The Dryer at Fridaythorpe drum mix plant was worn out and causing issues on a daily basis up to the point that the plant had become the most unreliable plant in the UK. When the Team did the budgets last year they planned to replace the dryer as part of the maintenance plan. Rather than just replacing the dryer, the drive system was upgraded with high efficiency geared motor units driving the roller paths. The benefit to this design is it reduces energy consumption, maintenance, noise and vibration for the operator.

The dryer was commissioned this week and went without any issues. The early signs are looking promising, from a fuel usage point of view the burner is working lower down in its heat range to get the required temperature so this should save fuel.

The feedback is positive and the Team are pleased that we are investing in their part of the asphalt business.  Leo Medley, the Assistant Manager, commented:  “No one on site was happy with the amount of plant breakdown and the bad reputation that came with them.  It will be good for the site morale to have a Plant that just works as it should do.”