Concrete mixing machine applications

Precise mixing of additives in concrete

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In many regions the quality of concrete is considered as a security-related attribute. Therefore the need to monitor and to record  its properties over the whole supply chain becomes increasingly important. The amount of water and the quantity of additives determines the quality of the concrete.

High accuracy is often content of national standards for ready-mixed-concrete production.

Influence of transportation and additives on concrete quality

A Trucking Company transports the concrete-batch from producer to contractor. Although the concrete was mixed correctly in the factory, it may arrive at the construction site with a different composition that no longer meets the quality requirements. In order to be able to transport the ready-mixed concrete over longer distances, additives are added In-transit Concrete Management Systems maintains the consistency (slump) of concrete during transport by truck. It adds water and admixtures to the load automatically. A flow sensor measures the water and additive quantities and transmit them to the control unit, which logs all values.

Reliable flow measurement is therefore very important. Defective flow sensors render the entire load unusable and cause longer downtimes for the truck.

  1. Different output signals

    Frequency output
    • Frequency signal push-pull
    • No additional resistor required
    • Compatible with all common inputs

    Analog output
    • Industry standard 4...20 mA 

  2. Why additives?

    • Environmental influences - consideration of temperature and humidity
    • Setting time - adjustment by retarder or accelerator
    • Consistency - improvement through plasticizer or superplasticizer

  3. One-piece measuring tube

    • Cost-effective and optimal for corrosive media
    • Electrodes and earthing rings in stainless steel or Hastelloy C
    • Free pipe cross-section - no moving parts, insensitive to contamination

  4. Dosing accuracy

    • Need for precise quantity determination
    • Control of the curing speed
    • Economic optimization through correct dosing
    • Influence on the flowability of the concrete

  5. Cost-optimized plastic design

    • For use in series applications
    • Compact design
    • Superior measuring principle
    • 6 different nominal widths

Concrete mixing machines; concrete truck driving on road
  1. Different output signals

    Frequency output
    • Frequency signal push-pull
    • No additional resistor required
    • Compatible with all common inputs

    Analog output
    • Industry standard 4...20 mA 

  2. Why additives?

    • Environmental influences - consideration of temperature and humidity
    • Setting time - adjustment by retarder or accelerator
    • Consistency - improvement through plasticizer or superplasticizer

  3. One-piece measuring tube

    • Cost-effective and optimal for corrosive media
    • Electrodes and earthing rings in stainless steel or Hastelloy C
    • Free pipe cross-section - no moving parts, insensitive to contamination

  4. Dosing accuracy

    • Need for precise quantity determination
    • Control of the curing speed
    • Economic optimization through correct dosing
    • Influence on the flowability of the concrete

  5. Cost-optimized plastic design

    • For use in series applications
    • Compact design
    • Superior measuring principle
    • 6 different nominal widths

However, not all type of flow meters are suitable. Which sensor measures accurately and can withstand the harsh operating conditions?

Selecting the right flow sensor - even under difficult conditions

SIKA's magnetic inductive flow sensor VMZ.2 can withstand different chemicals and measure with excellent accuracy. Thanks to its compact design, it can be integrated into the confined space of the Concrete Management Unit on a truck. The use of high-quality chemical-resistant plastics enables the measurement of different additives. It works reliably under changing media, temperatures and vibrations. The sensor has proven its reliability on thousands of trucks every day over many years.