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Codes & Standards · Skid Package Design

Skid Package Design Codes & Standards Explained

Buyers of skid package design tend to ask the same questions: what is actually included, what does it cost, which standards apply and how do you pick a reliable partner? This article answers all four with the level of detail your project team needs.

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Key takeaways3 min read4 sections

The short version

  1. 1The standards that govern skid package designSkid Package Design is governed by ASME Sec VIII, ASME B31.3, AISC 360, API RP 2A.
  2. 2How code compliance is demonstratedCompliance is shown through documentation, not assertion. Your package should include:
  3. 3Common compliance mistakesThe most frequent compliance failures we see in skid package design are edition drift (working to a superseded code edition), mixing code systems mid-package, and missing project-specific overlays.
  4. 4Working across multiple jurisdictionsGlobal projects often need one package that satisfies several jurisdictions.
  5. 5The bottom lineName the edition, not just the code family — ASME Sec VIII compliance is demonstrated through a documented design basis, calculations and a checker's sign-off.

Quick answer

In short, skid package design means engineering complete modular skids — vessels, piping, structure, lifting and foundations. The work is governed by ASME Sec VIII and ASME B31.3, executed on licensed PV-Elite and checked against a documented QA checklist before issue.

The standards that govern skid package design

Skid Package Design is governed by ASME Sec VIII, ASME B31.3, AISC 360, API RP 2A. Which one leads depends on the project location and the owner's specification — a US refinery package and a European commercial building may need the same discipline executed to entirely different rules.

Beyond the headline code, most projects layer client specifications on top: operator standards (Shell DEPs, Saudi Aramco SAES, ADNOC), fabricator preferences and local authority requirements. A good skid package design partner maps all of them into a compliance matrix at kick-off.

How code compliance is demonstrated

Compliance is shown through documentation, not assertion. Your package should include:

  • Design basis / basis-of-design note referencing the governing code and edition.
  • Calculation reports with load combinations and acceptance criteria.
  • Drawings flagged with the applicable code and material grades.
  • A documented checker's review with sign-off.
  • Revision-controlled transmittals so the latest code-compliant issue is unambiguous.

Common compliance mistakes

The most frequent compliance failures we see in skid package design are edition drift (working to a superseded code edition), mixing code systems mid-package, and missing project-specific overlays. Each is avoidable with a kick-off compliance matrix and a senior review gate.

Working across multiple jurisdictions

Global projects often need one package that satisfies several jurisdictions. We deliver skid package design to ASME Sec VIII and ASME B31.3 routinely and maintain checklists for each, so multi-code packages are reviewed against every governing standard, not just the primary one.

Skid Package Design — codes & standards

Skid Package Design Codes & Standards Explained: FAQ

Which code applies to skid package design?

In short, skid package design means engineering complete modular skids — vessels, piping, structure, lifting and foundations. The work is governed by ASME Sec VIII and ASME B31.3, executed on licensed PV-Elite and checked against a documented QA checklist before issue.

Which software is used for skid package design?

We deliver on licensed PV-Elite, CADWorx, CAESAR II, STAAD.Pro, Tekla Structures and issue native files plus PDF, DWG and IFC on request.

Which standards do you follow for skid package design?

We work to ASME Sec VIII, ASME B31.3, AISC 360, API RP 2A, plus client specifications such as Shell DEPs and major operator standards.

How long does a skid package design package take?

Small packages are typically delivered in 3–7 working days; larger scopes are split into phased submissions agreed at kick-off.

How do I get a quote for skid package design?

Send your drawings or scope through our quote form — a senior engineer reviews them and returns a fixed-price proposal within 24 hours, free and without obligation.

Code by code

The standards behind a skid package design package

Each standard below governs a different slice of the scope. A compliant package names the edition of every one that applies and carries the evidence in the transmittal.

Multi-jurisdiction projects need the package reviewed against every governing standard — not only the primary one named in the contract.

  1. ASME Sec VIIIGlobal

    Governs construction of unfired pressure vessels — materials, design, fabrication, inspection and testing.

    Evidence: a calculation set stating MAWP, MDMT and nozzle reinforcement results.

  2. ASME B31.3Global · process

    Governs refinery and chemical process piping — wall thickness, flexibility, sustained and occasional stress.

    Evidence: stress output showing code ratios, nozzle loads and support reactions against allowables.

  3. AISC 360United States

    Governs member sizing, stability and bolted or welded connection strength for structural steel.

    Evidence: design calculations showing load combinations, interaction ratios and connection capacity checks.

  4. API RP 2AGlobal · offshore

    Governs planning, design and construction of fixed offshore platforms.

    Evidence: in-place, lifting and transportation analyses against the recommended-practice criteria.

Work through this

The skid package design checklist

Fifteen points, in the order you will need them — from assembling the enquiry to signing off the final transmittal. Tick them here, or copy them into your own project procedure.

15 checks
01

Before you send the enquiry

Everything a supplier needs in order to price accurately.

02

Proving compliance

Compliance is documented, never asserted.

03

Before you accept the package

Fifteen minutes here saves a fabrication hold.

About this guide

How we know this

Written from delivered work
The guidance here comes from live skid package design packages produced on licensed PV-Elite, CADWorx, CAESAR II, STAAD.Pro, Tekla Structures — not from a content brief.
Checked against the governing codes
Every technical statement is cross-read against ASME Sec VIII, ASME B31.3, AISC 360, API RP 2A and the operator specifications our teams work to daily.
Reviewed through the same checker gate
A senior engineer who signs off skid package design deliverables reviewed this article, using the independent-check process every client package passes through.
Revised when the standards move
Articles are re-read and re-stamped whenever a governing code edition, software release or client specification changes materially.

2009

Engineering since

1,200+

Projects delivered

40+

Countries served

60+

In-house engineers

Reviewed by

Skid Package Engineering practice

Senior engineer, SES skid package engineering team

Last reviewed
25 February 2026
Review gate
Independent checker

Working toolset

PV-EliteCADWorxCAESAR IISTAAD.Pro

Next step

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