42 minute read
Focus on Tippers
from Plant & Civil Engineer 2021
by 4SMNI
PRODUCTION BEGINS FOR NEW VOLVO TIPPER RANGE
As launches go, overhauling 70% of your truck range in one go could be seen as a fairly bold approach. But then again, Volvo Trucks has form – and isn’t keen on doing things by halves.
A little over a year ago the company unveiled four new models in a launch hastily moved online because of the pandemic. Twelve months on, and production of these new models has begun, and the first dealer demonstrators and customer trucks will be arriving into the marketplace shortly. Key to the new range is the brand-new Volvo FMX and FM, which have a strong heritage in the construction, plant and quarrying sectors. At the same time Volvo is also introducing a revamped and refurbished FH and FH16 – popular for low loader work in the plant sector, amongst many other missions. The overriding focus for all four new and improved trucks is – the driver. A more than sensible approach when you consider the pressure on the availability of skilled drivers worldwide. Research conducted in early 2020 found that in Europe, around one fifth of all driver jobs were vacant. A point clearly not lost on Volvo, which claims these new trucks will help that recruitment process by offering “safer, more efficient and more attractive working tools. “Our aim is to be our customers’ best business partner by making them even more competitive to help them attract the best drivers in an increasingly tough market,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks. “Drivers who handle their truck safely and efficiently are an invaluable asset to any transport company. Responsible driving behaviour can help reduce CO2 emissions and fuel costs, as well as helping reduce the risk of accidents, injury and unplanned downtime. Our new trucks will help drivers work even more safely and productively and give our customers stronger arguments when competing to attract the best drivers.” Taking a closer look, Volvo certainly appears to have backed up those claims. The new trucks have been given a significant interior overhaul. The dashboard has a completely new interface for information and communication, making it easier to view and manage different functions aimed, Volvo say, to “create less stress and distraction” for the driver. The instrument display is fully digital, with an impressive 12-inch screen that makes it easy to choose the information needed at any time. In addition, there is a supplementary nineinch side display available for infotainment, navigation, transport information and camera monitoring. The functions can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel, by voice control, or via the touchscreen and display control panel. Plus, they also come with Amazon’s Alexa built-in too. It’s a very nice bit of technology, that improves the driver experience across all four ranges. However, the changes to the all-new FMX and FM go even further.
Volvo FMX
The all-new FMX offers increased front axle loads of up to 20 tonnes and a new 38 tonne bogie. It is also built on an entirely new cab platform, featuring a front section with replaceable sturdy parts, headlamp protectors, anti-slip footsteps and new V-shaped LED headlamps.
Space in the FMX day cab is improved with storage of up to 800 litres. A lowered door line improves visibility, which can be boosted further by adding a camera on the passenger side which provides a complementary view of the side of the truck. It also comes equipped with a new traction control panel that helps the driver easily and quickly handle potentially dangerous situations, both on and off the road. A revised steering wheel with a neck tilt option also offers a more ergonomic driving position. The 38-tonne bogie allows for a Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of up to 150 tonnes. In addition, the front air suspension has been updated, allowing for front axle loads of up to 10 tonnes, or 20 tonnes for double front axles. For trucks with a steered tag or pusher axle, the steering angles have been increased, resulting in better manoeuvrability and reduced tyre wear. Unsurprisingly, safety is at the heart of Volvo’s new range, with advances in the new FMX including descent control and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that now work at all speeds down to zero km/h. The Electronic Brake System (EBS) now comes as standard and is supplemented by additional safety features such as Collision Warning with Emergency Brake and Electronic Stability Control. Volvo Dynamic Steering is available as an added option. For particularly rough applications, like mining or quarry work, Volvo can even include an optional steel roof hatch with an emergency exit handle that removes the entire hatch.
Volvo FM
Tagged as the “versatile work horse” of Volvo’s range, the new FM will also be popular amongst tipper operators, being ideal for use around urban areas, over long distances and even navigating construction sites It has raised A-pillars that give the cab up to one extra cubic metre of space and far more light than before. Larger windows and a lower doorline improve visibility further, and both the FM and FMX have now been fitted with the slimline rear-view mirrors found in the FH. The new FM sleeper cab has been upgraded with a raised bed and greater storage, including a substantial compartment underneath the bed. To move from the seat to the bed is easier with a new slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector. Reinforced insulation helps keep out cold, heat and noise. The exterior of the FM also gets a significant redesign, with a new aerodynamic shape and distinctive lines on the front. The distinctive Volvo V-shaped headlamps remain, although repositioned ever so slightly for “optimal aerodynamics”, and the larger brand identity panel and upper front grille with a new mesh pattern give the truck a bold, confident look. The variety of driveline and chassis configurations available means the new FM can be tailored to deliver higher productivity and fuel savings in a wide range of applications. Improvements to the steering angles of the tag and pusher axles also give the truck exceptional manoeuvrability. Overall, Volvo looks to have delivered another solid and impressive range of heavy trucks that will take driver experience to new heights. They also continue to be a reassuringly safe pair of hands, particularly in these most uncertain of times.
news Introducing drones into construction
Most construction businesses have similar priorities - deliver high quality work to the client’s budget and deadline. Investing in technology can enable companies to complete jobs more quickly and accurately, helping them to meet client expectations.
