Invaded by Japanese Knotweed
Wolverhampton, UK
Japanese Knotweed has been described by the Environment Agency as “indisputably the UK’s most aggressive, disruptive and invasive plant”.
Client Overview
Railtrack is a leading British facilities management and construction services company. Their slogan is “making tomorrow a better place” which they plan to achieve through making a positive difference and doing things sustainable. Railtrack is one of the most successful companies in the midlands due to their respected name and diverse portfolio.
An Incinerator is Needed
The invasive species is so destructive it can prevent homeowners from getting a mortgage for, or selling, a home because it can cause property destruction. One of the principal and most common approaches is spraying chemicals used to fight Japanese Knotweed. There are many specific regulations around the health and safety surrounding the hazardous chemicals required to eradicate Japanese Knotweed alongside requiring repeat applications. Incineration is now the most effective alternative. Railtrack needed to eradicate Japanese Knotweed from the railway network in Britain. This would be in close proximity to residential areas so a friendly alternative to chemicals was necessary.
The importance of incineration
Incineration is the best, if not only, solution to eradicating Japanese Knotweed.
Spraying Japanese Knotweed with a harmful chemical has often been the chosen method of destroying the plant. However, it has come to light that this is highly toxic and dangerous for the environment leading to a ban being discussed within the Environment Agency. Respraying needs to be regularly carried our over 3 years to ensure that the invasive plant was finally destroyed whereas incineration is almost instant.
Advantages of Using Addfield Incinerators
With over 40 years of experience, Addfield has become experts in the field of incineration.
Addfield is able to supply robust machines that can endure transportation, high usage and can perform perfectly under time restraints.
Which Incinerator?
Addfield supplied a TB with excess air systems. The ‘excess air system’ provides additional combustion air to improve the burn quality by ensuring the perfect air to fuel ratio, as known as the stoichiometric point. This system is specifically useful when dealing with waste of an unusually low or high calorific nature.
Fitting into the Plan
For ease of transport, the incinerator was mounted to a train when going from one site to another. Considering the size of the operation – a robust, reliable and efficient machine was a necessity. Due to the success of the project and the incinerator machine, there are future plans to expand the fleet.
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