Collinson Supply Purpose Built Silos for NWF

NWF Agriculture Ltd, a long-established and leading ruminant feed producer, approached GAME Engineering Ltd, specialists in bulk feed handling, when insufficient storage facilities threatened to limit output at their Wardle production plant. Site output is currently 1000 tonnes per day and growing.

An expansion in onsite storage facilities was also necessary to reduce off-site storage and haulage costs when buffer supplies are held to cover weekends and bank holidays.

NWF wanted facilities to hold an additional 600 tonnes of raw materials to top up internal blending vessels as required.

Five purpose built galvanised steel silos were commissioned from Collinson, expert silo manufacturers from Preston, each with a holding capacity of 180m³. The silos were designed to handle a wide variety of materials from pelleted product to whole grain or powders; expansion hoppers and twin bin dischargers were fitted to assist the flow of products that may otherwise be difficult to discharge. Each silo was fitted with two explosion relief panels to comply with ATEX regulations.

The silos were positioned outside at the rear of the mill on a new reinforced concrete base, situated adjacent to three original silos. Silo assembly was carried out by Collinson engineers on site within a confined space with limited access. Each 5.6m diameter silo had to be completed and levelled prior to erection of the adjacent silo. A walkway, with an overhead canopy, was installed above all five silos at 13m above ground level.

Game engineers connected the new plant to the previous system by extending the existing 400mm diameter screw conveyor, at the top of the three original silos, to feed product into a new transverse conveyor running across the top of the five new silos. This transverse conveyor has five outlets, each fitted with electro-pneumatic slides, allowing material to flow into any designated silo.

Additional mechanical handling equipment was installed to transfer the raw materials from the silos to the existing intake elevator for distribution to the internal blending vessels.

As Principal Contractor, GAME Engineering was responsible for planning and controlling all construction works, operating within the scope of CDM Regulations and maintaining a safe environment for everyone on site.

COLLINSON

Tel: 01995 607400                                      Fax: 01995 605503

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