Horizon Magna-Patch reduces maintenance downtime at Port of Bristol
Horizon Conveyor Equipment’s Magna-Patch system is proving to be an indispensable tool in reducing costly maintenance downtime at the Bristol Bulk Handling Terminal.
Norec Ltd, who oversee the handling of 5 million tonnes of coal a year at the terminal, are responsible for the mechanical maintenance and repair of all equipment owned by RWE npower.
As the facilities management firm was seeking a suitable maintenance solution for when parts broke down, they turned to Horizon for their Magna-Patch system, which has been designed to give conveyor operators flexibility in their maintenance schedule by offering quick, secure patch solutions in high-wear situations and breakdowns.
The reusable magnetic patch is pressure rated up to 60psi and is said to provide a rapid, secure way of repairing holes in steel pipes, flat back elbows, silos, chutes, hoppers and other components susceptible to abrasion.
The Magna-Patch is simply placed over the worn-out area and securely held in place magnetically until the next scheduled shutdown. By using the magnetic patch system, Norec have greater control over when and where major maintenance work is carried out.
Bulk handling operations at the terminal are linked by 15 conveyors ranging from 20m to 900m in length, together with two 2,400-tonne rail load-out silos.
Dave Bannister, site manger for Norec Ltd, said: ‘The site is divided into two areas of operation – the Stacking route and the Reclaim route. With weekends being used for maintenance and repairs, the Magna-Patch allows us to return routes back to service more quickly than previous methods of temporary patching.
‘It takes away the need for gaining access to internal sections of a chute, which would possibly require scaffolding, as well as challenges of confined space work, with all its added complications.’
In these situations, the Magna-Patch can significantly reduce downtime, labour and material costs that are often encountered by plant operators.
Horizon Conveyor Equipment 98/99 Reddal Hill Rd, Cradley Heath, West Mids B64 5JT; tel: (01384) 566204; fax: (01384) 566179.
