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.
On arrival at the job site, the machine mixes the materials to produce the exact amount of concrete needed.