For example, global engineering consultancy, Arcadis, found that when using a drone, it could complete surveys ten times faster than traditional topographic surveys. Here Carl Parsons, Regional Sales Manager at SITECH UK & Ireland, explores the benefits of drone surveys and explains how to effectively introduce a drone onto a construction site. Manual surveying and data collection can be a time-consuming process. For example, a three-to-five-acre site can take days to survey. Traditional surveying techniques will only provide a limited number of points within the same time frame, giving an accurate, but potentially limited overview of the site. Large data sets can also be hard to present in an understandable way that fits the client’s needs. If customers want weekly updates on the progress of the site, it can be time consuming to repeat the survey to collect the comparative data. Traditional surveying can also create health and safety issues. During a survey, engineers are frequently walking between large pieces of equipment and climbing on unstable stockpiles, such as quarry material, putting them at risk. Recent improvements in drone technology have provided new opportunities for the construction industry to conduct surveys safely and effectively. As long as the drone operator can see the drone, the surveyor can be in one static and safe position on site.
Introducing a drone
There are two ways to introduce a drone to a site, the first solution is to train someone in the business to become a drone operator. Three-day training courses offered by construction technology specialists, such as SITECH, teach some simple manoeuvres and educate operators about regulations surrounding commercial flying, such as completing a logbook and informing local airports. Operators will receive a drone pilot licence at the end of the course. The alternative solution is hiring an experienced drone operator who can carry out drone surveys immediately, rather than waiting for employee training. Hiring can also be a short-term solution for construction business to test the waters and see if drones are useful for their projects before investing in training. Site managers can approach construction technology providers, such as SITECH, as a one stop shop for drones. Our experts can supply the drone, set it up and explain how to effectively use the data collected. After this initial investment, site managers can begin to use drones in all large projects, leading to more surveys and improved data analysis and communication with customers.
Collecting data
Using drones to collect a large amount of data appearsuseful, but construction companies must know how to effectively analyse and use collected data to benefit themselves and the customer. Integrating data collection software, such as Trimble Stratus and Trimble Business Center, allows construction businesses to provide 3D cut and fill data, so the customer can easily track the project against the design. Customers can also annotate the data and manipulate the software themselves to get print outs of volumes or cross sections of stockpiles, to share progression with stakeholders. For certain customers, businesses will need to package the data in a specific way to show particular points, such as the amount of stockpiled material in cubic metres. Data collection software allows quick changes to be made to data presentation, rather than making a surveyor reproduce everything. Compared with manual data collection methods, drones can improve site safety, increase the number of data points and provide customers with a better understanding of their construction site. Drones can help to reduce waste caused by human error and decrease surveyor time on site, which can lower costs by approximately 50 per cent. While drone technology may be a costly initial investment, it enables construction businesses to improve their productivity, reduce mistakes and more easily meet a customer’s expectations.
The smart powerhouse for the construction sector.
Regardless of whether it is a tractor unit, rigid, cement mixer or heavy-duty tipper: The road and all-wheel variants of the new Arocs provide an especially robust, resilient vehicle for almost any construction haulage challenge. Contact Paul or Tim at MBNI Truck & Van
Mercedes-Benz
Trucks you can trust
MAN TGS READY TO HIT OUR ROADS
A lot has been said about the launch of the New Generation MAN TG Truck range, and rightly so, we have our opinion and from what we’ve seen and heard it ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people.
Fortunately we’ve already driven the new TGX tractors in both 4x2 configuration (in Bilbao at the global launch) and more recently the 6x4 tractor here in Northern Ireland, and we must say MAN has done its homework and delivered a winner. It’s easy to see that a lot of attention went into this new generation and as soon as conceptual development work began, MAN set about talking with 300 transport companies and 700 drivers. Regular feedback on their requirements for the new truck range was shared and MAN incorporated this feedback into the design of the new TG Truck Generation. As a result of this feedback the new vehicles are even more aligned with these companies’ needs with regard to operational and cost efficiency and offer the driver unique workplace ergonomics, comprehensive safety and a relaxing environment during rest periods. At the same time the accounts will be happy too as the new Euro6D drivetrain is said to be more fuel efficient when compared to the equivalent Euro6C model, we’ll let you do the maths and calculate what this could mean to you and your business. Although we haven’t had the chance to get behind the wheel of a new TGS 8x4 offering, if our TGX experience is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. Due to MAN updating the entire range, TGL, TGM, TGS and TGX (essentially all trucks from 7.5 to 250.00 tonnes) the TGS is the last model to come through and land in the UK. We’re told that the first TGS 8x4 vehicles have arrived with customers and body builders alike and so it’s only a matter of time when we start seeing the first vehicles on the road and hear of customer experience.
