Resource guide: Skids and modular systems
Integrating process controls, skids
This online article, "The challenges in integrating a process control system with skid-based equipment: a case study" by Robert Patrick, vice president of engineering at Superior Controls Inc., a CSIA-certified system integrator in Seabrook, N.H., examines two ways to integrate process control systems (PCS) with three different types of equipment on skids. The article details questions to ask, how to develop specifications, identifies further issues that can arise, and shows how a system integrator can implement the most appropriate devices for each application.
Fabrication, cooling tower project
The first of these two about four- to five-minuteĀ videos, "Fabrication of a modularĀ skid" by M. Davis & Sons Inc., detailsĀ the company's history, engineering approachĀ and capabilities for designing,Ā building and implementing processĀ skids. The second video, "DuPont coolingĀ tower project," show how the firm
carried out a project for a major customer,Ā and how it coordinates electrical,Ā piping and steel activities duringĀ assembly.Ā
Compilation of cases
This online library, "Modular process case studies," consists of more than 30 examples of skid builds and other projects carried out by Epic Systems. Topics include pilot and demonstration, product and commercial plant, continuous process, industrial distillation, emulsion systems, batch mixing, batch reactor, industrial pipe bridge, heat transfer, clean in place (CIP) and wastewater treatment,Ā and more.Ā
Adding batch processes
This blog entry, "OEM skid integration forĀ batch processes," by Robbie Peoples,Ā PE, integration manager at Cross IntegratedĀ Systems Group, a CSIA-memberĀ system integrator and one of six divisionsĀ at Cross Co. in Knoxville, Tenn., outlinesĀ the challenges of integrating skids forĀ batching, and includes four primaryĀ guidelines for accomplishing it, includingĀ allocating operating modes, followingĀ standard operating states, defining statusĀ feedback and standardizing communications.Ā Visitors can also download a caseĀ study about the Jack Daniel's distilleryĀ on which the blog post is based.
Short-subject videos
Many of the close to 30 short videos atĀ S&S Technical's YouTube channel coverĀ skid building, related equipment and theĀ firm's other capabilities. Topics includeĀ skid solutions, quality assurance, walkthroughs,piping, insulation, bidirectionalĀ LPG loading and transfers including propane.
Modular plants whitepaper
The 36-page whitepaper, "ModularĀ plants" by Dechema, covers the motivations,Ā concepts and levels of modularization,Ā infrastructure and utilities, analytics,Ā required working areas and gaps,standardization and interfaces, planning,Ā apparatus development, scale-up, automation,Ā logistics and supply chain, regulationsĀ and other topics.
Laboratory skid renovation
This 33-page research paper, "ProcessĀ control laboratory skid refurbishment"Ā by Danny Crowder, summarizes theĀ condition of a salvaged process controlĀ skid, which the author reports wasĀ originally built by others, but hopes willĀ be salvaged to serve the curriculum forĀ chemical engineering students at theĀ University of Akron. The paper coversĀ testing procedures, process equipment,Ā utilities, process and electricalĀ safety equipment, potential controlĀ loops, budgeting considerations andĀ recommendations.
