120,000 TPA MRF Upgraded in Northern Ireland : New Self Learning Bollegraaf Baler for NI Recycling Facility

Bollegraaf Recycling Solutions has completed installation of a Bollegraaf HBC-140 HBC baler Newry, Norhern Ireland based material recycling facility operator, Re-Gen.

According to the manufacturer, the new baler offers much reduced rate of wire breakage and lower energy consumption and produces even heavier bales than the previous baler.

The Re-Gen MRF is capable of processing over 120,000 tonnes of commingled dry recyclable waste each year using a state-of-the-art automated sorting line overseen by a team of 40 operatives.

Bollegraaf explained that because the baler is at the heart of the recycling facility, Re-Gen wanted to ensure the design of this new installation achieved the most efficient processing plant possible.

One of the main selection criteria, as part of its competitive purchasing process, was the bale weight for plastics. According to Bollegraaf it was the only company that offered the self-learning, electronic control channel pressure. It’s claimed to be self-regulating and adapts to the material being baled in the channel. This system can increase your bale weight by 10% to 20% compared to traditional channel pressure systems.

“We're very happy with the results of the final installation.” Commented to Colin Doherty, director of Re-Gen. “Our goals have been more than achieved, the capacity is enormous. We now work 2-3 hours less per day.”

"At Re-Gen, we used only the upper thread as double wire. In practice this is sufficient to keep the heavily compressed bales together. The big advantage is: the wire consumption is reduced by 2/3 compared to cross wires or double wire,” he added.

According to Bram Bos, sales director at Bollegraaf Recycling Solutions, the philosophy behind the machine to versatility, reliability, ease of use and cost of ownership.

"For example a high bale weight cannot be reached with five wires only,” he explained. “In order to prevent the wires snapping at maximum compression force, normally you have to use cross-wires or double wires. Thus the cost of using double binding wire will be double. Also, switching from single to double or cross wires takes time."

Self-learning channel pressure

According to Bolllegraaf its self-learning, electronic channel pressure control is a significant development that adapts to the material being baled in the channel. This is claimed to potentially increase your bale weight by 10% to 20% compared to traditional channel pressure systems

The company added that the motors of the HBC-140 baler are equipped with a frequency drive control, enabling them to run at a low RPM, in case the feed of material is insufficient. This is claimed to offer electricity savings of up to 30%.

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