Planning Shutdowns and Outages at MRFs
Outage shutdown maintenance MRF

Planning MRF facility shutdowns and outage projects is key

Materials Recycling Facilities (MRFs) rely heavily on conveyor systems to sort and process recyclables efficiently. Regular maintenance of these systems is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Prevent Breakdowns: Routine maintenance helps identify and resolve minor issues before they become major failures, thereby preventing costly breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
  2. Increase Efficiency: Well-maintained conveyors run more smoothly and at optimal speeds, increasing the recycling process’s overall efficiency.
  3. Extend Equipment Lifespan: Regular upkeep, including lubrication, adjustments, and part replacements, extends the life of conveyor systems, making them a more valuable long-term investment.
  4. Ensure Safety: Properly maintained conveyor systems are safer to operate. Regular checks can prevent accidents caused by equipment failure.

The Benefits of Planned Outages and Shutdowns

Planned outages and shutdowns, although they may seem counterintuitive, offer significant benefits:

  1. Comprehensive Maintenance: A shutdown allows for thorough inspections and repairs that cannot be performed during regular operations. This can include upgrading parts and implementing new technology.
  2. Cost Efficiency: Although shutting down operations incurs immediate costs, it is generally more cost-effective in the long run. Addressing issues during a planned outage can avoid more significant expenses associated with emergency repairs and unplanned downtime.
  3. Improved Performance: Post-maintenance conveyor systems often perform better, which can increase sorting accuracy and reduce waste, enhancing the MRF’s overall productivity.
  4. Staff Training: Downtime can be used to train staff on new protocols or equipment without disrupting the operational flow.

By understanding the importance of regular maintenance and strategically using planned outages, MRFs can significantly improve their operational efficiency, safety, and profitability. Prioritising these practices is not just about keeping the equipment in good working order; it’s about ensuring that the facility can meet its recycling goals effectively and sustainably.

Engineering Services for Conveyor Systems at MRFs

Engineering services for these conveyor systems typically involve:

  1. Design and Customisation: Engineers design conveyor systems tailored to the specific needs of an MRF, considering the types of materials processed, volume, and facility layout.
  2. Installation Services: Professional installation ensures that the conveyor system is set up correctly and integrates seamlessly with other equipment in the facility.
  3. Maintenance and Repairs: Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of conveyor systems. Engineering services often include routine inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs to minimize downtime.
  4. Upgrades and Modernisation: As technology advances, MRFs may need to upgrade their conveyor systems. Engineering services can include integrating new technologies, improving system controls, and enhancing safety features.
  5. Training and Support: Engineers train the MRF staff to operate the conveyor system safely and efficiently. Ongoing support is also essential for addressing any operational issues.

These services are essential for optimising the performance of MRFs, ensuring they operate smoothly and effectively in sorting and recycling materials. If you have specific needs or questions about conveyor systems at MRFs, consulting with a specialist in the field or visiting specific websites like Hoverdale might provide more detailed information and services tailored to your requirements.

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All our systems are designed and manufactured,Ā Made in BritainĀ and installed by our qualified Hoverdale Engineers. We offer a 100% money-back guarantee that we will solve the issues and commit after-sales and technical support for ongoing system performance.

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MRF & Markets Conference 2024

MRF & Markets Conference 2024

Hoverdale is once again sponsoring The MRF & Materials Conference organised by Lets Recycle. It takes place tomorrow, 7th November

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BEN DUCHESNE

Ben is a time serviced field service engineer in the busy waste and recycling sector, whoā€™s career moved into to managing service teams and beyond. Originally beginning his career with a HGV repair and maintenance apprenticeship with IVECO, from there travelling and working in multiple countries moving towards waste processing shredders.

Ben joined the Hoverdale team in September 2024 seeking to apply his extensive knowledge to a new area. His values and ethics fit perfectly within the Hoverdale ethos.

He is happily married to Kristina, with 4 wonderful young children; 14, 11, 8 and 5. We the children he doesnā€™t get much spare time. He is a family man, who enjoys spending as much time with them as possible.

DAVID BARTER

David is an experienced leader, with a background covering Operations, eCommerce, Finance, Compliance, HR and IT. His career spans Banking, Retail and Engineering, spending the majority of his career working for ALDI as they grew to become 4th largest supermarket in the UK, including seven years on their UK board as Managing Director of IT and eCommerce.

David joined Hoverdaleā€™s Senior Management Team in 2023 to seek a fresh challenge in a completely different industry sector. He has applied his approach to Process Improvement, Efficiency, Customer Service and Teamwork to great effect during Hoverdaleā€™s sustained growth.

Married to Jane, with three adult sons between them, David volunteers on the board of the Nottingham Playhouse theatre as well as his local rugby and football clubs. Any spare time he spends enjoying walks with their Golden Retriever, Buzz, who is also regularly seen in the Hoverdale office.

MATT BEVERLEY

A time served Mechanical engineer Mattā€™s background includes many high-profile projects within the Automotive Industry: The Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, Spyker Le-Mans racing teams, Bentley, Aston Martin, and Airbus A380. This history and knowledge of complex manufacturing and engineering projects have been transferred and further developed into the bulk material handling sector. Matt has work in Europe, North America, Indonesia, and China

He joined the bulk solids and bulk handling industry in 2019 as Managing Director of Hoverdale UK Ltd and subsequently completed a Management buyout in July 2020. The business has grown yearly, increased employment, its customer base, and worldwide reputation, and disrupted the market with groundbreaking innovative technology. Since Matt took over Hoverdale, the company has filed four patents for innovation; one was granted in 2023 for a design to improve bulk handling. The success had been driven by delivering tailored solutions to the waste recycling sectors that keep material flowing out and money flowing in.

Awards Include

  • 2024 ā€“ Shapa company of the Year
  • 2024- Shapa Innovation in Technology
  • 2024- MHEA Engineer of the year
  • 2021 ā€“ MHEA Innovation of the year
  • 2021- IMechE Innovation award

Current Positions Include.

  • Group Chairman Hoverdale UK Ltd
  • President (MHEA) Material Handling Engineers Association
  • Vice Chairman: IMechE Bulk Material Handling Committee
  • Council Member: (SHAPA) Solids Handling & Particle Association
  • Member: Chartered Management Institute

Matt has been happily married to Julie for 22 years and has 4 children, 3 of which are involved within the Hoverdale group of companies. He is an RFU level 2 qualified coach and referee having been in several head coaching roles at various age groups from under 6ā€™s to adults for his local team Nuneaton RFC. He believes in the core values that rugby teaches of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship and tryā€™s to carry this through in his day to day business activities. He is passionate at brining the next generation of young, diverse engineers into the sector through promotion of apprenticeship scheme and further education routes.