How a stainless-steel skid is designed is closely linked to the final application and the target markets. They can be found wherever complex processes are implemented, so for example in the oil & gas industry and in high purity industries like food processing and pharmaceutical production.
To give you an idea of the different types of applications, here are 3 common examples where the implementation of a stainless-steel skid is particularly important.
1. Stainless-steel skids in high purity industries
Skids made of thin stainless steel can be found in many different fields of application. Let us take a closer look at the food and beverage industry.
The mixing function is virtually universally used in this industry. Base products are mixed to vary their flavor (mixing skids), foods and beverages are processed (extraction skids) and centrifuged (centrifuge skids). These installations undergo regular cleaning with pump carts.
For distillation it is common to use injection skids, some of which are able to guarantee a predefined alcohol level.
In this case, a meter test bench is used to determine the alcohol level during the transfer from tank to tank or during the reception from a distillery.
Of course, similar functions are used in the pharmaceutical industry, in water treatment and purification, as well as in filtering and transfer systems, and in biological waste disposal systems.
Here again, there are many examples for the use of skids. Whether it is for the reception or loading of barges, wagons or tankers, a skid with a meter test bench is used.
For other applications in the same field, pumping or even coloring systems can be developed. These include a set of valves with a spillway to maintain the network under pressure, as well as a safety valve.
3. Stainless-steel skids in power plants
As the demand for electrical supply is constantly fluctuating, it requires extreme adaptability to be able to handle peak loads.
Gas turbines have inlet misters, cooling towers, boiler feeds and many other applications that require purified water to ensure reliable and efficient production. Water of inadequate quality can decrease production capacity and increase maintenance requirements.
Reverse osmosis and deionization purification systems are recommended for all cooling systems as to eliminate minerals.
The benefit of skids in these fields of application thereby becomes obvious.
Possible skid functions could be:
- a corrosion-resistant metal frame
- an alarm system with an automatic valve cut-off
- a programmable logic controller (PLC) to regulate the speed of the pumps or motors
- TFC membranes
- pressure gauges, flow meters and control valves
- a valve flushing system
- a HMI interface
Depending on the customer’s needs, these basic elements could be complemented with additional options such as pre-filtration systems, chemical pre-treatment and UV recirculation, to just name a few.
As you can see, a skid is a very custom-designable piece of equipment that can be adapted to all customer needs. It often constitutes the heart of the production unit. Skids can be modified and adapted as required, while remaining portable if necessary.
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