Transport and Equipment Skids

Skids, pallets, sleds, crates and pods…. All various terms referring, in general to a similar component. These humble transport devices are all too often overlooked as mundane ancillary equipment. However we must remember they too have an important job to do….

Alright so in many cases the transport skid is not the exciting technical feature packed part of the operation. They are however responsible for the safe and secure transport of often fragile and in many cases expensive equipment. All though in other situations the entire plant may be permanently mounted to a skid based platform that transforms to be integral to the function of the machine. For example it is common practice in the drilling and gas industry for most of the operation to consist of modular skid mounted equipment. Designed to be assembled, transported and deployed without need for removal from the skid base, refer Figure 1.

Figure 1: Skid based water treatment plant, (image curtsy of Hydrocarbon Processing, 2019)

With a greater appreciation of the humble skid we should investigate some of the many areas associated with compliance requirements for skids and skid mounted equipment in transport. As with any transported load the skid mounting must be able to satisfy the National Transport Commissions, “Load Restraint Guide 2018”. This guide sets out the required operational conditions that are to be applied to all loads whilst ensuring they will not separate from the vehicle. Figure 2 summarizes the loading conditions that the load restraint system must withstand.

Figure 2: Load restraint requirements (NTC Load restraint Guide - 2018)

The National Transport Commissions – Load Restraint Guide, & other Australian Standards

By now chances are if you’re reading this article you are already aware of the Load Restraints Guide and its implications to transport of goods and equipment. However this is not the only guide or standard that must be complied with. Unique to the design and intent of the skid there are numerous codes of practice, Australian Standards and regulatory guides that may be applicable. For instance common standards that may be appropriate to transport skids include;

• AS4100-1998 Steel Structures

• AS3990-1993 Mechanical Equipment-Steelwork

• AS1170-Set Structural Design Actions

• NHVR – National Heavy Vehicle General Dimensions Guide

• ADR – Vehicle Standards

In the event dangerous goods or flammable liquids are to be stored or transported on the skid this may well call for compliance with relevant standards here too. If the skid is designed to be normally accessed by humans in operation there are also standards relating to human factors that must be considered.

Additionally there is also myriad of engineering first principles that must be considered. For instance the structural design and overall functionality of any component can often be vastly improved with the application of a solid engineering approach. In the case of transportable skids the application of fluid mechanics, statics, dynamics and the mechanics of materials theory are all required to design a better solution.

Design

By now you may be starting to feel overwhelmed, unfortunately though the considerations may not end here….’Might be time to get the Professionals at Black Square involved’.

At Black Square Engineering we are equipped with the latest industry leading modelling and design analysis software. These tools are used to aid the deign process. From demonstrating design concepts through to performing detailed analyses (and everything in between). Coupling these powerful tools with our expert knowledge we are confident we are able to provide you with the best solution to your skid (or any other machinery) requirements.

Skid Certification

As illustrated above the requirements to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and codes for skid based transport equipment is highly specific to the individual operation. For this reason with skid certification there is no “One size fits all” solution. At Black Square Engineering our team of Professionals are well versed with the relevant codes and standards. We have vast experience in both design and certification of skids and other mobile work platforms.

For a no hassle consultation regarding your next project the team at Black Square will be here to help.

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