Stationary Equipment

Stationary equipment is a broad term used to describe industrial equipment that performs a process function while remaining fixed in place during normal operation.  Stationary equipment is designed to contain, store, transfer, separate, heat, cool, react, or otherwise process fluids, gases, vapors, or solids within an industrial facility.  The equipment is typically installed on foundations, structural supports, saddles, skirts, legs, or other permanent mounting systems and remains essentially immobile throughout its service life except during maintenance, relocation, or replacement.

In process industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, power generation, water treatment, mining, and manufacturing facilities, stationary equipment forms the core of the process system.  Each type of equipment serves a specific process purpose.  For example, a storage tank holds fluids, a pressure vessel contains fluids under pressure, a heat exchanger transfers thermal energy between fluids, and a distillation column separates mixtures into different components based on their physical properties

From a mechanical engineering perspective, stationary equipment is primarily designed to withstand loads rather than generate motion.  These loads may include internal pressure, external pressure, temperature changes, fluid weight, wind loads, seismic loads, nozzle loads from connected piping, and support reactions.  The design of stationary equipment is governed by stress analysis, materials science, corrosion control, welding, inspection, and pressure containment.  Numerous industry codes and standards are used in their design and construction,

The distinction between stationary and rotating equipment is important practice because the design, operation, maintenance, and reliability concerns differ significantly.  Rotating equipment is often analyzed for vibration, shaft alignment, bearing performance, and dynamic behavior.  Stationary equipment, by contrast, is more commonly evaluated for structural integrity, pressure containment, corrosion, erosion, thermal stresses, fatigue, creep at elevated temperatures, and compliance with applicable design codes.  Inspection methods such as ultrasonic testing, and visual inspection are frequently used to assess the condition of stationary equipment throughout its service life.  In industrial facilities, stationary equipment is often interconnected by piping systems and works together with rotating equipment to accomplish a process objective.  

Stationary Equipment Branches

Filter and Separator  -  A device that removes solid particles from a fluid (liquid or gas) by passing it through a porous medium.  A separator is a device that divides mixtures into distinct components based on differences in physical properties such as density, size, or phase (e.g., gas-liquid or liquid-liquid separation).
Furnace and Boiler  -  A device used to generate heat, typically by combustion, for industrial processing or space heating.  A boiler is a closed vessel in which water or another fluid is heated to produce steam or hot liquid under pressure for power generation, heating, or process use.
Heat Exchanger  -  A device designed to transfer heat between two or more fluids at different temperatures without direct mixing, commonly used in heating, cooling, and energy recovery systems.
Piping System -  An auxiliary components used in piping systems to support, protect, monitor, or control fluid flow.  These include supports, hangers, expansion joints, strainers, and instrumentation elements.
Pressure Vessel  -  A closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from ambient pressure, constructed according to established engineering codes to ensure safety.
Storage Tank  -  A container used to store liquids, gases, or bulk materials, typically at atmospheric or low pressure, and designed based on the properties of the stored substance.