Process update
Minutes:
The list of improvement works remained active, Terry Green having advised at the previous meeting of the need to be selective and invest in areas where a substantial improvement to odour control can be gained. There had been no significant change to the process plant but progress was continuing with the various improvements works listed below:
§ Installation of an extraction fan connecting the boiler house to drier room was expected to be completed within two weeks.
§ A substantial quote had been received for the replacement of the odour extraction ducting with stainless steel ducting from the Fallen Stock area to JLT tower. Because of financial restraints capital expenditure would not be secured for this at present, however, the ducting had been examined and necessary repairs made. Regular inspections were made to ensure the ducting remains in serviceable condition.
§ A quotation had been obtained for installing a simplified conveyor system from the pressors to the warehouse to further improve plant reliability. A further quote had also been obtained prior to the meeting. Both quotations would be considered in due course.
§ No progress had been made regarding the installation of a tallow drainage system ex drier. This was not a high priority at present in the programme of improvement works.
§ The installation of ducting from the Large Flakt to the press room was on hold pending the outcome of Aerox trials at the Hartshill plant in the Midlands. A preliminary mini Aerox trial had been carried out at Hartsill which had proved unsuccessful. John Leech/Alex Bullied would be advised and invited to attend if further trails were planned.
§ The installation of a tallow recycle tank to improve drier efficiency was no longer necessary as there was sufficient means of diverting tallow to the drier using existing equipment.
§ New warehouse doors had been installed. This was an aesthetic improvement and not odour control related.
§ The replacement of two bays of factory roof to provide longer term security against wind damage was on hold at the moment as previous substantial repairs were considered to be satisfactory to ensure the integrity of the roof.
§ There was no progress on the replacement of the wet cooling tower with an air condenser.
§ Boiler fuel ring main and controls had been completed.
§ Neutralising agent sprays would be installed to the outside of effluent tanks before Spring 2010.
§ The catalyst agent for the small Flakt tower had been replaced shortly after the previous meeting.
There was an ongoing need to be selective in respect of planned improvement works because of financial restraints due to the current economic climate. Since June, the plant had changed from being open on a 24/7 basis to being open five and a half days per week, 6am on Monday until 6pm on Saturdays. There had been a decline of around 300 tonnes per week of raw tonnage resulting in the plant processing from late pm Monday to early pm Saturday. On ... view the full minutes text for item 33