Sandvik screening technology boosts C&D waste recycling production

Recycling efficiency

At the centre of G&B Finch’s recycling operation is a new QE441 Free Flow scalper supplied by Sandvik Mobile Crushers and Screens, which was purpose developed for large aggregate producers. Given the multi-facetted and hard wearing natures of Finch’s business, with the production of large amount of high quality aggregate from demolition and construction waste, the QE441 is undoubtedly an ideal piece of equipment. A key attribute of the QE441 is its large, highly aggressive 18x6’ screen box with its purpose developed screening media.

“The media screen performs fantastic. One of the major differences we’ve found is the effect it’s had on down-time. Because of the way it works, you don’t get broken wires, you don’t get broken mesh,” explains Lee. The effect of broken wires and meshes on production efficiency can be a major cause of concern for a thriving business such as G&B Finch. As Lee explains, “Two hours lost (sorting out and replacing broken wires and meshes) out of your day and you’ve lost a lot of money.”

The ability of the QE441 to work throughout the year has also been a major factor in enhancing Finch’s production. “The media screens (on the QE441) have transformed how we could process through the winter. With our previous machine we’d basically come to a standstill, due to wet, cloggy material and we really couldn’t screen. Buying the Sandvik machine meant that we are now able to take out the fine.”

Boost to production

Lee went on to explain why this has had such an important effect on G&B Finch’s operations. “The fine was turning into ‘cake’ which ends up in the washing plant’s silt. So by taking out that we reduce the amount of ‘cake’ we are making, reducing costs, reducing waste and the fine we can then turn into a product which we can then sell back to the industry. We’ve probably saved about 30% of material that might have been given for ‘cake’.

Amongst the other features of the QE441 Free Flow that Finch’s have found of benefit include Sandvik’s easy to use control system and user interface with sequential start, whilst its two-speed tracking via radio remote control helps to reduce travel time between jobsites. Trouble free operation is maintained through the apron feeder of the 8.5m³ wear resistant hopper, and 1600mm wide oversize conveyor, which assist with easy transfer of material to the product conveyors, even with large size or very difficult infeed material. With discharge heights in excess of 4000mm+, the wide hydraulically folding and angle adjustable product conveyors on the crusher style tracked chassis, further provide a large stockpiling capacity, which enables highly efficient productivity through a remote controlled operation.

The hard wearing and productive nature of the QE441 Free Flow has meant that G&B Finch has hardly experienced any down time since it acquired the machine. “Basically it has given us no trouble since we’ve had it. The one minor defect was rectified within 12 hours. I can’t fault service and support like that,” said Lee, who concludes, “Sandvik as a brand is a very professional outfit. Delivery on time is one of the main reasons why we work with their machines. They deliver what we need, when we need it, and the QE441 Free Flow is definitely what we need.”

For further information, please contact:

Melissa Baker
Marketing Communications, Mobile Crushers and Screens
Tel: +44 (0)1283 212121
E-mail: Melissa.baker@sandvik.com