Waste Management Review speaks with Phoenix Power Recyclers’ Chris Alexander about in-vessel composting material composition and the role of efficient shredding.
Having operated successfully for many years in the supply of garden soil and compost, Phoenix Power Recyclers is in the process of commissioning a state-of-the-art in-vessel composting facility with a capacity to process up to 50,000 tonnes per annum.
The facility receives and processes waste in a negative pressure environment, meaning deliveries, loading and unloading of the tunnels is all completed in a controlled environment.
The tunnels act to optimise the pasteurisation phase of composting through a fully automated control and feedback system.
According to Chris Alexander, Phoenix Power Recyclers General Manager, the company is committed to staying at the forefront of industry and resource recovery technology.
As such, Phoenix relies on high quality processing equipment to maintain consistent input and output material streams.
“With in-vessel composting, the structure of the input material is critical, as success relies on the ability to sparge air through the floor of the tunnel. If air cannot flow through the product, there’s really no point,” Alexander says.
To achieve required airflow and material composition, Phoenix invested in a Pronar slow-speed shredder earlier this year – acquired through waste and recycling equipment specialists Lincom Group.
Pronar slow-speed shredders are designed for pre-processing of all kinds of materials, be it municipal waste, construction and demolition waste, or in the case of Phoenix, organics.
An important advantage of the machine is its mobility, Alexander says, or the ability to quickly transport the shredder across Phoenix’s site.
The machine is equipped with a Caterpillar diesel engine with a capacity of 298 kilowatts.
Alexander says this creates a high-level of processing efficiency, adding that Caterpillar engines can always be relied on to provide durable service.
Grinding is achieved via two synchronously running shafts grinding in the pressure chamber, while shredding is done by two 1700-millimetre shredding shafts.
The unit is available with a choice of shaft configuration as well as various Breaker Bar types to allow for flexibility depending on the material being processed, as well as the end product size required.
Operators have the choice of various pre-set or custom operation programs. The working parts are made of quality wear-resistant materials, ensuring long and trouble-free machine operation.
Key benefits of the shredder, Alexander says, are the aforementioned engine quality, less moving parts and overall machine functionality. He adds that the shredder’s ability to protect itself via a durable fencing arrangement is impressive.
In addition to the quality of the shredder, Alexander highlights Lincom’s ability to provide high-level technical support.
“Lincom operate and present very professionally. The way they operate their business offers a level of security, and the aftersales support is consistent – their sales and technical support team are very knowledgeable and communicative,” he says.
Lincom has been distributing Pronar shredders since 2017, and with over 25 years’ experience as a leading provider of material processing equipment, takes pride in building strong relationships with its valued customers.
“Lincom Group takes the time to understand the scope of our customer’s operation and the task at hand,” a Lincom spokesperson says.
“Our sales staff receive continual product support training from the OEM factories on a regular basis to ensure they understand the products and the application to answer any questions, ensuring customers get the most efficient equipment for the right application.”
Lincom’s head office is based in Southern Queensland, with a fully equipped manufacturing facility for custom fit outs, safety guards, machine rebuilds and repairs.
The National Spare Parts distribution centre and the operational field service fleet for after-sales support are also based on the same site.
Additionally, Lincom maintain an online parts inventory database for all its locations and can access real-time information and locate parts in every branch in the country.
“Our commitment and long-time association with transport and logistics companies give us flexibility and the ability to deliver parts to you on time,” the spokesperson says.
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