Skid / Skid Packaging

A picture for ASME Skid Mounted Units showing a skid mounted unit

Skid Design & Skid Packaging Engineering

Industrial Skid-Mounted Equipment Design & Fabrication Drawings

J Lowry, LLC provides engineering design services and detailed fabrication drawings for industrial skid-mounted equipment and packaged systems.

Skid-mounted systems provide a practical solution for integrating multiple pieces of industrial equipment into a single, transportable assembly.

These systems may incorporate pressure vessels, pumps, piping, valves, instrumentation, and other equipment mounted on a common structural frame.

Proper skid design requires careful consideration of equipment arrangement, structural support, operating conditions, and fabrication requirements.

Our engineering services help manufacturers and industrial clients develop skid designs that support efficient fabrication, transportation, installation, and operation.

What Is a Skid-Mounted System?

A skid-mounted system is an equipment assembly installed on a structural base or frame, commonly referred to as a skid.

The skid provides a common foundation for equipment and associated components, allowing the assembly to be fabricated, transported, and installed as a packaged unit.

Skid-mounted systems are frequently used in industrial facilities where equipment must be integrated into a compact, organized arrangement.

Depending on the application, a skid package may include:

  • Pressure vessels
  • Heat exchangers
  • Pumps and compressors
  • Process piping
  • Valves and fittings
  • Filtration equipment
  • Instrumentation and controls
  • Structural support frames
  • Equipment mounting connections

The arrangement of these components depends on the intended application, operating requirements, and available installation space.

Industrial Skid Design & Engineering

Effective skid design involves more than arranging equipment on a structural frame.

Each component must be positioned with consideration for operational requirements, maintenance accessibility, piping connections, and structural support.

At J Lowry, LLC, we develop engineering designs and fabrication documentation based on project specifications and applicable industry requirements.

Important skid design considerations include:

Equipment Layout and Arrangement

Equipment placement is an important part of skid package design.

Proper arrangement helps establish adequate space for equipment connections, maintenance access, piping routes, and operational requirements.

Structural Frame Design

The skid frame provides support for mounted equipment and associated components.

Structural design considerations may include equipment weights, operating loads, support locations, and other project-specific requirements.

Piping Integration

Skid-mounted equipment often requires interconnected piping systems.

Piping arrangements must consider equipment connections, routing, material specifications, operating conditions, and applicable piping Codes.

Transportation and Lifting Considerations

Skid packages may require transportation from the fabrication facility to the installation site.

Engineering considerations can include overall dimensions, equipment weight distribution, lifting arrangements, and transportation requirements.

Maintenance and Accessibility

Equipment placement should allow reasonable access to components requiring inspection, operation, or maintenance.

Careful planning during the design phase can help reduce installation difficulties and improve equipment accessibility.

Skid Fabrication Drawings

Accurate fabrication drawings are essential for transforming a skid design into a completed equipment assembly.

Detailed drawings communicate equipment placement, structural arrangements, piping connections, and fabrication requirements.

Depending on project specifications, skid fabrication documentation may include:

  • General arrangement drawings
  • 2D and 3D equipment layouts
  • Structural skid frame details
  • Equipment mounting details
  • Piping arrangements and isometric drawings
  • Connection and nozzle locations
  • Support and attachment details
  • Lifting and shipping arrangements
  • Bill of Materials (BOM)
  • Fabrication notes and dimensions

These documents help fabrication teams understand the intended design and coordinate the assembly of skid-mounted equipment.

ASME Code Considerations for Skid Packages

Industrial skid packages may incorporate pressure-containing equipment and piping systems subject to applicable ASME Codes and standards.

The governing requirements depend on the equipment, piping service, design conditions, and project specifications.

Commonly applicable standards may include:

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ASME Section VIII, Division 1 & 2

Design and construction requirements for pressure vessels incorporated into skid-mounted systems.

ASME B31.1 – Power Piping

Requirements for applicable power piping systems.

ASME B31.3 – Process Piping

Requirements for process piping systems used in many industrial and processing facilities.

Not every skid package falls under a single ASME Code. Individual components may be subject to different design and fabrication requirements.

Understanding these distinctions is important when developing engineering documentation for integrated equipment assemblies.

Applications for Skid-Mounted Equipment

Skid-mounted equipment is commonly used across a wide range of industrial applications.

Examples include:

  • Oil and gas processing
  • Petrochemical facilities
  • Industrial manufacturing
  • Power generation
  • Fluid handling and pumping systems
  • Heat transfer applications
  • Filtration and separation systems
  • Industrial utility systems

Skid-mounted arrangements can simplify equipment integration and provide flexibility when planning industrial installations.

Benefits of Engineered Skid Packages

Well-planned skid-mounted systems can offer several advantages over individually installed equipment arrangements.

Organized Equipment Integration

Multiple components can be arranged within a common structural assembly.

Simplified Transportation

Skid-mounted equipment can be prepared for transportation as an integrated package, subject to applicable size, weight, and handling requirements.

Improved Installation Coordination

Prefabricated assemblies may reduce the amount of equipment assembly and piping work required at the installation site.

Efficient Use of Space

Careful equipment arrangement can help accommodate multiple components within a defined installation area.

Clear Fabrication Documentation

Detailed engineering drawings provide fabrication personnel with the information necessary to interpret and execute the intended design.

Why Choose J Lowry, LLC for Skid Design?

J Lowry, LLC combines engineering design knowledge with practical manufacturing experience to provide detailed documentation for industrial equipment applications.

Our experience with ASME pressure vessel calculations, fabrication drawings, and piping design allows us to support projects involving multiple interconnected components.

We understand the importance of clear drawings, accurate dimensions, and practical fabrication requirements.

As an outsourced engineering design firm, we work with manufacturers and industrial clients to provide engineering support tailored to their project specifications.

Contact J Lowry, LLC today to discuss your skid design requirements and request a quote.

Need Skid Design or Skid Packaging Drawings?

Whether you’re developing a new skid-mounted equipment assembly or require detailed fabrication drawings for an existing design, J Lowry, LLC can assist with your engineering documentation needs.