Concrete Mixers - Types and How to Choose

The concrete mixer is a machine that mixes cement, sand and gravel aggregates, water and admixtures into concrete. It works both alone and with other devices.

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There are many types of concrete mixers, which can be divided into different types according to different classification standards.

According to different mixing principles, the concrete mixers can be divided into self-falling type and compulsory mixing type. According to whether they are movable, it can be divided into mobile type and stationary type. According to the nature of work, they can be divided into intermittent type and continuous type.

This article will introduce the four common concrete mixers and how to choose the right mixer.

Drum concrete mixer

Drum concrete mixer is also called self-falling concrete mixer. The mixing drum lifts the material to a high place during the stirring process, and then the material falls down with the help of its own gravity, and the dropped material achieves the effect of uniform stirring during the rotation of the drum. The mixing drum rotates forward for stirring and reverses for discharging.

Because of its low investment cost and low maintenance cost, the drum concrete mixer is mainly suitable for small and medium-sized projects.

Depending on the power, drum mixers can be divided into two types: electric type and diesel type. In contrast, diesel concrete mixers are welcomed by more customers because they do not require an external power supply and are directly powered by diesel engines, making it more convenient to use. Generally speaking, diesel mixers are available in two models, one with a discharge of 350 liters and the other with a discharge of 500 liters.

Concrete drum mixers are generally used independently to produce concrete. Customers can choose the appropriate type and model of machines according to their actual needs.

Twin shaft concrete mixer

The twin shaft concrete mixer is a compulsory mixing machine. There are two horizontal mixing shafts inside the mixing cylinder, and the stirring blades are driven by the rotation of the mixing shafts to continuously mix the materials. The materials mixed in this way are more uniform and of better quality. In addition, the twin shaft mixer also has the characteristics of high mixing efficiency, wide application range, long service life and low failure rate.

Twin shaft mixers can generally work alone or together with other equipment. For example, it can be combined with aggregate batching machine, cement silo, screw conveyor, etc. to form a concrete mixing plant for mass production of commercial concrete. It can also be combined with aggregate batching machine, belt conveyor, block forming machine, palletizer, etc. to form a brick machine production line to produce high-quality bricks.

So, when you want to buy a twin shaft concrete mixer, you need to know its use, output and configuration. In this way, you can buy a suitable machine.

Planetary concrete mixer (Vertical shaft mixer)

The vertical shaft mixer is relative to the horizontal shaft, because its shape looks like a planet, so it is also called a planetary mixer. Planetary mixer is also a kind of compulsory mixer.

The mixing arm and mixing blade of the planetary concrete mixer are compound movements of revolution and rotation, and the mixing trajectory is complex, which can achieve a more uniform and efficient mixing effect. It is widely used in prefabricated components, concrete bridge frames, concrete walls, refractory materials, ceramics, glass and other industries.

Planetary mixer has the advantages of compact structure, low noise, good sealing, no pollution, low energy consumption, good mixing effect, etc., and is widely welcomed by European and American customers.

Similar to twin-shaft mixers, planetary concrete mixers can work alone or together with other equipment to form a production line. If you want to produce higher-quality concrete, then a planetary mixer is a good choice.

Self loading concrete mixer

Self loading concrete mixer is a new type of mixer machine. It integrates four functions of loading, mixing, transportation and unloading, which is equivalent to a small mobile mixing plant. It can be divided into self loading drum mixer and self loading pan mixer. The main difference between the two is the mixer, the former uses a drum mixer, and the latter uses a pan mixer.

Self loading mixers have played a great role in many infrastructure projects, such as road building, foundation laying, ditches building, and tunnels building. It has the advantages of narrow body, short wheelbase and small turning radius. Therefore, for projects with limited construction sites, self loading concrete mixers are an ideal choice.

In addition, its mixing tank can be rotated 270°, so it can realize unloading on all sides without moving in place, saving time and improving efficiency. Because it is easy to operate, one person can operate the whole system, saving the manpower of 3 to 5 people.

How to choose a suitable concrete mixer?

Choosing the right concrete mixer is very important. Only equipment that meets the needs of the project can ensure production efficiency and construction progress. So, what are the factors to consider when choosing a concrete mixer?

Types of concrete mixers

As we all know, there are many types of concrete mixers, the first thing you need to determine is which type of mixer you need.

If you want to produce higher quality concrete or commercial concrete, twin shaft mixers and planetary concrete mixers are an ideal choice;

If your project is not that big and the demand for concrete output is not high, you can choose a drum concrete mixer, which can reduce your investment cost;

When you need a machine that can both produce concrete and transport the finished concrete to the construction site, consider a self loading mixer truck.

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Its output

After deciding on the type of mixer machine, you also need to choose the right model. This is related to the size and duration of your project. If your project is large and the construction period is long, then a concrete mixer with a large output can meet the needs of the project. Instead, you can buy a concrete mixer with a smaller output and lower your investment costs.

It should be noted that if you want your concrete mixer to work uninterruptedly, you must first ensure that the raw materials are adequately stored, and then you must ensure the speed of batching, so as to maximize the production efficiency of the mixer.

