Use and maintenance of concrete mixing plant

Use and maintenance of concrete mixing plant

As the core equipment for concrete production in modern construction projects, concrete mixing station is widely used in various infrastructure construction such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Its efficient and stable operation plays a key role in ensuring the progress and quality of the project. Scientific and reasonable use and maintenance of concrete mixing station can not only extend the service life of the equipment, but also reduce production costs and improve production efficiency. ​

Use of concrete mixing plant

(I) Preparation before use

Before starting the concrete mixing plant, the operator must conduct a comprehensive inspection of the equipment. First, check whether the connection of each component is firm, such as whether the gap between the mixing shaft, blades and liner of the mixing main unit meets the requirements, and whether the belt of the belt conveyor is worn or deviated; secondly, check the electrical system to ensure that each line is connected correctly, without leakage, short circuit and other safety hazards, and check whether the instruments and buttons in the control cabinet are working properly; thirdly, check the lubrication system to ensure that the amount of lubricating oil (grease) at each lubrication point is sufficient and the oil circuit is unobstructed to avoid aggravated wear of equipment components due to poor lubrication. In addition, the accuracy of the weighing system needs to be checked, and the batching scale needs to be calibrated by calibration weights to ensure the accuracy of the concrete mix ratio. ​

(II) Operational specifications during operation​

When starting the equipment, the correct order should be followed. First, start the auxiliary equipment such as the air compressor and belt conveyor. After the equipment is running stably, start the main mixer. During the production process, the operator should pay close attention to the operating status of the equipment and view the operating parameters of each component in real time through the monitoring system, such as the current and speed of the main mixer, the conveying speed of the belt conveyor, etc. Strictly batch the concrete according to the designed concrete mix ratio to ensure the accuracy of the amount of cement, sand, water and admixtures. At the same time, pay attention to the mixing quality of the concrete, and adjust the mixing time and the amount of admixture in time according to the workability, slump and other indicators of the concrete. In addition, pay attention to the load of the equipment to avoid overloading and prevent the equipment from being damaged due to overloading. ​

(III) Finishing work after use​

After the production task is completed, the mixing station should be cleaned up in time. First, clean the concrete remaining in the mixer to prevent the concrete from condensing on the mixing shaft, blades and lining, which will affect the quality of the next mixing and the operation of the equipment. You can inject an appropriate amount of water into the mixer, mix it for a short time, and then discharge the sewage. Secondly, clean the residual materials on the belt conveyor, batching scale and other parts to keep the equipment clean. Finally, turn off the power and perform dust prevention on the electrical control cabinet to prepare for the next use. ​

Maintenance of concrete mixing plant

(I) Daily maintenance​

Daily maintenance is the basic work to ensure the normal operation of the concrete mixing station. Before the equipment is operated every day, the appearance of the equipment should be inspected to see if there are any loose or damaged parts, and the loose bolts should be tightened in time, and the seriously worn parts should be replaced. Lubricate and maintain the equipment regularly. According to the requirements of the equipment manual, lubricating oil (grease) should be added to each lubrication point regularly, especially the bearings of the mixer, the rollers of the belt conveyor and other key parts. At the same time, keep the equipment clean and hygienic, clean the dust and materials on the surface and around the equipment in time, and prevent dust from entering the equipment and accelerating the wear of parts.​

(II) Regular maintenance​

In addition to daily maintenance, the concrete mixing station also needs regular maintenance. The period of regular maintenance can be determined according to the frequency of use of the equipment and the working environment. Generally, a comprehensive inspection and maintenance is carried out every quarter or half a year. The content of regular maintenance includes comprehensive inspection and adjustment of the mechanical parts of the equipment, such as checking the wear of the mixing shaft and blades of the mixing host, and replacing them when necessary; checking the belt tension of the belt conveyor and adjusting it to the appropriate state; conducting a comprehensive inspection of the electrical system, checking the insulation performance of the line, cleaning the dust in the electrical control cabinet, and ensuring the normal operation of the electrical components. In addition, the weighing system of the equipment should be recalibrated to ensure the accuracy of the ingredients. ​

