A Stage III vapor recovery skid is compact enough to arrive on one vehicle and heavy enough to need a plan before it does. Most installation delays are not caused by the equipment but by site conditions that were assumed rather than confirmed: a concrete pad that is not ready, a route that a crane cannot use, or a vapor line connection point that does not match the drawing. Working through the delivery and installation sequence in advance removes most of that risk.
Confirming site readiness before dispatch
The skid should not be loaded until the receiving site has confirmed the foundation, the access route and the tie-in points. Three questions decide whether the delivery can proceed: is the pad complete and cured, can the lifting equipment reach the final position, and are the vapor and liquid connections where the drawing shows them.
What to verify at the receiving end
| Item | What to confirm | Consequence if missed |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Level, cured, and matching the skid footprint | Re-levelling on site with lifting equipment on standby |
| Access route | Width, surface and overhead clearance for the vehicle and crane | Equipment left at the gate or double handling |
| Tie-in points | Positions and sizes of vapor, liquid and drain connections | Field fabrication of adaptors and delays to commissioning |
| Power supply | Voltage, rating and protection at the skid location | Commissioning blocked on an electrical works order |
| Lifting points | Marked and accessible after transport restraint removal | Improvised slinging and possible damage |
| Laydown space | Room to unpack and stage components | Parts stored in traffic areas and damaged |
Delivery and offloading
- Confirm the receiving site has signed off readiness and that lifting equipment is booked;
- Inspect the skid on arrival for transport damage before signing for it;
- Lift only from the marked points, with slings sized for the full weight;
- Position the skid on the pad and check level before permanent fixing;
- Remove transport restraints and protective covers, checking for anything left in place;
- Record the condition on arrival with photographs, including any damage found.
Connecting to the existing vapor line
The connection between the skid and the station’s vapor line is where field changes usually appear. The line route, the slope towards the liquid knock-out point and the support positions all need to be checked against the drawing before fabrication begins. Where the existing line has to be modified, the work should be planned so the station can remain in operation, which usually means an isolation and hot work plan agreed in advance.
Preparing for commissioning
Commissioning goes more smoothly when the mechanical and electrical completion checks are treated as separate milestones. Mechanical completion covers the skid position, connections, supports and the absence of foreign objects in the lines. Electrical completion covers supply, protection, earthing and instrument signals reaching the control panel. Booking commissioning before both are confirmed is the most common reason a site visit is wasted.
Frequently asked questions
Can the skid be installed while the station keeps operating?
Usually yes, if the tie-in is planned as a short isolation. The sequencing, hot work arrangements and any temporary venting need to be agreed with the site before the delivery date is fixed.
Who should inspect the skid on arrival?
Someone authorised to sign for it, who is also able to identify damage. Signing for a skid without inspection makes later transport damage claims difficult to pursue.
What most often delays commissioning?
Incomplete electrical work and unmatched tie-in points. Both are known before delivery if the site readiness checklist is completed honestly rather than optimistically.
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