Containerized Vs Skid-Mounted Water Treatment Systems: Key Differences

Water treatment equipment can be packaged in several ways, and the choice can affect how a system fits into a project. There are two types of systems that are used in industrial and municipal applications: skid mounted and containerized systems.

In reality, the difference is one of arrangement, enclosure, installation, and maintenance of the equipment. It is important to understand the difference so that buyers can select a package that is appropriate for their site and operating needs.

If you are buying with a water treatment system supplier or water treatment system manufacturer, understanding these differences can help with system selection. A custom water treatment system can offer more flexibility to meet site requirements when standard options fail to meet the needs of the site.

Containerized vs. Skid-Mounted Water Treatment Systems: What Is the Difference?

A skid-mounted system consists of a structural frame on which various pieces of equipment like pumps, filters, membranes, valves, tanks, and controls are mounted. The skid can be mounted in a treatment building, sheltered area, or prepared plant space.

A containerized system is a treatment system that is contained in a shipping container or other enclosed space.

There is an overlap between the two formats. For instance, QILEE has skid-mounted treatment systems mounted inside regular shipping containers. It also has containerized wastewater treatment technology with skid mounted treatment units inside the container.

"Skid-mounted" and "containerized" are not, therefore, mutually exclusive treatment technologies. One refers to the mounting of the equipment, and the other to the way that the system is contained and carried out.

Key Differences at a Glance

Installation and Site Layout

The difference is usually evident during installation.

A skid-mounted system can be set up in an existing treatment area, affording the engineers greater flexibility in locating pumps, filters, tanks, controls, and piping within the treatment area.

A containerized system establishes a better-defined footprint. The layout of the equipment is largely finalized before the delivery of the container, and the installation area must be able to accommodate the container and the necessary connections.

Site preparation is not replaced by containerization. There may still be a need for foundations or a suitable base for electrical connections, feedwater piping, treated water connections, drainage, and access.

A containerized package generally results in more of the installation being completed prior to delivery, whereas a skid can afford more flexibility in the surrounding installation area.

Maintenance and Equipment Access

With an open skid, an operator can approach the equipment from multiple directions and this could make inspection and servicing easier when there is enough room.

More attention to internal access is needed for a container. Pumps, filters, valves, membranes, electrical panels and other components should be positioned for easy operator access. Other factors such as doors, ventilation, lighting, and clear paths for larger components may be required.

For instance, in the case of QILEE's containerized RO skid configuration, the clearance surrounding the skid is specified and is defined inside the container for the layout of the RO equipment and auxiliary components.

For buyers, this implies that it's not just the exterior size that matters for comparison. Request a layout of the equipment and know how it will be maintained on a regular basis.

Transportation and Relocation

When a treatment facility must be taken to a remote location or moved in the future, the transportation factor becomes more significant.

Skid mounted systems may be moved, but there may be a need for additional lifting, protection, assembly and reconnection planning. A containerized system is a standard container that will enable the handling and transportation of the treatment package as a defined unit.

It can be beneficial for temporary projects, remote locations, emergency water supply or facilities where treatment may need to be relocated at some time in the future.

If the plant has the necessary infrastructure and is a permanent plant, then mobility may not be as critical. Accessibility and flexibility of equipment and arrangements might be given more consideration.

How Treatment Requirements Affect Package Design

The physical format should be tailored to the treatment requirements and not replace them.

The project team should identify the following factors before selecting a skid or container: Raw-water characteristics, required capacity, quality of the treated water, treatment stages, utilities, operating conditions.

The equipment can consist of pretreatment, pumps, chemical dosing, filtration, membrane systems, controls and more. These can be attached to a skid, placed inside a container or installed in a hybrid setup.

A container has fixed internal dimensions; a skid might be able to be spread out over a larger plant area. The equipment layout should take into consideration pipe routing, access for the operator, maintenance clearance, and supporting equipment.

When Is a Custom Water Treatment System Needed?

A custom water treatment system is a good option if a standard package doesn't meet the water quality, capacity, space, or operating requirements of the project.

It can include changes in treatment stages, size changes, equipment changes, process changes or a mix of treatment processes. It may also include modifying the physical envelope of the product. to fit the location.

If a system is containerized, it is a critical design consideration that the equipment has internal dimensions that would permit easy and unhindered access for inspection and servicing.

QILEE offers tailor-made water treatment systems for various treatment needs and applications, including modular and containerized systems.

What Should Buyers Check Before Selecting a Water Treatment System Supplier?

Buyers should first consult the following prior to choosing the format:

• Any space available: Does the site include an existing building or prepared space?
• Maintenance: Is it possible for the operator to access and perform maintenance on major components safely?
• Where will the power, feedwater, treated water, and drainage connections be made?
• Transport: Is remote delivery of the project required or will the project need to be relocated in the future?
• Future changes: Is there a need for more equipment and/or capacity?

These questions enable buyers to compare the system format with the needs of the site and not not just its size or appearance.

Overall, skid-mounted systems might be appropriate for projects that have existing infrastructure and that have some flexibility when it comes to where the equipment can be installed; containerized systems might be appropriate for projects that would benefit froma package that is contained, clearly defined, and transportable to the site. If both requirements are important, then a combination can be helpful.

Conclusion

Many of the same treatment technologies can be applied to containerized and skid mounted systems. The principle difference is the type of arrangement, enclosure, installation and transport of the equipment.

The right choice will be based on space available, maintenance access, utility connections, transport requirements, and future changes. The format should be selected based on the treatment and operating requirements of the site purchased.