Complete Utilities wash with DUO
January saw DUO (Europe) plc complete the installation of the award winning Powerscreen Aggwash and DUO Water Treatment plant for Complete Utilities, Gloucestershire, who required a processing solution for their utilities spoil. The deal was agreed towards the end of 2010 following successful trials of Complete Utilities clay bound feed material at the site of another of DUO's Aggwash and water treatment installations.
First Time Washers
The Gloucestershire based firm, who provide excavation, backfilling and reinstatement services to the utilities industry, will be venturing into washing for the first time having previously dry screened their material. The decision to begin washing was made because the required standard of product is only available for six months of the year due to the weather when dry screening, according to Complete Utilities Managing Director, Steve Chaplin. Achieving a high specification product is fundamental to Complete Utilities' business as they are not only the material producer but also the end-user.
Complete Utilities offer services that help utilities providers comply with environmental policy and recycling targets set by WRAP and other governing bodies. They offer a process through which utilities companies can reduce waste to landfill and ensure its reuse. This is an area in which significant progress towards recycling targets can be achieved as this waste stream is one of the largest for utilities companies, thus making Complete Utilities a one-stop-shop for digging, backfilling and reinstatement.
Agreeing the Deal
Prior to agreeing the deal, Steve Chaplin also viewed the offerings of DUO's competitors but felt that they did not offer the same high standards or level of commitment to the project. He commented that "DUO is the only one in the market for what I want."
After viewing other DUO plants and having tracked the Aggwash since its conception, DUO is the obvious choice for Complete Utilities transition to washing. Steve Chaplin stated that" the deal to purchase was down to the commitment from DUO with the backing, support and the want to see this machine, as the first of its kind, being put together and made to work". He added that "the installation is the first of many to come."
The Installation
The two main components of the installation are the Powerscreen Aggwash, which was voted winner of the Series Innovation Category at the 2010 World Demolition Awards held in Amsterdam last November, and the DUO Water Treatment Plant.
The Aggwash provides for the first time rinsing, screening, scrubbing and sand washing capabilities on a single transportable chassis. Complete Utilities will be running the Aggwash at 50-60 tph to process their material for backfilling and remediation purposes.
DUO's water treatment solution perfectly complements the Aggwash, eliminating silt and water being dispatched to a lagoon. The system is of compact size relative to its production levels which was a necessity in the design of the installation due to space restrictions on-site. This closed circuit system produces a very manageable end product, the low moisture content of which is vital to Complete Utilities in ensuring it is workable for blending as clean soils as well as any surplus being transportable to, and will be accepted by, landfill and tipping sites.
The water treatment plant is supported by a sludge tank, clarified water tank and a thickener system. Due to the height restrictions on-site a low level thickener was selected, the size of the site imposed its own restrictions which required careful planning from DUO to minimize the footprint of the installation.
Working Together
Throughout the project both companies have worked together to ensure its success. When asked about the relationship between Complete Utilities and DUO Steve commented, "Working with DUO is a very pleasant experience, they do what they say and I'd recommend it to anybody." He added "it will be demonstrated here and anybody that wants to see it work will be welcome."
DUO Sales Manager, Luke Talbot commented that he was "delighted with the installation and was sure the project would be a great success." Luke added "It's great to be able to offer such a comprehensive mobile system and we are looking forward to inviting guests to visit this site in the coming weeks and months."
