As part of the rebuild of furnace No3 (Wheatley) Ardagh is replacing 2 mixed batch storage hoppers & their discharge feeders which are beyond economic repair. This follows successful implementation of similar improvements to 3 other furnaces in the Group. The new discharge feeders (supplied by Robson) from the hoppers are of the electro-magnetic vibrating type, replacing the screw conveyors previously used. Troughs are 4.2m long & totally enclosed, with charge hopper hoods fitted with flexible dust seals. Feed rate is 15/t-hour. Dismantling & removing the old equipment & installing the new will take four weeks & involve the use of 25, 100 & 150-tonne cranes. Whilst on site, Robson will also refurbish the batch feed conveyor that supplies the hoppers, renewing all component parts in need of attention, partially or completely, depending on condition. As well as Wheatley, the Ardagh Glass Group has four other container glass plants in the UK, and employs more than 6,900 people in 7 countries across Europe.