Comfort & Safety
What we do know, as we got to look at a New Generation TGS at the global launch is that MAN has updated the TGS in many ways, so very much in keeping with the rest of the range. For the driver a huge emphasis has been placed on comfort, working space, safety and connectivity, which are all areas that have a direct impact on productivity – “show us a happy driver and we’ll show you a productive driver”. Three different cabs are available in the New Generation TGS range: TM (offering full standing height, one sleeping bunk and lots of storage space) TN (a standard height single sleeper) and the NN (a day cab with space behind the seats for storage). The new MAN TGS is targeted as before on the heavy-duty construction vehicle, distribution and municipal services sectors. This model series is characterised by narrow cabs, because in typical applications both low unladen weight and good visibility are key.
Choice of Power Units
In terms of power units, MAN offers the TGS with the D15 or D26 engine, covering a broad power range from 330 to 510 hp. The wide range of variants makes the TGS a strong proposition when it comes to drive configurations, operators can opt for 4x2 and 6x2 tractor or chassis units, 6x4, 8x2 and 8x4 chassis for a wide variety of construction based sectors, or the specialist all-wheel drive chassis ideal for rough terrain configured as 4x4, 6x6, 8x6 or 8x8. For the weight conscious MAN has a good story to tell. The New Generation TGS drivetrains, the afore mentioned D15 (330, 360 and 400 hp) and D26 units (430, 470 and 510 hp) measuring nine- litres and 12.4 litres respectively, have both been on engineering diets, the D15 is approximately 230 kg lighter than its predecessor and the D26 some 80 kg lighter, so those looking for payload should be suitably impressed. MAN have also put a lot time and resource into customer relations and providing a strong customer partnership. Instead of an orientation towards specific model series, MAN is shifting the focus of configuration to custom-tailored and the principle of “application fit”. This means that by the time the truck rolls off the production line it is already equipped so that the correct body can be quickly and economically fitted, so very much tailored to the exacting needs of the customer. This “application fit” approach reduces the demand and associated extra costs for additional installations or modifications and ensures that the new truck immediately offers maximum flexibility in the customer’s day-to-day operations. Neat. Let’s not forget that MAN was awarded the accolade of, International Truck of the Year 2021, albeit with the TGX range, but if the DNA and R&D has washed over to the New Generation TGS, then we should be looking at a more than suitable replacement for the outgoing model. As soon as we can get behind the wheel of the New Generation TGS we’ll report on our views. One thing for certain “we’re very much looking forward to the opportunity.”
RK TRUCKS CENTRE LTD
IVECO X-WAY SET FOR SHORT TOUR OF NORTHERN IRELAND
Potential customers for the new IVECO X-WAY will be able to get behind the wheel of a demonstration model which will be arriving in Northern Ireland in June as part of the UK-wide Roadshow.
Rather than inviting operators to a one-off event, IVECO plan to take an 8x4 tipper model direct to the customer, no matter where they are located in the six counties. “We want operators to see the X-Way up close and to have an opportunity to drive it themselves,” says NI Trucks IVECO Heavy Truck Business Development Manager Rod Hawkins. “We will be inviting customers to make contact with me to arrange a time and a place during June when I will be touring Northern Ireland with the truck. Because of circumstances, it will be made available to those interested for just a short test drive rather than for a more extended period of days,” says Rod. Provisional dates for the IVECO X-WAY tour are week commencing Monday June 14 and week commencing Monday June 21. The IVECO X-WAY model in question is an AD360X48Z OFF 8x4 tipper, with a Boweld tipper light steel body; it’s powered by a Cursor 11 litre 480bhp engine, mated to a 12-speed automatic Hi-Tronic gearbox. The IVECO X-WAY is specifically designed for a range of construction applications and combines IVECO’s best fuel-efficiency and safety technologies with the legendary off-road robustness of its toughest vehicles to deliver high productivity with outstanding Total Cost of Ownership. It integrates IVECO’s best, most advanced features and driving assistance functions such as eco-roll, predictive gear shifting and predictive cruise control, and is equally at home on the open road and in an off-road environment, with additional hydraulic front-wheel traction when needed, improving the vehicle’s stability and the driver’s safety on difficult terrains. There are a choice of cabs available: the AD (Active Day) short cab with low roof, AT (Active Time) sleeper cab with low or medium roof, and for ultimate comfort, the AS (Active Space) sleeper cab. If you would like to see and drive the new X-WAY, for which dealers NI Trucks are currently taking orders with delivery dates in early 2022, you can contact Rod Hawkins on 07802 658741 or by email at rhawkins@ni-trucks.co.uk
TRUCK DETAILS
MODEL: AD360X48Z OFF APPLICATION: TIPPER ENGINE: CURSOR 11 LITRE AT 480 BHP GEARBOX: HI-TRONIX 12 SPEED AUTO BODY: BOWELD TIPPER-LIGHT STEEL
NEW IVECO T-WAY: ENGINEERED FOR THE MOST EXTREME OFF-ROAD MISSIONS
IVECO has presented the new IVECO T-WAY heavy off-road vehicle to its dealer network and representatives of the international trade press via a live digital event.
