Laser scanning or laser profilometry entails traversing an area of interest with a laser sensor. The laser sensor captures two-dimension surface profiles of the area of interest and record the profiles with respect to time or distance traveled. These two dimensional surface profiles are compiled into a three-dimensional surface topography map that can be analyzed by software programs enabling precise measurement of surface imperfections or weld anomalies. Numerous laser scanning systems have been developed in recent years. A few examples of how this technology can be applied to the pipeline industry are given in the attached technical brief for analyzing corrosion and welds.
Read the full tech brief — Laser Profilometry