How We Work
What We Do
From individual installation tasks through to a complete site package, Charlie Bell Building can tailor the scope around the farm and the customer. This can include sourcing equipment from trusted suppliers, preparing the site, digging trenches, installing pumps and mixers, laying pipework and cabling, constructing associated infrastructure, bringing the individual elements together and supporting the plant through to commissioning and operation.
Scope
Once a farm has committed to the installation of a Biolectric anaerobic digestion (AD) plant, our role is to prepare it for installation. Every farm and every customer have different requirements, and we work to match these with Charlie's significant experience in the field through early discussion — maximising efficiency and minimising cost to the customer as part of a detailed site visit.
- ·Site visit
- ·Requirements and layout
- ·Infrastructure
- ·Access
Under Construction
Pad Complete
Project Definition
Whether the customer requirement is a simple system to support their AD plant or something much more complex, Charlie will always provide honest advice on the best solution for the long term.
In general, our role is to transform the site from bare ground to ready for AD installation.
- 1.Lay the concrete pad
- 2.Carry out trenching work
- 3.Lay fusion pipework and cables
- 4.Install pumps, mixers and associated equipment
- 5.Support the Biolectric team during the AD plant build
- 6.Commission the plant
Costing
Experience shows that getting the detail right early on saves time and cost. Yes, sometimes a customer will need to change things, but we try hard to capture the exact requirement early on, which makes for accurate costing and no late surprises.
If the farm wants to do the groundwork or source components or materials themselves, we're fine with that.
- ·Farmer involvement
- ·Existing farm labour
- ·Customer-sourced materials or components
- ·Customer-arranged groundwork
- ·Other contractors, where appropriate
The Build
Overall, the build phase generally takes between 20 and 30 working days, depending on weather, the complexity of the layout and the lead time for some components. This refers to the build phase itself, not the full project timeline from initial enquiry through to operation.
The AD pad requires around 90m³ of concrete, and accurate levelling is achieved using laser-equipped levelling machinery.
We use fusion pipework for the transfer of slurry, which is extremely tough and durable.
Once pumps, mixers and control panels are in place, the site is prepared for the scheduled delivery of the Biolectric AD plant.
Charlie supports the Biolectric team, who deliver and build the AD plant, which is normally complete within a week.
- ·Concrete pad
- ·Trenching
- ·Fusion pipework and cabling
- ·Pumps, mixers and control panels
- ·Support during the Biolectric plant build
Commissioning
Maintenance
Commissioning and Maintenance
Charlie oversees the commissioning of the reactor and, once it is in full operation, becomes responsible for periodic maintenance and repair work if needed.
Customer commitment continues long after the plant becomes operational, and Charlie works hard to ensure a great working relationship with all farmers, based on mutual trust.
- ·Commissioning oversight
- ·Periodic maintenance
- ·Repair work where needed
Planning an AD installation?
Tell us about your farm, your proposed installation and the support you need.