IVECO took an innovative approach to the virtual launch which was specially designed for the IVECO Live Channel. It offered participants a unique experience, telling an immersive story, made up of a mix of video content and live interactions. It took the guests on a journey of discovery through IVECO’s offroad world and unveiled the latest-born in its long lineage of legendary trucks. Luca Sra, Chief Operating Officer IVECO Truck Business Unit, said: “This extra-strong vehicle, a true champion of performance, sturdiness and durability, will further consolidate IVECO’s presence in the heavy off-road sector. The IVECO T-WAY completes the renewal of our heavy IVECO WAY range, which is now one of the freshest, richest and most innovative on the market.” Thomas Hilse, IVECO Brand President, added: “The name says it all: T for Tough!” The IVECO T-WAY carries over from its predecessors the legendary robustness of the high-resistance steel chassis with a 10 mm thick frame, and with a Rail Bending Moment at the top of the segment at 177 kNm. The front axle has a maximum capacity of up to 9 tonnes. Hub reduction on the rear axle is standard to maximise strength and performance. The new heavyduty rear suspension system for Tandem axles optimises vehicle weight and improves off-road performance with greater ground clearance and a better departure angle. The IVECO T-WAY delivers all the power needed for traction and PTO with IVECO’s reliable and efficient Cursor 13 engine (13 litres) developing up to 510 hp – exceeding the Trakker’s performance by 10 hp. For lighter-weight configurations, it is also available with the Cursor 9 engine. The engines are coupled with the proven 12- and 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, which now also features new functions specifically intended for offroad mobility. They include a Hill Holder function to help departure on steep slopes, Rocking Mode to help recover traction in slippery conditions, and Creep Mode for ultra-low speed control at idle. For the on-road sections of the mission, the IVECO HI-CRUISE system further enhances the transmission’s efficiency. It includes predictive gear shifting, predictive cruise control and an eco-roll function that uses the vehicle’s inertia when travelling downhill.
Efficiency
The IVECO T-WAY has been designed for efficiency and productivity, with a host of features, a lower kerb weight and new telematics features and digital services. It offers a new fuel-saving solution for missions that require an occasional All Wheel Drive (AWD) capability: the HI-TRACTION hydrostatic drive system for 6x4 rigid and articulated models. It operates at speeds of up to 25 km/h and is automatically activated to provide additional hydraulic front-wheel traction when needed. It delivers significant benefits in terms of fuel consumption and payload compared to the AWD solution. The low kerb weight has been further reduced by 325 kg compared to the Trakker with the new design of the tandem support on the rear axles, which is now a single-piece casting component. The IVECO T-WAY features the best-in-class connectivity that is the hallmark of the WAY range through the standard Connectivity Box. The connectivity system provides telediagnostics and predictive maintenance. It also enables fleet managers to remotely monitor the performance of every vehicle at all times, ensuring maximum efficiency.
Flexibility
The IVECO T-WAY is set to become a favourite of body builders thanks to its extraordinary flexibility. With both rigid and articulated versions, it has the widest
offering of driveline options on the market: Partial Wheel Drive on 6x4 rigid and articulated and 8x4 rigid models; as well as All Wheel Drive on 4x4 and 6x6 rigid and articulated, and on 8x8 rigid versions. The All-Wheel Drive range has been extended with new 4-, 4.2- and 4.5-metre wheelbase models, which can transport special loads with no modification to the chassis. The new HI-MUX electric and electronic architecture is fully compatible with the latest-generation control systems. The new PTO line-up includes a new high-performance sandwich PTO that delivers up to 2,300 Nm torque.
Comfort & Safety
The cab of the IVECO T-WAY shares the driver-friendly design of the IVECO WAY range, with its sleek, aerodynamic lines. Available in two versions – AD short cab and AT long cab with standard or high roof – it is focused on functionality to facilitate the driver’s daily work. The entire driver area has been created to provide a practical and easy-to-livein environment. The comfortable and ergonomic driver’s seat, together with the new-concept multi-function steering wheel, ensures excellent driver comfort. The vehicle is designed to provide maximum protection, with safety features which far exceed the type approval requirements. The new braking system features EBS as standard, full disc brakes are available on PWD models, and new ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance Systems) are available across the range.
MERCEDES-BENZ AROCS: FOR WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
That the latest generation MercedesBenz Arocs has been specifically designed and built for heavy construction duties was well proven when Plant & Civil Engineer’s Phil Eaglestone recently got behind the wheel to put an Arocs 5 3240 8x4 through its paces, courtesy of dealers MBNI Truck & Van.
