NCC Certifications: Navigating the SKID Universe

The Modular Process Unit, also known as SKID, is a unit formed by a set of equipment, components and accessories pre-assembled on chassis, pre-tested at the factory, which will be assembled, interconnected and tested at the destination, completing the function of their respective industrial system. This is a definition provided by Inmetro Ordinance nº 115/2022.

 

According to other definitions in this ordinance, electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres can be a modular process unit, equipment, component, accessory, fixed, personal, portable or transportable. This can be of the following type: electrical, electronic, instrumentation or telecommunication, which incorporates a set of specific measures to prevent the ignition of an explosive atmosphere around it. This is used as part of, or in connection with, an installation or operated in an area subject to an explosive atmosphere.

 

The ordinance also establishes that the Status Certification Model for Imported Product (SPI) is not applicable for the following products: installation accessories (for example: cable glands, flexible conduits, unions, etc.), light fixtures, electronic ballasts for light bulbs fluorescent lights, hand lamps, projectors, empty enclosures, electric motors, connection boxes, solenoid valves and components for signaling and command, except when these are part of a modular process unit (SKID).

 

In assessing the conformity of a SKID, the certification process documentation must be clearly linked (i.e. serial number) to the identification of each unit covered by the certification process, including for each component of a modular process unit (SKID) . This means that each component must have been certified or assessed for compliance against applicable international standards.

 

NCC Certifications is accredited by Cgcre/Inmetro to carry out the conformity assessment (certification) of these products.