How Does Skid Design Affect Transportability and Handling of Heavy Machinery?

Abstract: At request of the company Climeon, this study was made regarding transportability of skid mounted heavy machinery. The study aimed to investigate what constraining dimensions there might be when transporting by road and sea as well as necessary features that would accommo date lifting, handling, lashing and securing. A literature study was done on the topic of common load carriers and logistics with heavy transports. An interview study was conducted with employees at Climeon to learn how transports are done currently, as well as input on how transports and handling of the machinery could be of higher quality. A conceptual design was made where lifting was simulated with aid of the FEA tool in SolidWorks. An analysis of necessary lashing points was done in Matlab to verify safe transports on road and sea. A dimensional constraint study was made where dimensional breaking points were identified. Price inquiries for these were sent to a forwarding agent to attempt to quantify the cost for transporting skids of various sizes. Trucking is a good mean for transporting within Europe. Roll on-Roll off or flat rack shipping are viable options for transporting large and sensitive machinery when transport by sea is necessary. Lashing the skid could be done mainly with direct lashes in combination with rubber mats for increased friction. A machinery in this order of magnitude can be lifted with a single hook if the structural elements and the lifting eyes are placed positioned in a proper way.