Term: Volumetric concrete mixer
How It Works:
– Volumetric mixers batch, measure, mix, and dispense from one unit.
– Volumetric mixers produce exact concrete amounts needed at any time.
– Some suppliers offer general purpose concrete batched in a volumetric mixer.
– Mixer capacity sizes can reach up to 12m³.
– Production rate is around 60m³ per hour depending on mix design.
Advantages of Volumetric Mixers:
– Reduces waste and associated costs by providing exact quantities.
– No risk of premature stiffening of concrete with delays.
– Permits delivery of smaller concrete quantities.
– Nighttime works do not require reopening of a batch plant.
– Flexibility to alternate between multiple concrete mixes.
Sustainability:
– Less waste with exact concrete amounts poured.
– Volumetric mixers use 8-10 gallons of water to clean versus 200 gallons for traditional trucks.
– Reduced emissions as the truck does not idle while waiting to pour concrete.
History:
– In the mid-1960s, companies like Cemen Tech and Reimer Mixers began building volumetric mixers.
– In 1999, the Volumetric Mixer Manufacturers Bureau (VMMB) was created.
– Charter members included Cemen Tech, Zimmerman Ind, ProAll Reimer, and others.
– Current VMMB members include Bay-Lynx, Cemen Tech, Holcombe Mixers, and more.
References:
– Saunders, Seth (2022-01-13). Volumetric Concrete Mixers. Modern Contractor Solutions.
– How Volumetric Concrete Mixers Can Help Your Business Control Its Concrete & Costs. Construction Business Owner Magazine.
– Concrete Mixing Technology Comparison – Concrete Genius™. Concrete Genius®.
A volumetric concrete mixer (also known as volumetric mobile mixer) is a concrete mixer mounted on a truck or trailer that contains separate compartments for sand, stone, cement and water.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Volumetric_Concrete_Mixer2.jpg/220px-Volumetric_Concrete_Mixer2.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Volumetric_Concrete_Mixer.jpg/220px-Volumetric_Concrete_Mixer.jpg)
On arrival at the job site, the machine mixes the materials to produce the exact amount of concrete needed.