Guernsey installs compost monitoring technology
The technology, SpYdaq, consists of a base station, which is connected to a computer, and a number of probes which are placed in the windrows. The probes wirelessly send a signal to the control box allowing staff to access the data and monitor the temperature of the compost.
Commenting on the technology, Bob Fisher, landfill and recycling manager at States Works the organisation responsible for the States landfill and recycling sites said: As well as the accuracy of the data, which is essential for the production of quality soil conditioner, the wireless aspect of SpYdaq provides considerable advantages over a wired system, both in terms of cost saving at installation and operational flexibility, and it has been particularly beneficial to us, since we are now able to easily monitor temperature in the long windrows. Previously staff had to manually record temperature data which was time consuming. This frees staff to get on with other work on site and so helps with the efficiency of the whole landfill and recycling site.
Report highlights weighbridge accuracy concern
Avery Weigh-Tronix, global manufacturer of weighing equipment, has raised concerns over the calibration accuracy of weighbridges following a report by the National Measurements Office (NMO) which reported that a quarter of weighbridges at landfill and recycling centres are outside of the legally allowed tolerances.
Using a risk matrix, the report concluded that weighbridges were very likely to potentially fail with big consequences. As a result Avery Weigh-Tronix said it expects the NMO to carry out an increased number of inspections over the coming year.
Commenting on the impact, Mo Bott, product manager at Avery Weigh-Tronix, said: ensuring that your weighbridge is maintained and calibrated regularly will put your company in good stead for an inspection. Failure of a weighbridge inspection could potentially result in a fine, and ultimately, the closure of your site. The current economic times have seen a reduction in the market uptake of weighbridge service packages from some suppliers, but I would argue that this is counterproductive. It may be tempting to cut costs by reducing the service cover on equipment, down grading service supplier or even risking a period without cover. But these cost cutting measures would be a false economy should there be a problem that results in unscheduled and costly downtime.
Scottish landfill site tackles on-site speeding
A landfill site in Fife, Scotland, has been fitted with four Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) in a bid to reduce speeding on the site as part of an on -going project to improve health and safety.
The devices were provided by Traffic Technology Limited, a supplier of traffic monitoring equipment. The SIDs were installed at the entrance to the site at Lochhead and three other points on the main access route to detect and inform drivers of their speed. The devices are mounted on tripods and can also be configured to detect the difference between the speed limit and the vehicles speed.
Commenting on the SIDs, Peter Robb, business manager at the site, said: The units were easily installed and being solar powered, we didnt have to worry about digging up roads and services to supply power to them. Also, the data download is very easy and very useful.
My Yard software named Best Enterprise Technology
My Yard, an online waste management software firm, has been named Best Enterprise Technology Company at the Northern Tech Awards 2012, which took place at the end of March. Following its win Stratford-upon-Avon-based MRW Skip Hire has become the latest company to install the My Yard programme.
The My Yard software is managed via the internet and is centrally backed-up. The software allows MRW Skip Hire to manage the input and output of waste at its waste transfer station, generate invoices and reports and see the real-time activities of the whole business.
Geeta Thomas, managing director of My Yard, said: Over the last year we have signed a number of new contracts across the country, and these successes have, in part, resulted in this award win. Were delighted to win this category as many of our customers are already benefiting from our online waste management software, which reduces paperwork, simplifies reporting and helps users comply with increasing regulation. Winning this award will help showcase how successful our online software is, while recognising the hard work and effort everyone on the My Yard team puts into providing a consistently high-quality, yet cost-effective software.
Oakfield Recycling invests in mobile crusher
Nottingham-based Oakfield Construction has invested in a McCloskey J50 Tracked Jaw Crusher supplied by Tamworth-based Aggregate, Processing and Recycling Ltd, for work within the companys recycling division Oakfield Recycling.
The crusher will be charged with processing incoming waste streams which mainly consist of brick, concrete, tiles, tarmac and top soil which the company processes into end products which include concrete, tarmac and fill sand. Weighing in at 48,000kg the crusher processes material through a 50 inch wide jaw. The machine also features a side conveyor, overhead magnet, remote control feeder and tracking, dust suppression spray bars and a deflector plate.
Oakfield said the J50 has proved to be an efficient and reliable workhorse. Commenting on the machine, Mark Flint, director at Oakfield Recycling, said: Overall we are very pleased with the machine; it has provided us with greater productivity with less fuel usage.
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