TECHNOLOGY

difference between volumetric concrete mixers & drum mixers

Concrete is a carefully dosed mixture of cement, aggregates (sand and gravel), water and admixtures. The term “ready-mix concrete” refers to concrete made in industrial facilities called “ready-mix plants”. Such concrete is made on demand and, if necessary, is shipped to worksites by concrete mixer trucks. Although the first ready-mix plant was built in the 1930s in Paris, the Ready-mix concrete industry really took off some 30 years later, notably due to the impetus given by the public authorities. 

The main problems with ready-mixed concrete delivered in drum mixers are that the vehicles are loaded with a very specific amount, and mix, which cannot be altered once the mixer leaves the ready-mix plant. This results in lack of flexibility for the end customer.

Harold Zimmerman invented the Volumetric Concrete Mixer, in 1964. All of the ingredients (sand, stone, water, & cement) necessary to produce the concrete are stored in separate bins and compartments on the unit, as opposed to being mixed at a central batch plant. Once arriving at the site, the ingredients are continuously metered and proportioned through calibrated controls volumetrically into the mixing auger, which in turn homogeneously combines the ingredients to produce concrete.

The use of volumetric proportioning and continuous mixing has been well proven and has many advantages over traditional drum type mixers and batching plants.

This method allows the operator to mix any amount of fresh concrete on site, to any mix design with no waste. The mix design can also be changed instantly so producing different types of concrete from the same load. It is also excellent for deliveries that require intermittent demand. Many customers prefer volumetric Concrete because it is fresh, therefore improving its workability.

Because mixing does not take place until on site, no hydration or segregation takes place in transit. This is particularly beneficial on hot days or when delivering to more distant locations.

The volumetric mixer can easily produce a number of different types of concrete including pigmented, added admixtures, fibre enhanced and foamed concrete. All these are high value concretes and are produced exceptionally well with volumetric mixers.

Volumetric Concrete Mixers are money saving mobile concrete plants delivering any quantity of concrete from one to twelve cubic metres, right on the job site. Waste and overruns are eliminated by producing exactly what is needed at the job site, even if the customer over or under estimates the quantity needed. Unmixed materials still on the truck are not wasted – so the customer does not pay for any waste.

In addition to all the advantages above our mobile batching plants can carry up to 12m3 which is almost double the amount that some traditional drum mixers can deliver – this saves you significant time and money!