Having been in constant operation since 1895, Boyd’s Quarry in Newtownabbey in County Antrim, provided the ideal backdrop and the perfect tough working environment for our day out, and we weren’t disappointed by its overall performance. While standard equipment includes Stability Control Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Attention Assist, it also boasts other latest technologies such as Predictive Powertrain Control, Sideguard Assist, Active Brake Assist and market ‘firsts’ such as MirrorCam and the Multimedia Cockpit, not to mention the Truck Data Center connectivity platform. The fully loaded Arocs took the rough terrain of the quarry in its stride, with excellent ground clearance - and a great view from the cab; in fact, it seemed we were sitting higher compared to other trucks we have tested. A camera placed on the tipper body itself meant we were able to keep a close eye on the load, and on the actual tipping process. The handling in the quarry couldn’t be faulted, with superb traction and a tight turning circle, and when we eventually headed out on to the open road, the advanced cruise and transmission control Predictive Powertrain Control on the Arocs came into its own. Not only is the Arocs always able to find the right gear and appropriate speed for consumption when travelling up- and downhill, but also when navigating the winding roads between cities and towns. This is what makes it so fuel-efficient and as comfortable as possible out on the road. Indeed, on occasions during our trip towards Antrim town we forgot we were actually in a tipper such was the almost ‘car-like’ ride, with smooth and assured automatic gear changes. Although we didn’t put it to the test, it’s been said that even a highly skilled driver with excellent knowledge of the route doesn't achieve fuel consumption rates in busy traffic conditions like those of the new Arocs with Predictive Powertrain Control. Indeed, we are told that out on the road, the Arocs is up to five percent more fuel-efficient when compared to models without the intelligent cruise and transmission control.
MirrorCam
Our test truck was also fitted with MirrorCam; it took us a while to familiarise ourselves with it – not having conventional main and wide-angle mirrors to fall back on was initially a ‘shock’ to the system, but we soon became accustomed to it. The absence of the mirrors does considerably improve all-round visibility. With MirrorCam, we had excellent visibility even diagonally in front of the truck, an angle which would otherwise have been concealed by the mirror housing. Another advantage is that it wasn’t possible for us to incorrectly adjust the mirrors, because from any perspective, the camera shows the same complete image. MirrorCam also works hand-in-hand with the Mercedes-Benz Sideguard Assist which can help to avoid accidents. It is able to recognise and warn of obstacles to the right of the vehicle along the entire length of the vehicle.
Active Brake Assist 5
Also contributing to the safety of our test model was the latest fifth generation of Active Brake Assist which can now better react to people within speeds of up to 50 km/h thanks to the combination of radar and camera system. This can be a safety advantage, especially when driving in built-up areas. Regardless of whether it’s a stationary vehicle or travelling ahead, or an unprotected road user such as a cyclist or pedestrian: ABA 5 can help to avoid a rear-end collision. If necessary, the safety system can initiate an automatic full-stop braking within the system limits until the vehicle comes to a complete standstill. That said, we had to remind ourselves that ABA 5 is only an assistance system, so it was very much down to us to take responsibility for driving the truck safely.
MultiMedia Cockpit
There was so much to like about this new Arocs not least the innovative Multimedia Cockpit. A high-resolution 26 cm (10.25-inch) colour display replaces the conventional instrument cluster and provides a clear display of all driving and vehicle information. It is supplemented by the Multi-Touch Display in the same size in the instrument panel on the right. It also includes a navigation system, Traffic Sign Assist and Remote Online for the control of various vehicle functions via the smartphone. Also integrated is Remote Connect for storage volume and access to the Fleetboard Store, which offers many convenience- and efficiency-enhancing apps for the Multi-Touch display. Meanwhile, a new multifunction leather steering wheel with Touch Control Buttons enhances ergonomics and ease of operation. A diverse range of vehicle systems and functions can be operated and information called up by swiping and pressing the Touch Control Buttons. The Touch Control Button on the right-hand side serves to operate the primary display (instrument cluster), while the Touch Control Button on the left is used for the secondary Multi-Touch-Display. The new Arocs comes as standard with an integrated radio infotainment system that conjures up a whole new feeling in the cab. A digital radio featuring Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) is also optionally available. Numerous connection options are available for integrating external devices. The cab of the Arocs offers vast amounts of stowage space. Beyond the extensive scope of stowage facilities which comes as standard, additional stowage compartments are available to make individual and efficient use of the available space. The versatile stowage concept on-board the new Arocs features various drawers in addition to the already diverse range of stowage trays and compartments. In cabs with a level floor, a drawer underneath the dash support provides additional stowage space. Upon request, a second lower drawer is also available.
Verdict
Having spent a few hours behind the wheel of this new Arocs, we can appreciate why it has quickly become a firm favourite with quarry owners and construction contractors; it handles and performs exceptionally well, it is as tough as they come when it matters and has all the ‘home’ comforts and safety features that a hard working driver deserves.
recycling & waste management NI’s Increasing Covid Pandemic Waste Figures Present Challenges & Opportunities
It’s been claimed the latest Local Authority Collected Waste statistics from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the third quarter of data since the covid pandemic began, highlights the growing challenge to manage Northern Ireland’s waste sustainably.
