18/03/2009

Braby complete materials handling package for Wessex Water

Braby, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of stainless steel and aluminium silos, has completed a materials handling system as part of an extensive new sewerage sludge drying operation for Wessex Water.

The complete operation will enable Wessex Water to create, handle and store the dried sewerage sludge product at its Avonmouth plant. With its high bulk density and calorific content, the product will provide Wessex with a wider variety of recycling options, including energy recovery as a waste derived fuel.

The self-heating nature of the dried sewage sludge presented explosion risks and complex challenges to Braby’s engineering team. All elements had to comply with highly specific ATEX regulations and required earthing and lightning protection.

Paul Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director at Braby commented: “The project allowed Braby to showcase the engineering and ATEX expertise we are renowned for. The team consulted closely with Wessex Water to design the installation to fully comply with ATEX directives and to overcome coastal weathering issues.”

The Braby installation transports the dried sewerage sludge from belt and drum dryers via a pneumatic conveying system into two aluminium silos. The silos then release the product via a flexible bellow and rotary device into waiting transport below. Braby also undertook the design of all site wiring, control panels and structural support systems.