Modular piping skids have become increasingly popular as a method of construction for the petrochemical and natural gas industries. As the costs and complexities of new construction continue to grow, companies are looking for new ways to increase productivity and safety while also controlling costs. In this article, we will break down what a modular piping skid is, the advantages of their construction method and why you should consider them for your next facility buildout or upgrade.

What is a modular piping skid?

Modular piping skids are a process system that utilizes a skid with a base frame to build out specialized pipe processing equipment. These skids can be fully self-contained systems on a single skid for smaller projects and for projects. Multiple skids can also be combined for projects that have larger requirements.

How are modular piping skids constructed?

Unlike traditional construction methods, modular piping skids are not constructed onsite. Instead, they are manufactured offsite at a manufacturer’s facility. The modules are built on a skid that acts as the frame/foundation. On top of the skid, the piping and processing equipment are built to meet the customer's requirements. The skid is then transported to the project site, where it is installed as a single unit in the facility and usually connected to flange connections at the end of the modular piping skid.

What are the advantages of modular skids?

Modular piping skids offer a number of advantages over traditional construction methods, making them a cost-effective solution that provides a higher level of quality. First, there is the reduced cost of labor. The main driver of reduced labor costs is that all construction is completed in the manufacturer’s controlled fabrication shop. This amount of control reduces the total working hours required to construct a modular piping skid in a number of different ways.

• The first way that hours are reduced is that the manufacturer does not have to pay per diems, mileage, or lodging for the entirety of the project as they would to build on location.
• Secondly, the manufacturer staffs all the necessary workforce, such as engineers, welders, electricians, etc., to fabricate the skid. Using the manufacturer’s staff reduces the need for higher-cost third-party contractors.
• Lastly, working in a controlled fabrication shop enables processes to be put in place that reduce the time it takes to construct the building, reducing costs. Working in a covered shop minimizes delays due to weather and other factors.

Another driver of reduced cost is the procurement of materials. The manufacturer handles the procurement of the materials. Managing the procurement removes the need for the client to dedicate procurement and logistics personnel to the project, opening their time to work on other projects. Also, the manufacturer's shop is experienced in building modular piping skids. This experience means they have built out a network of contacts to procure the items necessary to fabricate the skid, reducing the overall cost of the materials.

Besides the cost reduction, a short construction schedule is obtained from reduced man-hours for a project. The shorter construction schedule lets the client get their modular piping skid up and running quicker, allowing it to be installed quickly and without interruptions.

Modular Piping Skids Are Higher Quality

The modular piping skid process enables manufacturers to produce higher quality modules than can be achieved in traditional construction methods. Part of that higher quality comes with knowledgeable personnel. The manufacturer staffs the necessary personnel to integrate all piping, gates, valves and components required to construct the module. This enables them to hire personnel with greater experience integrating the piping and other items within the module. More experience means a higher quality of work and cost savings.

Factory acceptance testing and any other testing required by the client are performed at the manufacturer's facility, ensuring that all piping and instrumentation are functioning and operating at their designed specifications. Testing at the facility enables the manufacturer to find and correct issues before the module is installed onsite. When the module arrives at the location, the client can be assured that there won't be any delays in bringing it online and further reducing costs.

Increased safety is another means of ensuring higher quality. Having knowledgeable and experienced personnel involved in designing and constructing the modular piping skids helps ensure that all necessary safety protocols are accounted for and followed. In addition, working within the controlled environment of the manufacturer's facility allows for procedures to be put in place, increasing adherence to the safety protocols.

Modular piping skids are cost-effective and of higher quality than traditional stick builds. These key advantages are the leading factors for the increase in modular piping skids today. If you have questions about whether a modular piping skid would be right for you, just ask. The team at Armoda has designed and built modular piping skids and other modular products for a wide range of industries and can help you start your next project. Make one call to connect with us!