This latest data shows that waste arisings in NI remain on the increase and is in keeping with recent trends. In this latest quarter, waste arisings have increased year on year by 9.2%, just as it did in the previous quarter (+5.3%). Data for the last full year 2019/20 prior to the covid pandemic showed that waste levels have risen by nearly 10% since their lowest point in 2012/13 to reach 998,985 tonnes. The first three quarters of data for this year indicate that we are likely to exceed this amount again, potentially surpassing one million tonnes once again. They also indicate a decline in recycling levels from the same period last year meaning that when taken together there is even more waste that needs to be treated in other ways. At the same time, the latest figures show that while there has been a small reduction in percentage terms of waste going to landfill in volume terms it is still up 5.7% year on year, from 56,488 tonnes during October to December 2019 to 59,683 tonnes between October and December 2020. The report identifies a notable increase in energy recovery from our waste – now accounting for over a quarter of our waste. It does however fail to point out that the majority of this energy recovery from waste is currently achieved via exporting Northern Ireland waste at great environmental and financial cost to fuel energy from waste plants abroad.
Opportunity
Speaking about the latest covid period waste data John Ahern, Indaver UK and Ireland, the European waste management experts planning to invest £240m in integrated waste management infrastructure to meet the needs of six NI councils said: “These latest waste figures for the covid-19 period identify the scale of the problem but also point to the opportunity if we view our waste as a resource, just like the rest of Europe has been doing for years. “The data provides further evidence that waste is on the increase here, which reinforces the urgent need to deliver more robust and integrated waste management infrastructure locally, especially to deal with our residual, largely non-recyclable waste. The proposed arc21 infrastructure, alongside existing infrastructure will directly contribute to Net Zero Carbon and Circular Economy Package targets which include a 10% cap on landfill by 2035. This will be achieved by firstly increasing recycling levels from black bin waste by up to 10%, diverting waste from landfill and then generating valuable energy from the remaining non-recyclable waste. “While the DAERA report rightly celebrates the increase in energy recovery from NI waste it doesn’t tell the whole story as the majority of this energy recovery is happening abroad. We continue ship our waste at significant financial and environmental cost to Europe and further afield - meaning the value from that waste is being extracted elsewhere. This is an unsustainable and high-risk approach as export capacity is fast reducing globally as more prioritise their own waste and impose taxes on imported waste. In any case it runs contrary to the proximity principles which make it clear that waste should be treated close to where it is generated and is entirely illogical at a time when we also continue to import fossil fuels to meet our local energy needs. “The arc21 project has been in planning for over seven years now and the need for it is even greater than when it was first conceived. As well as addressing the clear waste management needs, it can, in time enable other important decarbonisation opportunities such as district heating and hydrogen fuel production. This will only further increase its valuable contribution to achieving the post-covid ‘green recovery’ being espoused by NI political leaders,” he concluded.
John Ahern, Indaver UK and Ireland.
Decision Time
Added Tim Walker, arc21’s acting Chief Executive: “COVID-19 and the impact of working and studying at home for prolonged periods has had some impact on recycling habits and where waste is being generated, but the underlying picture has remained the same. “Northern Ireland still continues to produce too much waste, we send too much to landfill and too much for incineration overseas. COVID-19 has not changed those fundamental problems. If we want to build a resilient waste and resources management system and tackle carbon emissions from the waste sector, we need to invest in modern waste infrastructure fit for the Northern Irish economy of the 21st century. “If we’re serious about meeting net zero targets, then we need to act upon the recommendations of the Climate Change Committee which were accepted by the Prime Minister recently. That means Northern Ireland will need to phase out landfill more rapidly than is being done under the current unplanned, incremental approach, and increasingly reduce our reliance on waste exports. This compels us to put new transitional facilities in place, such as those proposed by the arc21 councils which are looking to discharge their statutory functions by developing new infrastructure at Hightown Quarry. “Northern Ireland has talked a good talk for many years, but now is the time to start making decisions and to catch up with the other devolved administrations.”
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recycling & waste management Kiverco partner with the Mick George Group to deliver a UK first
The Mick George Group has recently taken delivery of the first Rentec triple shaft shredder to be sold in the UK.
The Trirex 26005 is a stationary, slow speed triple-rotor shredder with a hydraulic drive that will be used at the St Ives site to shred Construction & Demolition. The shredded waste will then be fed to the existing Kiverco plant, where it will go through a series of processes to separate the waste into a variety of recyclable products. Earlier this year, the Mick George Group and Kiverco collaboratively reviewed how the waste was being processed and both agreed that the Rentec addition would help improve throughput and efficiency. The shredder would size the infeed material and enable the Kiverco waste plant to segregate the material more easily and allow each component within the plant to perform at the optimum level. This latest investment by the Mick George Group highlights once more the company’s commitment to diverting 100% of incoming waste from landfill. Commenting on this latest investment, Michael George, Managing Director of the Mick George Group explains the reason why he chose to purchase the shredder from Kiverco: “We receive a huge amount of C&D waste across the region, so it was essential that we found a solution capable of handling and processing high volumes. Having worked with Kiverco for many years, we’re aware that they have a lot of knowledge and experience in waste processing and understand our requirements very well. We went through the various options available to us and quickly agreed that the Rentec triple shaft was the only shredder capable of meeting our needs. Having now seen the shredder in action, I am really pleased with the investment made as it is doing exactly what Kiverco had said it would and processing as much waste as we can throw at it.” Kiverco Regional Sales Manager JP Devin has worked with the Mick George Group for several years and he also commented on the significance of this shredder for the Mick George Group: “The choice of shredder was critical at the Mick George St Ives site, as it is one of the largest and busiest waste transfer sites in the region. The Kiverco waste plant was installed a few years back and runs really well but, we knew we could increase throughput and achieve better results if the right shredder was installed to reduce the size of the material going into the plant. It has been an excellent investment for the company and I want to thank the Mick George Group once again for their faith in Kiverco.”
