Stationary Equipment

Stationary equipment is a general classification of mechanical equipment that does not move.  Depending on the company it may be called "fixed equipment”, "static equipment” or "stationary equipment”.

Stationary equipment refers to machinery or equipment that remains fixed in place during operation and is not designed to be moved from one location to another.  This type of equipment is commonly used in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and energy.

Stationary equipment may be powered by electricity, natural gas, oil, or other fuels.  They may also require various types of maintenance, such as regular inspections, cleaning, and replacement of parts or components.  It is important to follow manufacturer recommendations and safety guidelines when operating and maintaining stationary equipment to prevent accidents, equipment failure, or other safety hazards.  Proper installation and setup of stationary equipment is also essential for ensuring safe and efficient operation.  This may include tasks such as anchoring equipment to a stable foundation, providing appropriate ventilation or exhaust systems, and connecting equipment to appropriate power sources and control systems.

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Stationary Equipment Types

Process Equipment

These are equipment used in industrial processes for handling fluids, gases, and solids.  Examples include reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers, and separators.

• Filtration  -  A mechanical process to separate solids from liquid or gas.  This can be accomplished by gravity or vacuum, where the solids pass through a medium letting only the liquid or gas through.  The finer the medium, the cleaner the result.  Filtration is the first part of the process.  The second is the collection of the separated material, which can either be disposed of or used for another purpose.
• Free Water Knockout  -  Uses residence time to separate water from the production process.  It is usually the first part of an oil dehydration facility.  Removing unwanted water in the process stream can reduce processing steps by reducing the size of downstream equipment and lowers energy requirements.
• Gas Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone Separator  -  A type of separation device used in the oil and gas industry and other process industries to separate gas and liquid phases from a mixed fluid stream.  It is designed to efficiently separate gas and liquid components by exploiting the principles of centrifugal force and gravity.
• Heater Treater  -  Uses heat and residence time to separate clean, dry oil from incoming fluids.  It usually is located immediately downstream of the Free Water Knockout during the oil dehydration process.   The heat allows for easier separation of the oil and water and also allows solid particles such as sand and corrosive products to settle out.
• Two Phase Separator  -  Used to separate fluid into gas and liquid.  Separation of the liquid and gas starts when the fluid meets the baffle.  At that point, the gas and liquid start to go in different directions.  The liquid drops where it is collected at the bottom of the vessel, and the gas rises to the top of the vessel.  The gas that is still held in the liquid is in a section called the gas/liquid emulsion, which is in an area at the top of the liquid.
• Three Phase Separator  -  A specialized piece of equipment used in various industrial processes, particularly in the oil and gas industry, to separate a mixed fluid stream into three distinct phases, gas, liquid, and solids (sometimes called water, oil, and gas phases).

Pressure Vessel

These are containers designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure.  Examples include boilers, storage tanks, and reactors.

• Boiler  -  A closed vessel in which water or other fluid is heated under pressure for generating steam or other hot fluids.  When sizing a boiler you must have enough capacity to handle the maximum hourly load of the system.
• Heat Exchanger  -  Heat exchanger is a device used to transer heat from one medium to another at different temperatures.  The heat transfer can be air or a liquid such as water or oil.  A heat exchanger has many functions.  They are critical to the process industries as they used to condense, heat, cool, or chill a fluid.  It also can be used to change the phase of a fluid (liquid to vapor or vapor to liquid) like a boiler.

Heat Transfer Equipment

This includes equipment used to transfer heat from one medium to another.  Examples include heat exchangers, boilers, condensers, and heaters.

• Furnace  -  A furnace is a piece of equipment that provides direct electric or fired heat for industrial processes that require high temperatures.  Many industrial processes require heating for the preparation of materials for production or the completion of an application.

Piping System

These are systems of pipes used to transport fluids from one location to another within a facility.  They include pipes, valves, fittings, and other components.

• Fastener  -  The primary function a fastener is to join two or more components together.  They are used in a variety of applications, such as in construction, aerospace, automotive, and electronics.  Joining with a fastener can be non-permanent or permanent.  The joined components can easily be separated without damaging the joint in the former one and the joint gets damaged or reduces the strength in case of later one.
• Gasket  -  A material that is used to seal the face of flanges, valves and equipment.  Gaskets can be made from materials that are soft or hard, but will compress to make a tight seal.  When compressed between two flange faces it will deform to match the surface grooves and irregularities.  A gasket must be installed properly to prevent leakage.
• Gear  -  A gear is a rotary wheel having teeth which mesh with other thoothed wheels.  As the gear turns it transmits torque to another gear or shaft.  The larger the gear the slower it rotates and depending on the combination of the gears, the different sizes can either increase or decrease the force or speed.
• Pipe  -  Pipe is a hollow tube that can carry products such as fluid, gas, granular and more.  Pipe is identified by nominal pipe size and the wall thickness identified by schedule number.
• Pipe Fitting  -  Fitting is a piping component that is used to join piping, change the direction or diameter of piping or end the pipe. They are a versatile piping component which are necessary in modern piping system.
• Pipe Flange  -  A bolted connection where two pieces of pipe, equipment, fittings or valves are connected together to form a piping system.  Flanges provide access for when equipment (or piping) needs to be cleaned, inspected or reconfigured.   A flange pair is made up of two flanges and a gasket with bolts and nuts.  Pipe flanges come in different styles, pressure ratings, materials and sizes to meet the design requirements.
• Pipeline Accessories  -  Pipeline accessories are additional components or devices that are used to enhance, control, or support the operation of pipelines.  These accessories play various roles in pipeline systems, ranging from safety and monitoring to maintenance and operational efficiency.
• Valve  -  A mechanism used to stop or open and regulate flow.  The type of valve used depends on the application.  In general, there are valves used for on-off (open-closed) applications, and throttling valves which can adjust flow.

Storage Tank

These are containers used to store liquids or gases.  They come in various shapes and sizes depending on the type of material stored and the specific requirements of the application.

Material Handling Equipment

 This includes equipment used to handle and transport materials within a facility.  Examples include conveyors, hoists, cranes, and forklifts.

Utilities Equipment

 These are equipment used to provide essential services such as power, water, and air.  Examples include generators, compressors, pumps, and cooling towers.

Electrical Equipment

 This includes equipment used for generating, transmitting, distributing, or utilizing electrical energy.  Examples include transformers, switchgear, motors, and generators.

Instrumentation and Control Equipment

 This includes devices used to measure, monitor, and control industrial processes.  Examples include sensors, transmitters, controllers, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Meter  -  A device used to measure the rate of flow or quantity of a fluid (liquid or gas) that passes through a particular point in a system.

Safety Equipment

This includes equipment designed to protect personnel and property from hazards such as fire, explosions, and chemical releases.  Examples include fire extinguishers, emergency showers, eyewash stations, and gas detectors.