Before you can begin to understand the concrete batching plant process, it is important that you understand the difference between the two different kinds of batching plants.
There are ready mix plants, and these batching plants mix all of the ingredients together except for the liquid (water) at the plant. The mixture is placed into a concrete transport truck or a ready-mix truck. The water is then included with the mix while it is in the truck and being transported to the construction site.
A central mixing plant is the other type of batching plant. This plant combines either all or some of the ingredients together at a central place. Water is even included in the mixing process.
However, central mix plants differ slightly from ready mix concrete plants because they offer a more consistent product to the end-user. This is due to the ingredient mixing process that occurs at the central location. The mixing process is also automated to ensure the product is uniformed and consistent.
What Are The Different Parts Of A Batching Plant?
This type of batching plant consists of several different accessories and parts that work together to create high-quality concrete. Some of the major parts are:
– Aggregate feeders
– Charging conveyor
– Aggregate weigh conveyor
– Water weigh scale
– Cement weigh scale
– Cement silo
– Additive weigh scales
– Control panel
– Mixing unit
– Air compressor
How Do Concrete Batching Plants Work?
Typically, a stationary concrete batching plant is larger than one than a mobile one, but the operation of both plants are similar. The stationary batching plant is often preferred on construction sites because contractors and laborers want to produce the concrete at one location. On the other hand, the mobile version is also popular among contractors who are looking to move from one site to another regularly.
The working principle of these types of concrete plants is dependent on the following functions:
– The aggregates and the sand must be fed into separate bins.
– The powder (fly ash, additives, and cement) must be present in order for the material to bind.
– Water will allow the cement to bind more evenly with the aggregates. Ready-mix plants require a certain amount of water.
– The cement and fly ash have to be stored.
– The control system is important for the batching plant. This system ensures accurate and quick operation.
The flow process for batching plants begin when the aggregates are fed into separate bins. These aggregates are weighed separately as required by the control panel’s design set.
After they are weighed, they are moved to the mixing area. Above this are weigh hoppers for the water, additives, and cement.
The weigh hoppers then weigh the materials and transfer them to the mixing unit. The cement is transferred via the screw conveyor and the water is pumped in the hopper.
After the materials have mixed for a certain amount of time, they will be discharged into a concrete pump or a transit mixer.
The batching plant process is very systematic and automated. The processes have to completed during the right time of the flow process in order for a quality product to be produced.