The KEW Sustainable Energy Centre is located in the West Midlands. The business has developed a unique technology to tackle climate change by efficiently converting all types of non-recyclable resources and low-grade biomass into a wide range of sustainable energy vectors.
Guttridge machines are handling both biomass pellets (wood pellets), and RDF cubes.
The RDF can be abrasive and bring additional operational challenges. With this in mind, Guttridge needed to consider various factors in their design, including machine speeds to reduce product impact/friction, replaceable wear liners to extend machine life, dust-tight construction to protect the environment and operators, plus ATEX compliance.
All four machines selected for KEW were designed and manufactured on all these essential requirements, as well as to ensure smooth and uninterrupted plant operation.
Both 650 Kleenbelt Conveyors with galvanised construction (to suit the outdoor location), were fitted with belt sensors and an under-speed sensor for effective belt tracking and tensioning. The underside of conveyors are fitted with overlapping hinged solid bottom covers (c/w safety switches) for dust-tight construction and easy access for maintenance. The machines have ATEX certified drive and frame retardant anti-static belt for an ATEX-certified zone 22 internal and installation in an ATEX zone 22 area.
The Guttridge Belt and Bucket Elevator has Hardox wear plates fitted to strategic locations within the Head and Boot sections. The Boot was fitted with a caged and coned pulley to prevent product (RDF cubes) from becoming trapped between the belt and pulley, for reliable belt tracking. The inclusion of belt alignment sensors and under-speed sensors was dual purpose; they are there to ensure effective belt tracking and tensioning, as well as minimise the risk of an explosion through the removal of an ignition source. This Belt and Bucket Elevator has an ATEX-certified drive and flame retardant anti-static belt for an ATEX-certified zone 20 internal and installation in an ATEX zone 22 area.
The Guttridge Screw Conveyor is of tubular construction with reduced pitch flighting for effective and efficient conveying up an incline. For extended life and reduced wear, Guttridge installed Hardox pressed flighting. To eliminate the need for a hanger bearing (wear and blocking point) Guttridge designed and manufactured a single span worm on pipe construction. This Tubular Screw Conveyor is also ATEX certified zone 20 internally and zone 22 externally.
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