How To Get Started With A Pump Skid System

Why Skid Systems?

Skid mounted pump systems are fast becoming the solution for many manufacturers. Instead of piecing together a component-based pumping system, compact, pre-engineered, skid mounted units are more attractive than ever.

Skidded systems are contained within a frame so it’s transportable as a unit from the skid manufacturer to the installation site. Staying within this frame also means it takes less floor space than a traditional installation.

Skid systems are designed to be plug and play. Quality skid systems arrive on the dock ready to install with minimal connection points. They are designed to be as compact as possible while still providing access points to important components.

It is important to note that skid systems are not always the right answer. If components of the system are too large to fit inside the frame, the traditional installation is preferred.

Common Applications for Skid Systems

Skidded systems are used in nearly all markets in one way or another. They’re commonly used in these types of applications:

• Chemical feed
• Circulation
• Metering
• Transfer
• Blending/Mixing
• Wastewater treatment (chemical injection)
• Skid mounted water treatment systems
• Skid mounted booster pump systems
• Polymer makedown
• Starch cooking
• Skid mounted water filtration system
• Flow splitting
• Municipal lift stations
• Product reclamation

Skid design

Great skid design starts with a well-defined goal. How do you want to change your process? Do you need to control flow, pressure, or temperature? Is it all of the above? Get specific about your needs, quantify your goals and put numbers to them.

Define exactly what your skid system needs to do, the chemicals used, and how accurate it needs to be. Some processes require very high accuracy, while others do not. Take the time to think about how your new system will fit into your current operation and how it may affect other processes down the line.

Next, consider the resources you have available. What utilities will you need to operate the new system? Is there space available? Do you have a budget?

Knowing the performance details upfront will allow the skid manufacturer to offer their best price and fastest delivery.

Evaluating pump skid manufacturers

Simple systems, like those that consist of few components, are sometimes designed and constructed by the manufacturer. However, it saves a manufacturer time and money by outsourcing more complex systems to companies that engineer and build skid mounted process equipment as part of their business.

When seeking a partner to help design and build a skid system, look for a manufacturer that exhibits these qualities:

• Engineering and design knowledge – Some manufacturers know how to bolt stuff together, but have no understanding of how the system will work as a whole (the skid system as well as the pumping system it is installed in).
• History in process equipment – Some manufacturers are built from experience with chemicals, others are built with experience from process equipment. We find some of our toughest competitors are also built from their experience with process equipment. Look for a manufacturer that has a deep knowledge of different types of process equipment.
• More than Cookie Cutter Solutions – Some manufacturers choose to mass produce skidded systems and make minor tweaks to those systems to fit your process. The systems are not designed with your process in mind. Look for a manufacturer that assesses your unique situation first, then designs a solution.

Why Outsource Skid Systems

Less project management

Outsourcing a turn-key solution to one company can take a huge load off your plate. Even a small system requires the oversight of mechanical and electrical designers, procurement of components from multiple vendors, drawings, documentation, and the coordination of several trades from maintenance and operations, plus outside resources.

Simplified Installation

Experienced skid system manufacturers build systems to minimize the work required to install on site. They focus on delivering the easiest setup possible.
They also ensure the system works as expected before it arrives. The system is put through a series of tests to confirm it delivers performance within the parameters laid out at the beginning of the process. Experienced skid system manufacturers also check to see there are no leaks, the motors are turning in the right direction, programming is de-bugged, valves are adjusted, etc. Running these tests ahead of time reduces the amount of time employees must spend on setup and testing before start up.

Single Source Responsibility

Scheduling problems are common on projects. If one contractor has a conflict, it can cause a ripple effect with your schedule, where additional contractors will have to be rescheduled, further delaying the project.
When implementing your own system, what happens if it doesn’t work? Service and performance problems can turn into a finger-pointing nightmare between vendors. When you select one system manufacturer, issues are resolved faster.

Reduced Cost

Reduced cost? Isn’t it always less expensive to do it yourself?

People are often short-sighted on this point. Imagine a scenario where a manufacturer needs to meter a chemical into a process. They compare the cost of all components (pump, motor, variable frequency drive, flowmeter, etc.) to the cost of a complete system. The cost of the complete system is more, so they decide to take the project on themselves.
There are a few other factors that didn’t make it into their calculation, however. Small components like valves, gauges, piping, fusing, disconnects, etc. add up too. What about the wages paid for assembly and testing? When these costs are added, oftentimes the pre-packaged skid system is a bargain.