Pumps, drives, panel, headers and valves on one base, tested before it leaves. What a packaged skid includes, how it is tested and what is needed to price one.
A packaged pump skid puts the pumps, drives, control panel, headers and valves on one base, piped and wired before it reaches site. On site it needs two flanged pipe connections and one incoming power supply. Positioning, levelling and connection are the only site tasks.
One Base, One Responsibility
When pumps, panels and pipework come from different suppliers, the gaps between them become site problems. A packaged skid has one owner for the hydraulics, electrics, controls and base, so there is no gap between pump vendor, panel builder and installer.
What Is On the Skid
- Pumps: one to four per skid, selected from established manufacturers for the duty. Where the consultant names a basis of design, the skid is built to it.
- Drives and panel: variable-frequency drives and a control panel built to IEC 61439, in an IP54 enclosure.
- Headers and valves: galvanised steel or stainless steel 304/316 headers, with isolation and non-return valves.
- Base frame: welded structural steel, powder-coated, with lifting points.
Arrangements and Control
Duty/standby and duty/assist/standby arrangements give automatic changeover for critical buildings. VFD constant-pressure control, staged duty and sleep modes reduce running cost and pressure surges. Direct-on-line and soft-start control are used where the specification calls for them.
The Typical Envelope
For building services, packages typically cover flows up to 200 m³/h and heads up to 160 m per package. Larger duties are available on request.
Tested Before It Leaves
Pipework is hydrostatically tested at 1.5 times the maximum working pressure, and the complete skid is run-tested with its controls. The records travel with the unit.
Documents That Arrive With It
Every skid is issued with its general-arrangement drawing, P&ID, wiring diagrams, test certificates and an operation and maintenance manual.
Getting It Into the Plant Room
Headers, maintenance clearances and lifting points are set around the room available. Where door or lift sizes are restricted, the skid is supplied in sections that are reconnected on site.
What Is Needed to Price One
Flow and head, or the pump schedule; the control philosophy; the space available; and the incoming power supply. A plant-room drawing helps.