(III) Fault maintenance​

Despite taking various preventive measures, the concrete mixing station may still fail during operation. When the equipment fails, the operator should stop the machine in time and make a preliminary judgment based on the fault phenomenon. For some simple faults, such as belt deviation of the belt conveyor and abnormal noise of the mixing host, they can be repaired by adjustment, tightening, etc. For complex faults, such as electrical system failure and mechanical failure of the mixing host, professional maintenance personnel should be notified in time for inspection and repair. During the maintenance process, the maintenance operation procedures must be strictly followed to ensure the maintenance quality and personnel safety. After the maintenance is completed, the equipment must be tested and put into use only after confirming that the equipment has resumed normal operation. ​

In short, the use and maintenance of the concrete mixing plant is a systematic work that requires operators to have professional knowledge and skills and strictly abide by the operating procedures and maintenance system. Only in this way can the efficient and stable operation of the concrete mixing plant be ensured, providing a strong guarantee for the smooth progress of the construction project.

The Working Principle of a Concrete Mixing Plant

In the dynamic world of construction, concrete is the unsung hero that holds structures together. A concrete mixing plant, the heart of concrete production, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and quantity of concrete needed for various projects. But how exactly does this complex machinery work? Let's delve into the fascinating working principle of a concrete mixing plant.

Material Storage and Batching

At the beginning of the process, a concrete mixing plant stores the essential ingredients for concrete production. These ingredients typically include cement, aggregates (such as sand and gravel), water, and additives. Each material is stored in separate silos or bins.

The batching system is like the plant's precision control center. It accurately measures the required quantities of each ingredient according to the specific concrete mix design. For example, if a particular project demands a high - strength concrete mix with a specific ratio of cement to aggregates, the batching system will precisely weigh out the right amounts. Automated systems are now commonly used in modern plants, which can achieve extremely accurate measurements. This accuracy is crucial as an improper ratio of ingredients can significantly affect the strength and durability of the final concrete product.

Mixing Process

Once the ingredients are batched, they are transported to the mixer, which is the core component of the plant. There are different types of mixers, such as tilting drum mixers, non - tilting drum mixers, and pan mixers, each with its own unique working mechanism.

In a typical mixer, the blades or paddles rotate, agitating the ingredients. As they rotate, they not only blend the materials together but also ensure that each particle of aggregate is evenly coated with the cement paste. For instance, in a pan mixer, the high - speed rotation of the blades forces the ingredients to move in a complex pattern, rapidly achieving a homogeneous mixture. This mixing process is not just about physical blending; it also initiates the chemical reaction between cement and water, which is the key to concrete hardening.

Water and Additive Injection

Water is a vital ingredient in concrete as it activates the cement's hydration process. In a concrete mixing plant, water is carefully measured and added to the mixer at the right time. Modern plants often use automated water - dosing systems that can precisely control the amount of water based on the moisture content of the aggregates and the desired concrete consistency.

Additives, too, play an important role in modifying the properties of concrete. Plasticizers can be added to improve workability, allowing the concrete to be more easily poured and shaped. Retarders can slow down the setting time, which is useful in hot weather or for projects with long transportation times. These additives are injected into the mixer in the correct proportions to achieve the desired concrete characteristics.

Discharge and Transportation

Once the concrete is thoroughly mixed to the required consistency, it is discharged from the mixer. The discharge system is designed to ensure a smooth and efficient flow of concrete into waiting trucks or other transportation vessels. Concrete trucks are equipped with rotating drums that keep the concrete in a constantly agitated state during transportation. This rotation prevents the concrete from separating or setting prematurely.

The trucks then transport the fresh concrete to the construction site, where it is ready to be used for pouring foundations, building walls, or constructing other structures.

In conclusion, a concrete mixing plant is a highly efficient and well - organized system that combines the precise measurement of ingredients, effective mixing, and proper transportation to produce high - quality concrete. Understanding its working principle is essential for construction professionals to ensure the success of their projects. By investing in modern, automated concrete mixing plants and following best practices, the construction industry can continue to build durable and reliable structures for years to come.