High-quality multi-storey construction is impossible without qualified professionals, as well as high-performance and efficient equipment. Today, one of the most popular types of construction equipment are concrete pumps. This is the name of construction equipment designed to receive freshly prepared concrete mix. That is, a concrete pump is a technique for pumping concrete.
In some cases, the construction of the object is impossible without the use of this equipment. For example, when installing structures in cramped conditions or during the pouring of densely reinforced structures.
The most popular types of concrete pumps today are techniques with a mechanical or hydraulic type of drive. Models are piston, rotary and screw. All of them have their pros and cons, so the choice of technique should be approached especially carefully.
There are different types of concrete pumps, each of which has its own features and scope of application. For example, there are not only stationary, but also auto concrete pumps.
How the concrete pump works
In most cases, the principle of operation of the concrete pump will be as follows:
- Due to the movements of the hydraulic cylinders, the mortar enters the inside of the transport cylinder from the receiving hopper.
- The mixture is pumped into the concrete conveyor.
- The pumping speed is regulated by using different amounts of oil (oil-hydraulic models).
It should be noted that the device and operation of the concrete pump are not always the same. Some types of equipment are designed for periodic delivery of concrete, while others – for continuous pouring. Each of the options has found its application in construction:
Continuous mix delivery is needed to fill large structures in their entirety. As a rule, rotary models are used for this purpose.
Intermittent pouring will be an advantage if it is necessary to pump concrete into small segments of formwork of different structures. For this purpose, piston-type equipment is best suited.
The principle of operation of the autoconcrete pump should be considered separately, since it differs from that of stationary equipment:
- The concrete mixture is unloaded from the mixer of the concrete truck into the receiving hopper.
- The pumping station pumps the solution into the system.
- The mortar is conveyed through pressurized pipes.
- The mixture is subsequently unloaded at the end point.
