replacement of semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors
4. Addition of condenser fan controls 
5. Addition of demand-controlled ventilation
6. Installment of supply fan speed controls
7. Installment of cooling capacity controls
8. Addition of smart temperature and humidity controls
9. Installation of airside economizer

 

3D2GO Philippines Uses Industry-grade 3D Scanner for HVAC Contractors 

 

We are the pioneer of excellent services when it comes to 3D services. Aside from 3D printing and rapid prototyping for the engineering industry, we also offer 3D scanning services. 

We use an excellent 3D scanner, laser scanner, and lidar scanner that you may need for your retrofit project. Here at 3D2GO we can assure you that we only deliver quality scans of your project with speed and accuracy. 

Furthermore, we have the best staff to do the scan for you. We also have the staff with necessary mechanical engineering background that can understand how the HVAC system works. 

This way, you are assured you are dealing with the right partner with the necessary background and knowledge to deliver just what you need.

Contact us today and let us help you streamline how you do your projects.