SMART DESIGNS, SMART RECYCLING
and managed, yet often this isn’t the case. An estimated four out of five MRFs in the UK are not operating to full potential because far
A too little
attention has been given to ensuring the plant is equipped with appropriate technology.
The waste industry is fairly unique
in that, when it comes to MRFs, design and build is normally carried out by the same company. Compared with other industries, the specification stage is overlooked. With the plant builder’s main objective often being to ensure that the MRF gets accepted, it shouldn’t be assumed that their objectives will be the same as the MRF operators.
A better solution is to work with independent engineers to design the plant and specify its technology. This will ensure that its design is developed in the waste management company’s interest – and that the best available technology is chosen, placing greater emphasis on long-term performance and back-up service. Automation has a lot to offer MRF operators. It can vastly reduce labour requirements; increase materials recovery; improve quality of materials; deliver consistent plant performance; and recover certain mate- rials that the eye can’t easily identify. To fully benefit from automation and optimise recovery of target materi- als, MRF operators need to optimise the upstream plant design to get the most out of automated sorters. This all starts with a detailed understand- ing of the composition of the in-feed material.
Integration is vital and the plant
should be considered as a whole, so operators need to understand their pro- duction objectives and get involved in
“
Before building a new MRF, or upgrading one, operators should undertake a waste characterisation study
24 Local Authority Waste & Recycling March 2012 ” Fit for purpose
MRF operators can reap rewards by specifying the right technology at the earliest stage in the design process. Jonathan Clarke explores the issues around MRF tendering and design
the design and build process. Before building a new MRF, or upgrading an existing one, MRF operators should undertake a waste characterisation study, so that they understand the per- centage, sizes, density and variability of the in-feed material.
Detailed knowledge
A detailed knowledge of the end mar- kets for the products and residue – out- lets, specification and prices – is vital. A “one size fits all” or “black box” approach to automation won’t work; operators must do their homework and understand the technology options that are available.
Consideration must also be given to the handling and space required for the storage and movement of materials around MRFs. This aspect is often mis- understood, and can reduce the plant’s overall throughput. Visiting reference sites is highly recommended as it pro- vides an opportunity to get market feedback, ask questions and learn from another company’s past experiences. Another step that MRF operators can take is to engage in early consultation with industry partners, such as plant builders and technology providers and encourage open dialogue between all parties. This can take place when the tender is going out to plant builders.
If this isn’t feasible, then roundtable meetings should take place when the plant builder has been chosen. This provides an early opportunity to put all the ideas into a giant “mixing pot” and come up with the best solution for the proposed plant. Trials should be considered as these will identify any issues early on in the design process. This partnership approach doesn’t just apply to the tendering, build and design stages. The dialogue between all involved parties should be maintained for the plant’s operational lifetime. It is also important to think beyond the design and build stage when it comes to choosing a technology provider. Consideration should be given, among others, to in-country service support; training; product reliability; track record for performance guaran- tees; flexibility of the solution to adapt to continuously changing output speci- fication; and stability of the units. By taking these steps, MRF opera-
tors can save money and avoid pitfalls further down the line. The MRF will be appropriately designed and supported by better maintenance and technical expertise and ultimately, profitability will increase.
Jonathan Clarke is Titech UK’s country manager
fully automated plant has the potential to increase the profitabil- ity of modern MRFs if appropriately designed
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