Mainline work with MWH at Tyseley Bio-Energy Power Plant

With an investment of over £47 million, MWH are designing, building and maintaining self-purpose bio-energy power plants in the UK. Mainline have been working with MWH on the first of these sites, located in Tyseley, Birmingham.

The Tyseley plant required specialist equipment to work around a number of challenges. Mainline assessed the site and established limitations including; restricted access and turning space, uneven ground, varied ground surfaces and dry and dusty working conditions.

A Telehandler was required in the wood chip shed to continuously move chippings from the wood pile into hoppers. Due to the wood chip drying process, the humidity in the shed can be unbearable, dusty with the air full off bugs. Mainline supplied MWH with their Merlo Telehandler which was put straight into action. Fitted with air conditioning and reverse fans, the Telehandler dealt with the dust and heat perfectly, giving the operator a comfortable working atmosphere.

To deal with the constant transporting of wood chips, Mainline supplied MWH with a specially made shovel, allowing maximum depth and width to move the fullest amount of wood chip at one time. They ensured that the Telehandler supplied, was fitted with foam filled tyres to reduce the risk of a puncture while working amongst wood chippings, as well as this, special wear strips were fitted on the bucket in order to minimise damage to both the hopper and the Telehandler.

Safety and thorough understanding of MainlineÂ’s machines is paramount when sending equipment out for hire. Along with supplying their machines to MWH, they provided them with expert Telehandler training to confirm all operators were up to speed with Telehandler certification.

This is the first of many bio energy plants for MWH, the processes are new and everything needs to be tried and tested in time for the next plant build. Mainline are continuing to work with MWH to ensure that they are provided with the very best equipment, adapted to each job, ensuring smooth running operations.