What Does
Skid Mean?
A skid is a low steel-framed platform like structure over which heavy equipment is placed to facilitate easy movement and storage. It is constructed from I-beams, angles or channels and used as a shipping and support platform for various types of equipment.
Skid systems are custom manufactured by fabricators as per the client requirement. Once the equipment is assembled it can be permanently mounted on the skid with all process controls at one spot on the skid. Once installed, the skid can be easily transported to the final site location where the process can be quickly started.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Skid
Benefits of Skids Systems
Skids can also be used to mount portable equipment to facilitate its handling by cranes or flatbed trucks. The skid has attachments for hooks and cables and at least two longitudinal beams to help slide the equipment in place.
Skids can be used to install a complete process system within a frame, enabling easy transportation. Skid-mounted equipment provides an alternative to on-site assembly where individual system parts are shipped and incrementally installed at the job site.
Having the equipment assembled off-site allows for more control and helps to avoid some of the risks associated with on-site assembly. Skid-mounted equipment can contain entire process systems or smaller individual systems that can be combined to create larger process systems.
In addition, using skid-mounted equipment can result in reduced construction time due to parallel construction, where the unit can be assembled off-site while on-site upgrades are being conducted simultaneously. This avoids the need for time-consuming on-site logistics associated with on-site assembly and fabrication.
Skids Systems in the Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry utilizes different types of skids for different needs such as:
Chemical injection is done during the oil and gas extraction process and the system consists of many storage tanks and pressure vessels. The injection system is custom-built to client specifications over a wide range of process applications.
Surge relief skids
Whenever there is a change in the rate of flow of liquid in a pipeline, a pressure surge is experienced, which can be dangerous if the change takes place too rapidly. Skid systems with complete surge relief protection are critical for the hydraulic, transmission lines, and oil tanker loading terminals industry to comply withsafety and regulations.
Truck loading skids
These skids can be top-loading or bottom loading skids and help achieve accurate transfer operations while complying with safety standards. They can be used to load different products such as gasoline, diesel, methanol and LPG.
Modular skids
These skids contain a complete process system or can be joined with other skids to create larger process systems. Different types of modular skids include:
- Gas modular skid.
- Oil modular skid.
- Power water injection skid.
Skids are designed to be portable, environmentally friendly, have different process connections gathered at one spot on the skid, are factory acceptance tested (FAT) before installation, and have an accessible layout.