Skid Mounted Packaged Equipment Systems : Advantages and Benefits
Are you planning to install new machinery in your manufacturing plant? Installation of new equipment, whether in launching a new production line or an existing manufacturing line, can be a challenging task.
Majorly, two methodologies have to be addressed while installing new equipment or machinery at plant facilities.
1. Stick-built Approach: It is a conventional method in which the entire installation takes place on-site. In this approach, each component is installed individually and joined after everything is in place. It is also known as a build-on-site and site-built method. As the stick-built projects are designed from scratch, it requires more time and upfront investment.
2. Skid-built Approach: It is a modular approach in which the separate pieces are assembled offsite at a manufacturing location. In this method, all the process connections and equipment components are fabricated and installed on a skid (frame). The entire package is transported to the client location after completion of the processing and testing of the equipment, and then it is tied into the facility process. It is also known as “a system in a box.”
The skid-built method has become more competitive compared to the conventional stick-built approach. It offers many plusses, such as higher quality products, quick installation, cost-effective, and more. Let’s read on to understand the advantages of the skid-built method over the site-built method.
Quick and Easy Communication
The skid-built system has the most significant advantage of maintaining and managing the entire project through a single point of contact. It removes the hassles of communicating with designers, mechanical, and electrical contractors involved in the manufacturing process. A unique group is assigned the ownership of the whole design, manufacturing, procurement, testing of the equipment, which makes it easier to communicate. It makes it easier for the customer to ask all the queries and receive project updates from a single entity. It helps to boost consumer confidence and increases trust. Changes can be addressed quickly, and it ensures to maintain a high level of accuracy as it doesn’t involve multiple parties to approve changes.
Cost-effective
One of the major deciding factors for any project is its cost. We can compare both the methods — stick-built and modular method, based on various parameters. The as-built equipment includes costs of structure, installation, meet specific code requirements, permit future expansion, and business downtime. Whereas, in the stick-built method, all the above considerations should be made along with additional costs of engineer or architect and heavy machinery rental cost. Hence, it reduces labor and material costs.
Build Projects Faster
Lead time, build time, and downtime is the most crucial factors that can significantly impact the success or failure of the project. Packaged systems follow parallel fabrication, which reduces project completion time. The modular process provides faster turnaround time as facilities preparation and system design take place at the same time.
Benefits of Skid Mounted Systems:
Portability
Modular process skids are built within frames that hold the entire system as a single unit. Hence, the skid system is more accessible to transport from one location to the other as and when needed.
Fits in Small Space
Skid-built units are self-contained, so it can easily fit in a small area.
Higher Quality
When a single group of people is responsible for the construction of skidded equipment, it ensures a higher level of responsibility and quality control for the process.
Pre-assembled Unit
One of the most visible benefits of a system in a box system is the installation process. The stick-built project requires various contractors to be present on-site for the assembly process. Whereas, the skid-built system consists of a pre-assembled unit which only needs to tie into the facility process.
Hence, the skid-mounted system provides benefits throughout all the stages of a project when compared with conventional stick-built methodologies. So, now is the time to consider skid engineering design services for your next project requirement.
