Helistrat, the UK-based contract management partner delivering sustainable waste management consultancy and solutions to top UK businesses, has deployed a Middleton Engineering baling solution as part of the recycling operation for a major new retail distribution centre.
The fully automated Scapa HB60 HM3 channel baler, designed and manufactured by Middleton Engineering in Somerset, forms part of an inbound goods waste packaging recycling stream. It is linked to an automatic conveyor feeding waste cardboard packaging from goods received at the warehouse and decanted into storage. At peak volume the solution is designed to handle some 1200 waste cartons per hour. Baled waste is then sent to re-processing mills.
Overcoming some challenging site constraints with a difficult layout, while delivering the performance requirements and volumetric throughput needed to service the facility, were key factors in selecting the Middleton Engineering solution explains Mitchell Thornley, Equipment Manager for Helistrat Management Services.
"After reviewing a number of manufacturers Middleton Engineering were most able to meet our client requirements and specifications," Mitchell Thornley said. "A key consideration was the support and advice we received during the process and the level of work and effort to adapt the solution to our client's needs. Equipment and support have been excellent. We haven't been disappointed."
Middletons were responsible for all aspects of design, fabrication and installation of the solution which included modifications to the bale discharge chute, a new bin tipper hopper, gravity feed roller tracking for completed bales, alarm interlocks and full SCADA controls for remote monitoring and control. This links the baler and inbound conveyor to optimise the process and when inactive switches the machine to standby mode to save energy.
Middleton's HB60 range of horizontal balers are designed to meet the demanding requirements of leading waste recycling operations as well as retail distribution and manufacturing companies dealing with large volumes of waste packaging materials.
With a 60 tonne press force, it produces compact, high density mill size bales with a throughput at 50/kg per cubic meter of up to 13 tonnes per hour, depending on materials. Bales measure 1100mm x 720mm and compression is easily adjusted to achieve the maximum reduction in waste volume. A small 6.8 metre long footprint makes the HB60 ideal for most medium to large operations and was particularly important for Helistrat's requirements.
Mark Smith, Engineering Director at Middleton Engineering said: "We were really excited to win this contract from Helistrat. We thrive on engineering challenges in the waste recycling industry and are particularly pleased to be contributing in a small way to their sustainability and recycling targets. The Scapa HB60 is an extremely reliable baler, incorporating our proven hydraulic wire tying solution to produce consistent high quality bales. Its small footprint and low headroom make it an ideal solution for a wide range of recycling environments."
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