3D Modeling & Plant Layout

3D Modeling & Plant Layout services in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and throughout the Lower Mainland, BC. Professional piping & plant layout solutions.

OVERVIEW

Advanced 3D modeling and plant layout services throughout BC, Canada, and USA. Our 3D modeling capabilities form the foundation of effective piping and facility design. We create comprehensive plant layouts that optimize space utilization while maintaining clear access routes for operations and maintenance personnel.

We develop detailed 3D models that integrate piping systems with structural steel, equipment, and building infrastructure. This integrated approach identifies conflicts early, reduces field rework, and supports efficient facility operation from day one.

  • Complete 3D plant layout development and optimization
  • Equipment general arrangements and spatial coordination
  • Clash detection and resolution across all disciplines
  • Access and egress route planning for operations and maintenance
  • Integration with structural, electrical, and mechanical systems
USE CASES & APPLICATIONS

Designing an optimum 3D plant layout and piping general arrangement is an essential expertise that takes seasoned engineers with proven experience in similar plants or the owners will lose a lot during detailed design, procurement, construction and operations phases. We are confident that experienced high rank project managers appreciate this as an important value delivered to them, even if, evaluation forms during bid assessments don't necessarily provide adequate methods for taking that into consideration.

Whether designing new greenfield facilities or expanding existing brownfield plants, our 3D modeling services provide facility spatial coordination needed to avoid conflicts between piping, structural steel, equipment, and building systems. This is particularly critical in dense industrial facilities where space is at a premium and access for maintenance must be carefully planned. Our models support equipment placement, maintenance access, energy saving, ergonomic requirements, and future expansion planning.

PROCESS & WORKFLOW

We begin by developing equipment general arrangements based on process requirements, site specifics such as area, future expansion requirements, coordinates, elevations, soil properties, energy saving requirements, interconnections requirements, constructability barriers, maintenance requirements, and operational needs. Our team creates detailed 3D models, integrating all disciplines into a single coordinated model. We perform clash detection analyses to identify and resolve conflicts before they reach the field, saving time and reducing rework costs.

Throughout the design process, we coordinate with structural, electrical, and mechanical teams to support seamless system integration. We develop access and egress routes for operations and maintenance personnel, considering safety requirements and operational workflows. Our models serve as the single source of truth for all project stakeholders, from design through construction and into operations.

Our methodology includes regular model reviews with operations teams to validate maintenance access and operational workflows. We incorporate constructability feedback from local fabrication shops and contractors, supporting designs optimized for the relevant construction industry. We maintain model accuracy through rigorous quality control processes, with each model reviewed by senior engineers before release.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE

Depending on the scope of work and design criteria assigned to us, our plant design practices align with industry standards including, for example, ASME B31.3 for process piping in chemical plants, CSA standards for Canadian regular projects, NFPA's for various hazardous plants or buildings, API standards for plants with high temperature and high pressure fluid service classes, BC Building Code, Vancouver Building Bylaw (VBBL), BCPC, BCFC, or other Provinces' or Estates' applicable codes for buildings and enclosures, WorkSafeBC regulations as applicable, and client-specific requirements for structured companies / organizations. All models are developed to meet dimensional accuracy requirements and include all necessary information for fabrication and construction. Our deliverables support BC Building Code compliant 3D modeling and seismic-ready plant layouts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs

How do you handle coordination between disciplines?
We maintain integrated modeling with structural, mechanical, and electrical teams, supporting clash-free designs. Our 3D models serve as the coordination platform, with all disciplines working from the same spatial reference. We perform regular clash detection analyses and resolve conflicts before design packages are issued for construction. This proactive approach prevents costly field conflicts and supports smooth construction execution.
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Ready to Work With Us?

Partner with IFEL for professional 3d modeling & plant layout services in Vancouver and Lower Mainland, BC.