APS Washing On The Move

APS relocate a four-component sand and gravel washing system

A four-component sand and gravel processing system supplied by APS, the specialist washing arm of the Finlay Group, is gearing up to relocate from its present location at Tarmac’s Milfield Quarry to a brand new Tarmac site in Northumberland.

For almost three months, the mobile system – comprising a Terex Finlay 390 feed conveyor, APS 300 high-capacity triple-deck sand and gravel screening unit, Finlay 200 Hydrasander and Trio 4432 twin fine-material washer, all supplied by APS – has been in position at Tarmac Milfield.

Now, as Tarmac prepare to cease production at the site after almost 40 years and commence extensive restoration works, the APS system is being relocated to their new quarry at nearby Lanton.

Milfield has provided sand and gravel for an area stretching from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Teeside to Edinburgh, and the APS system has fitted in with Tarmac’s strong sustainability credentials at the site, which is located in the Cheviot Hills.

The plant’s low profile and compact aspect creates minimal visual impact and the unit is engineered to reduce sound in an area where the early phases of restoration have already been recognized as outstanding, attracting a rich wildlife including teals, swans and hundreds of mallards.

In 2003 the site won an ‘Excellence in Restoration’ award from the Quarry Products Association in recognition of its work.

Charlie Nairn, a director of Finlay Group, said: ‘The system has worked well at Milfield. Since its introduction, production has increased more than twofold and the unit produces 300 tonnes/h, working to produce four different product sizes.

‘The oversize material is fed, via a transfer conveyor, to a jaw crusher and reintroduced back into the plant.

‘For the move to Lanton, two of the major components can be fully road towed by articulated vehicles and two others will be taken by low-loader, so the relocation is easy and uses minimal resources.

‘In the past, as a company, our main focus has been inclined decks. However, technology has moved on and flat decks now allow more control and greater variation in vibration for higher production tonnages – and more accurate screening.

‘Ireland has really embraced the change to flat screens, and England and Wales are now catching up. Projects such as Milfield demonstrate their ability to deliver high levels of efficiency and productivity, in tune with the surrounding environment.’

Dave Phillips, site manager at Milfield Quarry, said: ‘The APS unit has been very effective. Productivity has been increased, noise reduced and the system is simple and easy to use. Importantly, the entire system is unobtrusive in the surrounding landscape.’

Formed in 2004, APS are part of the Finlay Group of companies. They provide bespoke turnkey solutions in the provision of screening, washing and crushing equipment, and sell complete systems as well as contracting and hiring processing equipment.