Mechanisation and waste optimisation

THE GENERAL PREMISE OF PRE-TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES IS THE TREATMENT OF WASTE BEFORE FINAL DISPOSAL TO REDUCE THE VOLUME THAT IS LANDFILLED AND ENHANCE OR ACCELERATE THE STABILISATION OF THE WASTE, THUS MINIMISING THE LONG-TERM, DISADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

While the global quest is to promote a circular economy that emphasises recycling, the reality is that a percentage of the waste stream will always have to be disposed of in sanitary landfills. Ziyanda Majodina speaks to Thibault Dechamps – specialist: Waste & Recycling Segment for Caterpillar’s Europe, Africa, Middle East & Eurasia region – about Cat mechanised solutions.

What solutions does Caterpillar field for the landfill and waste management industry?

TD Looking at the composition of the waste stream, the average household income, and particularly taking into consideration South Africa’s growing economy, exploring recycling opportunities will be of great assistance in lessening the volume of waste disposed of in sanitary landfills.

Key machinery to manage sanitary landfills includes track-type tractors with waste handling arrangement (TTT WHA), track-type loaders with waste handling arrangement (TTL WHA), and landfill compactors (LFCs). The LFC is purposebuilt for landfill operation. It delivers features, performance and efficiency that draw on Caterpillar’s 50-plus years of industry experience. Field-proven protection and integrated technologies provide peak availability and optimised landfill performance.

The first Cat 816 model was launched approximately 50 years ago, in 1972, making it the first ever LFC created by Caterpillar. The current version of the 816 weighs 25 t and delivers 284 hp of gross power, which insures efficient waste compaction through its maximum compaction rate.

Other Caterpillar compactor models are the approximately 40 t Cat 826K, and the 55 t Cat 836K. These machines are designed for the harsh operating environments typically experienced on landfills.

The wheels of the compactor are the machines' true work tools. There are five types of wheels to choose from: ‘Plus’ tips, ‘Paddle’ tips, ‘Diamond’ tips, ‘Chopper’, and ‘Combo’, which combines ‘Plus’ and ‘Paddle’.

There are five types of wheels to choose from: ‘Plus’ tips, ‘Paddle’ tips, ‘Diamond’ tips, ‘Chopper’, and ‘Combo’, which combines ‘Plus’ and ‘Paddle’

The ‘Plus’ tip is larger and heavier and is designed for waste streams that include construction and demolition materials. It also has a greater side slope stability.

The ‘Paddle’ tip is designed for a waste stream composed mainly of municipal solid waste. It cuts through garbage bags. Running at a lighter weight allows the compactor to operate at maximum speed.

‘Plus’ and ‘Paddle’ tips have a pro-rated 10 000-hour warranty. The ‘Diamond’ tips, available on the 826K and 836K, have a pro-rated 15 000-hour warranty.

Then there is our ‘intelligent’ machine solution, Cat Landfill GPS Mapping. It is designed to address many of the objectives in a landfill such as safety, production/planning, and airspace/density. Technology, where real-time data is in front of the operator, drives production increases in the landfill operation. Operators have access to operational and design parameters throughout their shift. Managers also have access to reporting capabilities such as volumes, densities, productivity of single machines or the whole fleet, fuel consumption, idle time, etc. The ability to measure these parameters means management can make data-based decisions to enhance operations.

What recommendations would you make for smaller municipal landfills when it comes to mechanisation and affordable machine options?

The equipment compaction performance, uptime and fuel consumption are just as important for smaller municipal landfills as for larger sanitary landfills.

The LFC is obviously my first recommendation, as it is a purpose-built piece of equipment. The TTT WHA and TTL WHA can also be considered as alternatives to process the waste stream. However, TTTs and TTLs won’t be able to achieve the level of compaction an LFC does.

What are some of the common mistakes that landfill operators make when it comes to general machine selection?

These are not specifically mistakes – it comes down to the degree of understanding regarding equipment principles, role, size, and configuration. It is essential for machine users to educate themselves on the specifications of the equipment and the job to be performed. It is also critical to pay attention to the significance of compaction. Compaction is key to preventing risks that may occur – e.g. the risk of fire (spontaneous combustion) and waste landslides.

What are some of the key tips to note?

Every single cubic metre is crucial to optimise landfill air space. Proper compaction targets will maximise the life of the landfill. Within this context, correct machine selection and operator training are important. They will ensure optimum equipment utilisation, efficiently processing the waste stream. Landfill operation must avoid over- or undercompacting. The first scenario results in excessive fuel burn and unproductive utilisation. The second shortens landfill life.

Every single cubic metre is crucial to optimise landfill air space Cat Landfill GPS Mapping is designed to address many of the objectives in the landfill: safety, production/planning, and airspace/density