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• New Hot Asphalt Storage System for Lafarge Ackworth.

6th April 2009 -  

BG Europa of Wickhambrook has recently installed an FMA Ullrich Hot Asphalt storage system at the Lafarge Ackworth Depot in West Yorkshire.

A four compartment S200/4 II with a total storage capacity of 200 tons split 2 x 47t and 2 x 53t has been installed on the Parker Starmix Batch Plant.

The FMA Ullrich type S parallel silo structure comprises four bins arranged in a cluster with all discharging to a single truck loading point. This configuration offers the advantage of allowing the accurate discharge of all four bins into one truckway, either over a single weighbridge or, as at Ackworth, through the load cell mounted silo structure.

The bottom discharge skip has a capacity of 2000kg and is lined with stainless steel to promote clean operation. The skip system can operate at 160 tph with a 45 second cycle time to the furthest bin ensuring that maximum production output is maintained.

The FMA Ullrich UCC5 skip controls feature an energy saving mode which matches skip performance to batch plant output. Basically this means that the speed of the skip is automatically controlled to ensure that it returns to the mixer at the time required for batch discharge, thus eliminating excessive power usage by unnecessarily accelerating the skip.

It was imperative that the project was completed during a programmed shutdown period which immediately preceded a major road project (M180) for the depot. BG Europa successfully ensured full plant operation was achieved on the programmed date to meet production requirements and with minimal disruption to the established Lafarge customer base.

Commenting on the project, Mick Speed, Cluster Production Manager of Lafarge, said, "Working closely together with BG Europa, the installation and commissioning of the hot storage system was delivered within the time frame set. BG Europa's installation crew are to be applauded for their dedicated attitude to "on site" safety. They embraced Lafarge's Safety Culture and completed the task without any incidents.

The range of FMA Ullrich Hot Asphalt stationary hot-mix storage systems allow customers to store asphalt either to expediently fulfill orders, temporarily store material when weather conditions prevent paving or to provide collect trade with rapid turn around.

Automatic skip-systems feature frequency controlled gear motors giving precise control of skip speed and positioning. This total control of the skip allows to it be smoothly accelerated along the track and then slowed as it approaches the required station thus greatly reducing stresses on the winch and rope system.

Skips feature a rounded back and full length sliding bottom gate ensuring clean discharge. Optional stainless steel or Hardox skip liners and an automatic skip spray system can be installed to ensure the system is specified to handle all types of bituminous products.

Load out systems can either feature load cell or weighbridge weighing, giving accurately controlled and rapid vehicle loading. Silos are available in either square or round construction in a range of designs.

The Ackworth project represents the fourth BG Europa - Ullrich hot storage installation for Lafarge. The Ackworth S200/4 II is the third such system operated by Lafarge with other installations at Mountsorrel and Hafod Quarries.