NWP Backs Project To Improve Mental Health Through Gardening
Organics recycling firm Natural World Products (NWP) has joined with a Co Down charity for a project to improve mental health and wellbeing through gardening.
The Let’s Grow Together initiative, delivered by Mind Your Mate and Yourself (MYMY) based in Newcastle and supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, will benefit 35 households across the district with a focus on those living in isolation. NWP processes household food and garden waste from local authorities across Northern Ireland converting it into premium, organic, peat-free compost. In addition to compost from NWP, participants will receive all the necessary equipment to kick-start their gardening journey to better mental health including a newly built raised bed, seeds and tools. Colm Warren, Chief Executive, NWP, said: “Supporting community initiatives like the ‘Let’s Grow Together’ project is an integral aspect of NWP. As advocates of the positive impact of horticultural therapy, it is particularly pleasing to support a project that makes it easier for people to get out into nature, embrace the outdoors and feel all the benefits of growing and nurturing flowers and vegetables from seed. “The compost to be used has been made from discarded food and garden waste gathered within the local community, providing the perfect example of the circular economy in action.” MYMY was established to help boost people’s self-esteem, their selfawareness and develop a better understanding of self-care. Co-founder Ray Cunningham said: “The various lockdowns brought about because of COVID-19 have placed a significant strain on many people’s mental health, particularly those who were already feeling isolated or alone. “Through this project, we want to start a wider conversation surrounding the correlation between gardening and positive mental health and wellbeing, and we can’t wait to hear the difference it makes in the coming weeks and months.” Those participating within the project will be provided with ongoing support from a local horticulturist who will encourage and offer help and advice on their new growing venture. NWP is headquartered in Dunmurry with additional recycling facilities in Antrim, Keady, Co Armagh, and Drumanakelly, Co Down. The firm processes 200 thousand tonnes of food and garden waste annually, delivering over half of all recycling across Northern Ireland.
recycling & waste management
Cleanaway Place their Trust in Mobile Recycling Solutions from EDGE Innovate
Companies have to adapt and innovate or they’re going nowhere, and that’s critical to the way we work. It’s all about trying new things and thinking outside the box. I’m dedicated to building an innovative and forward-thinking culture. Those are the sentiments of Karl David, Cleanaway Regional Manager, at a recent ribbon cutting ceremony at Cleanaway’s Brooklyn Resource Recovery Centre.
The opening of the new mobile recycling manufactured by EDGE Innovate is just one component of a high-level strategy to increase the company’s sustainable footprint. As the first step in a statewide revamp of Cleanaway’s Victorian operations, David and his team recently invested in an EDGE Innovate designed mobile recycling plant, with the goal of transforming the company’s Brooklyn Resource Recovery Centre into a resource recovery powerhouse. “With landfill levies rising, we recognised the need to adapt to market requirements,” David says. “We went through and identified that there was real potential to recover more from our transfer stations and really invest in increasing our recovery of materials that would otherwise go into landfill. “We’ve been through a journey to review that and identified sites such as Brooklyn, where we could start recycling significantly to avoid landfill and improve our business going forward.”
Karl David, Cleanaway Regional Manager.
The EDGE Innovate plant, which was installed by FOCUS Enviro in late January, draws on two similar installations at Cleanaway’s New Chum Landfill in Ipswich and Willawong Recycling and Transfer Station in Brisbane. “We were researching what the right equipment would be for our application and material profile, and our sites in Queensland had a pre-existing relationship with FOCUS,” David says. “We leveraged that relationship to learn from them and understand how we could adapt the set-up to our local market conditions because we knew it worked”.
