What Are Industrial Pump Skid Systems?

Also referred to as packaged pump skids, nearly all industrial pumps are sold as skid systems. A skid package includes the pump itself (typically a centrifugal pump) and a driver (such as an electric motor or a diesel engine) that is mounted upon a steel base.

For the most part, skid systems are assembled by the manufacturer themselves, though sometimes pump suppliers will purchase the components separately and assemble the skid instead.

Key Takeaways


  • Nearly all industrial pumps are sold as skid systems, which includes all major components required for its application.
  • Common components included in pump skid packages include the centrifugal pump itself, filtration systems, pressure gauges, control systems, pipes, and valves.
  • Industries that most commonly utilize pump skid systems include the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, food and beverage, water and wastewater, chemical, pulp and paper, brewing, and agricultural industries.
  • It is typically more cost-effective to purchase an entire skid-mounted system than to purchase each component separately and have it assembled in-house.
  • C&B Equipment is a regional manufacturer of industrial pump skids and other types of industrial equipment. We also offer preventative maintenance programs and repair and installation services!

Components of pump skids

The following components can be commonly found in industrial pump systems.

  • pumps
  • filters
  • pressure gauges
  • control systems
  • piping
  • valves

Pumps

The type of centrifugal pump used in each skid system depends on the application it is being used for. Depending on the skid, the system can have just one pump or multiple pumps.

centrifugal-pump-in-room

Typically, air-cooled centrifugal pumps are used for applications that are 660 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Water-cooled pumps are used for temperatures greater than that but typically don’t exceed 750 degrees Fahrenheit.

Filters

Filters are used to prevent debris and particles from entering into the pump and causing it to back up. Ideally, these filters should be designed in such a way that they are able to catch these unwanted particles without restricting the flow of fluids.

It is recommended that they either be replaced (or taken out and cleaned, depending on the design of the skid) to prevent excessive backpressure.

Recommended Read Signs Your Centrifugal Pump Needs Repair

Pressure gauges

Pump skids are typically outfitted with pressure gauges to, well, gauge the pressure of the pump. It is important to monitor the pressure of both the inlet and outlet to ensure that both remain in their sweet spots. The inlet’s pressure gauge measures suction, whereas the outlet’s measures discharge.

Control systems

Pump skids should feature some type of mechanical or electrical control system, and this often comes in the form of some kind of control panel.

These control panels usually feature switches that allow the user to select a specific pump, on/off switches, motor starters, and indicator lights. For outdoor pumps, it is important that these controls are made to be weatherproof.

Piping

The skid-mounted piping is what the fluid flows through when pressure is applied by the centrifugal pump itself.

Piping is connected to both the inlet and outlet sides of the pump, and these pipes are usually independently supported so as to not put too much stress on the pump itself.

Depending on the nature of the application, these pipes may need to be insulated in order to withstand either pressure or temperatures.

Valves

Pump skids are usually equipped with valves that are used to control the pressure of the centrifugal pumps, restrict flow, and perform emergency shut-offs.

Recommended Read A Guide to Inline Pumps, Industrial Applications, and Uses

Industrial applications of pump skids

The following types of pump skids are the most commonly used.

  • Water and wastewater pump skids
  • Chemical pump skids
  • Pulp and paper pump skids

Water and wastewater pump skids

These types of industrial pump packages are used for a variety of water-related applications including water purification, rainwater harvesting, and the treatment of wastewater.

Recommended Read C&B Equipment’s Ultimate Guide to Industrial Water Pumps

Chemical pump skids

Chemical pump packages are used for many applications that are related to the use of chemicals. This includes things like chemical metering, mixing, blending, and injection.

Learn more about Grundfos’s chemical dosing skid systems!

Pulp and paper pump skids

These pump skids are often equipped with chemical metering and injection components and are used in the production of pulp and paper products.

Other industries that utilize packaged pump skids

  • Petroleum
  • Petrochemical
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Agriculture
  • Food and beverage
  • Brewing

You can rely on C&B Equipment for your industrial pump-related needs!

C&B Equipment has years of experience in the industrial equipment industry. We are a trusted supplier of industrial equipment that has been manufactured by reputable companies like Grundfos.

We can help you find whatever type of equipment you need for your business to run smoothly and keep your operations up and running.

In addition to supplying industrial pump skids and other types of machinery, we also provide top-notch repair, maintenance, and installation services. Our preventative maintenance programs will keep your equipment operating efficiently for as long as they possibly can.

Take a look at the industrial pumps we have to offer!

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Take a look at our industrial equipment repair, maintenance, and installation services!


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