Different configurations

If the configuration is different, the same model of concrete mixer will also have different prices. So, next you need to think about the configuration of the concrete mixer machine. Taking the twin shaft mixer as an example, you need to consider its feeding method, discharging method, lubrication method, etc.

Small size twin shaft mixers generally use hopper feeding, and large size mixers generally use belt feeding. The advantage of using belt feeding is that it can be fed continuously, ensuring the continuity of production.

The discharging methods include manual discharging, pneumatic discharging and hydraulic discharging. Lubrication methods include manual lubrication and automatic lubrication.

Manufacturer&#;s strength and services

Finally, you also need to consider the strength and service of the mixer manufacturer. The quality of concrete mixers produced by powerful manufacturers is more guaranteed. Moreover, trusted manufacturers can provide you with better services, such as operation training, regular inspection and maintenance, and distribution of wearing parts.

To sum up, if you want to buy a suitable concrete mixer, you need to consider these factors. You can also look for a trustworthy manufacturer, and experienced engineers will give you professional advice.

Main Factors To Consider When Allocating Cement Silos To Concrete Mixing Plants

The number of cement silos is generally configured based on the mixing plant model size. For example, a 50 ton cement silo is usually sufficient for 25 stations, while a 180 mixing station may have 4 200 ton cement silos.

The Types Of Powders Required In Production

Based on the types of powders required in the production of concrete mixing plants, at least a few cement silos are required. Then, according to the specific situation, set up multiple silos for one or several types of powder to ensure supply.

The Distance Between The Mixing Plant And The Cement Plant

If the concrete mixing plant is far away from the cement plant manufacturer, it is necessary to reserve more cement. At this time, it is necessary to purchase several bulk cement silos to be prepared.

User Demand For Concrete Raw Materials

If the user has a high demand for concrete raw materials, the required raw materials will increase. In order to supply the required materials in a timely manner, the mixing plant manufacturer needs to order a large amount of cement or fly ash, etc.

Calculation Of Cement Silos Required For A Concrete Mixing Plant

To calculate the number of cement silos required for a concrete mixing plant, multiple factors need to be comprehensively considered. Here is a basic calculation method and steps:

Determine The Production Cycle And Demand For Concrete

Firstly, it usually takes four days to understand the cycle of cement from entering the site to being tested and approved for use.

Calculation The Total Amount Of Concrete

Next, based on the production plan and demand for concrete, calculate the total amount of concrete expected to be produced within four days.

• Calculate the storage capacity of the cement silo

Calculate the total amount of cement required using the formula &#;cement storage capacity=four-day concrete production * cement content per cubic meter of concrete&#;.

• Consider other factors

Consider the distance between the construction site and the bulk cement plant. If the distance is close, multiple cement silos can be reduced or eliminated; But if the distance is far, it is necessary to increase the number of cement silos to ensure the supply of cement.

Consider the scale of the concrete mixing plant. Due to the high amount of concrete required per hour, a large mixing plant needs to increase the number of cement silos.

If there is a demand for other powders (such as fly ash), additional powder silos need to be set up.

• Determine the capacity of the cement silo

Determine the capacity of each cement silo based on the required total amount of cement and the planned usage period.

Pay attention to the relationship between the rated capacity of the cement silo and its geometric volume. The formula &#;Q=K · V&#; can be used to calculate, where Q is the rated capacity (t) of the cement silo and V is the geometric volume (m) of the cement silo ³&#;&#; K is the adjustment coefficient (when Q>25t, K can be taken as 1.25; when Q &#; 25t, K can be taken as 1.0).

• Comprehensive decision-making

Based on the above calculation results and considerations, a comprehensive decision is made on the number of cement silos to be configured.

Please note that the above calculation methods and steps are for reference only, and the specific configuration quantity needs to be flexibly adjusted according to the actual situation and specific needs. At the same time, in order to ensure the normal operation of the concrete mixing plant and the quality of concrete, it is recommended to consult professional engineers or technicians when configuring the cement silo.

When configuring the cement silo, it is also necessary to pay attention to the following points:

• The capacity of the cement silo

The capacity of the cement silo needs to be selected based on the production and storage needs of the mixing plant. Generally speaking, there are various types of cement silos with capacities of 30t, 50t, 80t, 100t, etc., which can be selected according to actual needs.

• The structure of cement silo

Cement silos usually adopt a silo type structure, which has good sealing and stability. During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the support structure of the cement silo is stable and reliable, to prevent safety accidents such as cement silo collapse caused by unstable foundation or support structure problems.

• Dust removal equipment for cement silo

The dust removal equipment for cement silo is related to the capacity and discharge rate of the cement silo. The filter element of the dust collector is generally prone to problems, and if it is damaged, it must be replaced in a timely manner.

• Cleaning of cement silo

If the cement silo is used for a long time, the dust inside the silo is prone to solidify and clump. Once the material solidifies and clumps, an arch breaking device is needed. When cleaning, it is necessary to turn off the power switch and have a dedicated person guarding to ensure safety.

In summary, the allocation of cement silos to concrete mixing plants needs to be comprehensively considered based on actual conditions, ensuring that the number, capacity, and structure of cement silos meet the production needs of the mixing plant.

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