A good process skid is designed as one system: equipment, piping, structure, instruments and electrics fitted into a frame that can be lifted, transported, installed and maintained. Most skid problems come from designing those parts separately.
Key Takeaways
- Start from maintenance access, not just footprint.
- Check pipe stress and nozzle loads inside the skid.
- Design the base frame for lifting and transport, not only operation.
- Coordinate instruments, cables and junction boxes in the same model.
Layout
Equipment placement is driven by process flow, maintenance access and operator safety. A 3D model in Autodesk Plant 3D or CADWorx makes access and clearances visible early.
Piping and Stress
Compact skids concentrate piping. CAESAR II checks stresses and the loads on pump and vessel nozzles before fabrication.
Base Frame
The frame is designed in STAAD.Pro for operating, lifting and transport loads, with lifting points and deflection limits the equipment can accept.
Instruments and Electrics
Instrument locations, cable routes and junction boxes belong in the same model, so the skid arrives ready to connect.
Handover
GA and fabrication drawings, a model, calculations and foundation load data go with the skid, which makes installation and later changes easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you design skids for OEMs?
Yes, as a Design Partner, including work delivered under the OEM's name.
Can you design the skid foundation?
Yes, from the skid's operating and installation loads.
References and Further Reading
Use the applicable standard edition, equipment requirements and local rules agreed in the project design basis.
