Essential information for end of life vehicle dismantling, depollution and recycling

Adam Hewitt
ATF Pro Conference 24 - T
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Abanaki – helping you go the extra mile

With strict Environment Agency (EA) laws in place, it is required that vehicle dismantlers are responsible for any pollutants, otherwise, failure to do so can result in hefty fines.

 

Abanaki - helping you go the extra mile p four
The model 4 oil skimmer at DLH Auto Recyclers, Norfolk

When it comes to oil, the main goal for vehicle dismantlers is to keep the oil from reaching any natural water source. To do this, site operators must keep the pits or interceptors clean. Should the interceptors become too full, there is the chance that the oil or hydrocarbons can leech into the groundwater, which can cause an environmental disaster. It’s also crucial to keep the interceptors clean in case there is ever a flood. Heavy rainwater can cause the interceptors to overflow and again seep into the nearby groundwater.

Emptying interceptors is a job that can be messy, time-consuming, and labour intensive. Additionally, it can also be very expensive.

So, what is a good option for emptying an interceptor?

Abanaki’s oil skimmers come to mind, one such piece of kit is the Oil Grabber Model 4 oil skimmer.

This piece of kit is a dependable and effective means of removing oil from water and water-based solutions and can be used in tanks with depths as shallow as 0.3 m, or as deep as 30 m. It utilises a continuous belt and wiper to remove up to 60 litres of oil per hour from the fluid surface. The belt, operating on a motor and pulley system, breaks the surface tension of the liquid attracting the contaminated oil to the belt. After travelling over the head pulley, the belt passes through tandem wiper blades where oil is scraped off both sides of the belt and discharged. The tail pulley has flanges that allow it to roll freely on the inside of the belt without becoming dislodged. It requires no bearings and does not need to be fastened to the tank. If turbulent conditions exist, an optional tether and cage assembly prevent the tail pulley from being dislodged.

Abanaki - helping you go the extra mile g smith
Graham Smith

Graham Smith, UK Sales Manager at Abanaki, highlights the benefits of why vehicle dismantlers should opt for their products:

“For over 10 years, I have been going to Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATF)s throughout the UK to help find solutions for their oil contamination issues and to help them stay compliant with EA regulations. In this time, I have seen many changes towards the responsibilities that vehicle recyclers have made towards keeping their yards more sustainable, following good environmental practice, and working more efficiently.

Although the past year or so has been difficult for many, what has been encouraging is how many yard owners have been utilising those quieter months to find out more about how they can improve their yards.

Now that we are coming out of lockdown, I am very much looking forward to speaking to them either at their workplace to provide first-hand advice or at events like the CARS Expo in September. However, this does not mean that people can’t get in touch directly to find out how we can help with their oil contamination and removal issues.”

Why Choose an Oil Skimmer?

Oil skimming makes use of the differences in specific gravity and surface tension between oil and water. These physical characteristics allow the belt to attract oil and other hydrocarbon liquids from the surface of the fluid. Often, oil skimming by itself will reduce oil to an acceptable level of water purity. Depending on the characteristics of the liquid, it is possible for oil skimmers alone to reduce oil content to less than five parts per million in water. The unit can be used as a pretreatment before filtration and in conjunction with coalescing systems as part of an industrial wastewater treatment plan. Oil skimmers offer a cost-effective and environmentally sound solution to oil contaminated water problems in comparison to costly periodic oil removal by contracted services.

The model 4 oil skimmer at DLH Auto Recyclers, Norfolk

Some of the key benefits in utilising the Model 4 oil skimmer are that it is simple to use, it alleviates some of the burden of daily maintenance, and it is very easy to train someone on how to operate the skimmer. In terms of cost, the Model 4 makes drastic improvements while keeping costs down.

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Dave Horsnell

Dave Horsnell, Owner of DLH Auto Recyclers, based in Norfolk, owns and uses an Abanaki Oil Grabber Model 4 oil skimmer and here’s what he had to say about this piece of kit:

“After seeing the Model 4 oil skimmer demonstrated at various trade exhibitions, I could see the benefits of having this type of equipment installed in our own drainage system. The Skimmer is easy to install and removes all oil that finds its way into our oil and water separator. When you turn it on, it just gets on with the job of removing the oil, and since its installation, we have not needed a contractor to pump out any waste oil from our tank, which is a big saving. I now see this piece of equipment as essential for the modern-day dismantler’s drainage system.”

To learn more about the oil skimming technologies that Abanaki offers, call Graham Smith at +0796 885 0052 or email graham@abanaki.co.uk or visit www.abanaki.co.uk. 

Alternatively, head along to stand A1 at the CARS Expo on 29-30 September 2021.

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e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management [e2e] is the UK’s only salvage and automotive recycling network with nationwide, environmentally compliant sites delivering performance resilience and service reliability to the insurance and fleet markets.  The network’s online salvage auction www.salvagemarket.co.uk drives strong salvage resale values and faster sales.  e2e’s salvage clients have access to the network’s stocks of over 5 million quality graded, warranty assured reclaimed parts. 

The power of the network model means e2e has the ability to influence industry standards and is committed to continually raising the bar whilst redefining the role and perceived value of the salvage operator.  Network members adhere to robust service level agreements, against which they are audited, in order to ensure performance consistency and a market leading customer experience.  

The salvage and recycling operating environment is evolving rapidly, and e2e is anticipating, listening and responding to changing market needs.  Regulatory compliance, ESG, reclaimed parts, customer experience, EVs, new vehicle technologies, data and reputation risk are just some of many considerations linked to the procurement of salvage services.  e2e will drive further added value to clients and members through the adoption and application of emerging technologies, continuing to differentiate its proposition and position salvage services as a professional partnership. 

Owain Griffiths

Owain Griffiths

Head of Circular Economy at Volvo Cars

Owain joined Volvo Cars in June 2021 to lead Circular Economy in the Global Sustainability Team. The company has committed to being a circular business by 2040 and has financial, recycled content and CO2 based targets for 2025, all of which Owain is working across the company to make happen. Owain previously worked for circular economy consultancy Oakdene Hollins where he advised businesses on evidence led circular economy implementation. 

Turning into a circular business and the importance of vehicle reuse and recycling.

The presentation will cover the work Volvo Cars is doing to achieve 2025 but mainly focus on the transformational work towards 2040 and the business and value chain changes being considered. Attention will be paid to the way vehicles are being dealt with at the end of life and the complexities of closing material and component loops. Opportunities and challenges which Volvo Cars is facing will be presented including engagement with 3rd parties and increasing pressure from stakeholders.

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ATF PROFESSIONAL VEHICLE RECYCLING CONFERENCE 2024

9th of May 2024

British Motor Museum, Warwickshire

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