MetalTech Systems

North Augusta Solid Waste MRF & The 48 Hour Challenge

In February 2015…

The MSW conveyor at North Augusta’s Dirty MRF had broken down and upon inspection it was determined the only course of action for a permanent repair was to replace the tail section and 15’ of the MSW conveyor. The MRF was out of production and the repairs/replacement had to occur within the 48-hour window of the weekend.

The Key Players

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William Cooper Service Mgr - MetalTech Systems
William Cooper
Service Mgr – MetalTech Systems
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Jason Sikes MRF Mgr - North Augusta Solid Waste
Jason Sikes
MRF Mgr – North Augusta Solid Waste
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David Walters VP - Andrews Metal Works
David Walters
VP – Andrews Metal Works
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Friday February 20, 2015 1:00PMScreen Shot 2016-05-04 at 11.58.49 AM

The team quickly conferenced and developed an aggressive schedule to meet the goal in the allotted timeframe. Jason marshaled resources and began preparation of the work site that included the draining and clean-up of the conveyor pit and local area. The decking of the pit had to be removed, the pit washed out and debris removed. The weather would prove to be a challenge, with the temperature hovering at only 9 degrees and the wind whipping through the open sided facility.

 

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 11.58.42 AMFriday February 20, 2015 6:00PM

William arrives at the MRF with a crew to remove the existing conveyor section. The removal included the cutting of all floor attachments, removal of legs and removal of the chain weighing 80# per lineal foot all as the temperature continued to drop. The conveyor was removed, loaded on a trailer and transported to Andrews Metal Works, four hours away, in Andrews, SC.

 

Saturday February 21, 2015 7:00AMScreen Shot 2016-05-04 at 11.58.41 AM

The MSW conveyor was cleaned and the frame analyzed and work initiated for fabricating a duplicate conveyor using the existing conveyor frame as a template. David and the Shop Manager of Andrews Metal, began by measuring the main elements of the frame, drawing them in CAD and developing the bills of material. The structural members were released to the saw department and the program for the cutting table was downloaded. The balances of the components were then flame cut and formed. The components were then moved to the fabricating department where the unit was laid out, welded and assembled. A primer coat and final coat was applied to the conveyor and the unit reloaded for the return trip to North Augusta by 8:00pm.

 

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 11.58.34 AMSunday February 22, 2015 9:00AM

The conveyor arrives at North Augusta and the installation begins. The installation includes the replacement of rails on the inclined sections of the conveyor, cutting and fitting of the rails, cutting and fitting of the frame to the existing section of the conveyor and reassembly of the belt.

 

Sunday February 22, 2015 6:00PM

Conveyor completely assembled and operational The dedication of the team prevailed. Even with the frigid weather, lack of original equipment drawings and a very tight timeframe, they had the conveyor assembled, operation, and ready to go.

 

 

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“When all parties, in a stressful situation, cooperate and agree on a goal, nothing can prevent them from reaching it. The adversity of weather, coupled with the nature of municipal solid waste, made for significant challenges. All parties overcame them through cooperation and hard work.”

-Richard Howard Vice President – MetalTech Systems