High Powered
The plant features six pieces of high-powered equipment including an EDGE TRT622 trommel screen, a Slayer XL shredder and 4 bay picking station, which work in harmony to ensure effective processing at each downstream stage. After initial pre-picking to remove visible items such as large slabs of concrete and metal, the material is pushed into the shredder. In addition to standard shredding, the machine features a heavy-duty magnet that removes metals for later recovery. The material then moves through a trommel that separates soils and fines for classification and disposal. The remaining material – anything larger than 20 millimetres – is sent to the picking station via a TS-Series EDGE stacker conveyer system. At the picking station light materials such as plastics and cardboard are separated, with heavier materials including metal, concrete, brick and timbre dropped into under-side bins. The entire system barring the picking station is tracked. This provides added flexibility, David says, allowing Cleanaway to adapt and adjust processes to meet changing needs and waste profiles. He adds that the plant has been performing better than expected. “We’re identifying a lot more recycling than we had anticipated and are recovering tiny pieces of metal that we never would have found in the past,” David says. “It opens our eyes up to the opportunities – that’s what’s exciting. I come up here and I’m excited, and more importantly, our operators are really excited to be a part of it.” Recovered cardboard is sent to be baled and sold, with timber ground into wood chips for public space applications and concrete processed into road making materials. Recovered metals will be recycled though Cleanaway’s partnership with Sims Metal Management. David adds that the lightweight materials separated at the picking station could be used as waste-to-energy feedstock in the future, an avenue that Cleanaway is actively pursuing.
Positioning Partnerships
Looking forward, David says Cleanaway is motivated to continue working in collaboration with FOCUS Enviro and EDGE Innovate to develop new recovery solutions. “We’ll be looking at how we can learn from EDGE Innovate and FOCUS Enviro’s experience overseas and what processes, equipment and capabilities we can bring into this market,” he says. “There is a lot of momentum, and one of the advantages for us is that as such a broad business we can largely feed ourselves, but every site is different, so it’s about attracting the right customers to the right location.” The Brooklyn facility is now a Green Star site, David adds, highlighting Cleanaway’s goal of contributing to market transformation and a sustainable economy.
recycling & waste management Re-Gen Waste Invests £20 million in Paper and Glass Re-Melt Products
Following the announcement of plans to build a £22 million self-funded ‘circular economy resource park’ in Newry this year, Re-Gen Waste has committed a further £20 million investment in the local manufacture of two, innovative new products.
Derived from local household waste, the advanced, absorbent paper product is currently undergoing R&D testing, in association with Queen’s University Belfast. Both manufactured goods should be ready to bring to market in 2023 and will drive improvements in local Circular Product use. This new tranche of investment is expected to create 250 local jobs, deliver £20 millions of value to the NI economy annually and provide a strong alternative to incineration and shipping recyclable materials overseas. Managing Director Joseph Doherty said: “In the last ten years SMEs in the NI Waste Sector have been innovating and developing processes and plant, to move Northern Ireland towards a circular economy. “This can’t happen overnight, but Northern Ireland is hitting its targets to become a
Joseph Doherty, Managing Director, Re-Gen Waste
zero-waste society. In 2019/20, Northern Ireland achieved a Household Waste Recycling and Composting Rate of 51.9%. This is a dramatic step forward in our recycling rate, which continues to grow. “The volume of household waste landfilled has decreased by 352,837 tonnes, down from 561,173 tonnes in 2009/10 to 208,336 tonnes in 2019/20 and is continuing to fall rapidly year on year. According to DAERA’s Compositional Study 2017,55% of the black bin (residual waste) is recyclable material, which we will also extract for use in manufacturing these new products. “New policy and legislative measures such as Extended Producer Responsibility, Plastic Tax and a Deposit Return Scheme, will dramatically change the nature and volume of waste, post 2023. “We are positioning our business to meet these new policies and are proud that the 23.1% increase in our recycling rate, has been achieved through private investment by SMEs in the waste sector, to extract and recover recyclable and compostable materials. “We are pushing hard to innovate and develop manufacturing facilities that close the recycling loop, create jobs at home and boost the NI economy.”
NI Water cleans up at IoW NI Innovation Awards
NI Water projects have secured first and second place in this year’s Institute of Water (IoW) NI Innovation Awards - the first time in the competition’s 10-year history that the top two prizes have gone to the same company!
The accolades were bestowed to the Derg Pilot Plant and Rathlin Island Water Treatment projects in recognition of their unique and innovative nature. The Derg Pilot Project - which pipped the Rathlin Project to the post to lift first prize and go forward to the IoW’s National Innovation Awards - is an innovative mobile testing facility developed by NI Water’s Trevor Cousins built in partnership with local companies Lowry Building & Civil Engineering, Clinty Chemicals and RPS. The Pilot Plant has been specially designed to allow it to be set up at any NI Water site to replicate the water or wastewater treatment process. It works offline, without affecting the water treatment process and allows the rigorous testing of the treatment process. Through real-time data collection and analysis, this pilot will allow NI Water staff to measure how effective each treatment process is before considering it as a permanent solution. This forward-thinking approach means that the most effective and efficient treatment solutions can be determined and incorporated into future NI Water capital works programmes. The Pilot Plant was initially established at Derg Water Treatment Works (WTW) in September 2020 to investigate potential treatment processes to address compliance issues around the herbicide MCPA and other chemicals used in the water treatment process. The ability to reuse this innovative Pilot Plant at various treatment works, to improve the water treatment process is one of its greatest benefits. The whole plant can be relocated to other water treatment sites, with only set up costs incurred at each site.
