Definition:
A construction method in which large portions of a facility are prefabricated offsite, transported, and assembled at the final location to reduce schedule and cost risks.
Key Components:
- Pre-Assembled Process Modules: Major process equipment units fabricated offsite.
- Skid-Mounted Units: Factory-built packages including piping, valves, and instrumentation.
- Onsite Assembly & Integration: Modules are shipped and assembled with minimal field labor.
Use Cases/Industries:
- LNG Terminals: Skid-mounted liquefaction units minimize onsite construction time.
- Refinery & Petrochemical Plants: Pre-assembled process units speed up deployment.
- Power Plants: Prefabricated gas turbine enclosures reduce installation costs.
Advantages:
- Faster Project Execution: Reduces construction time by up to 50%.
- Lower Labor Costs: Reduces the need for extensive onsite workforce.
- Improved Quality Control: Factory settings ensure better precision and safety.
Challenges:
- Transportation Logistics: Moving large modules requires specialized transport.
- Limited Onsite Customization: Prefabrication reduces flexibility for late-stage design changes.
- Upfront Design Effort: Requires early engineering finalization.
Related Terms:
Offsite Fabrication, Modularization, Skid Construction
Example:
A natural gas processing plant reduces construction time by 30% using modular process units built in a controlled factory environment and transported to the installation site.
Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today
Synonyms:
Prefabrication, Pre-Assembled Units (PAUs), Skid-Mounted Systems
