Ready-mixed concrete

Pumps play a vital part in producing ready-mix concrete.

The high-pressure, competitive nature of this industry puts a premium on maximising production and avoiding downtime. Delays due to a pump taken out for repair can lead to problems such as a wedge pit becoming inoperable, mixing trucks not being cleaned and batching plants coming to a halt. 

It is vital to select the correct pump for the application as this will give the most production for the best wear life. Here’s a brief guide to the main applications found on a ready-mix site and our recommended pump solutions. 

 

Admixture Pumps

These pumps are used to add liquid additives to the concrete being mixed in the batching plant. Many sites use Mono pumps or equivalent small electric gear pumps. Spares for these pumps are also readily available. 

 

Main Water Feed

As this is usually clean water, you can use a high-efficiency water pump to give you the required pressure and volume to feed your plant. It is important to specify this pump correctly as this supply is crucial to production. 

 

Wedge Pit Pumping

This application involves pumping dirty water or slurry, containing aggregate and fibres. The Audex AW range are ideal for this, being designed for solids handling, having a robust construction and an agitator to prevent clogging. They also have strainers that can handle small solids, and high-head versions are available. Also consider Varisco when self-priming is necessary instead. 

 

Recycled Water Feed Back to Plant

As this water can be dirty, and could possibly contain solids, it is important to use a pump designed for solids-handling and clean water pumps will not last in this application. Audex AW and Varisco Pumps are suitable. Attention should be paid to the condition of the fluid in the storage tank (may need agitating to prevent solids from settling.

 

Related Content 

Brochure: Pumps for the Concrete Industry 

Tips: Cleaning Your Conveyor Pit 

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White Paper

Pumping Challenges in the Ready-Mix Industry

Mark McCreadie of Atlantic Pumps discusses pumping applications in the ready-mix industry and looks at some solutions to the challenges experienced.

Download your FREE copy to learn more.