Concrete pumps save time, money, and energy during construction projects. These specialized machines work fast and efficiently to pour concrete accurately.
Boom pumps are ideal for large-scale industrial projects and high-rise buildings while small line pumps work well on backyard patios and shed foundations or to lay slabs for swimming pools. But a concrete pump hose must be able to handle extreme concrete pressure.
Types
There are many different types of concrete pumps available, each designed for specific building projects. Choosing the right one can save time and money while simplifying building construction.
Generally speaking, there are two basic types of concrete pump rubber: steel wire-reinforced and fabric-reinforced. Each type is used to transport concrete from the machine to the pouring location.
A truck-mounted boom concrete pump is a high-pressure pump that mounts on a truck and includes an articulating robotic arm, also known as a boom, that can be remote-controlled to precisely distribute concrete at the construction site. The boom can move up, down, and around tight spaces and obstacles to place concrete where needed.
A trailer concrete pump, on the other hand, sits on a trailer and is attached to a hose that can reach far away sites. These pumps are ideal for pouring concrete on building projects that require a lot of work in an area with limited space and many impediments.
Applications
Concrete pumps can be used for a variety of construction projects to save time and money. They are more efficient than wheelbarrows and allow contractors to place concrete quickly and accurately. Concrete pumping also requires fewer people to operate the equipment, which makes it easier for projects to stay on schedule and within budget.
The two primary types of concrete pumps are line pumps and boom pumps. A line pump consists of a trailer-mounted hose system that a truck tows to the job site. A boom pump reaches over, under, or far away from the concrete mixer truck, making it ideal for high-rise construction and tunneling work.
Before pouring concrete, the pump hose should be primed with slurry to prevent it from blocking up during the process. It is also essential that the right type of concrete mix is used for a project, as other mixes can block the line or cause hose whip. This violent phenomenon occurs when air is trapped in the delivery hose and can result in serious injuries.
Materials
Concrete pumps are hydraulic equipment that convey liquid concrete through a pipeline from the truck to the place where it is required to be poured. They save considerable time, effort and expense in comparison to other methods of transporting concrete. They are typically used in large construction projects where the site is difficult to access with other means of transportation like crane and trolley.
Pumps are available in two types: boom pumps and line pumps. The boom pumps have a robotic arm that delivers concrete accurately to the pouring site. They are ideal for construction projects that require high volume concreting like long roads and highways. The line pumps are smaller in size and use flexible steel or rubber hoses attached to the outlet of the pump.
Manufacturer of standard and custom cement conveying and concrete placement hoses. Products include abrasion resistant natural and synthetic rubber. Also offers gunite hose, textile plaster and grout hose. Hoses feature operating temperatures ranging from -40 to 180 degrees F, inner diameters from 1 to 5 in. and nominal outer diameters from 1.56 to 6.06 in.
Maintenance
Developing a pump maintenance schedule is important to ensure that the equipment operates efficiently. Scheduling preventative maintenance procedures reduces emergency repairs and helps the concrete pump last longer.
Maintaining the correct pressure rating is essential for avoiding hose whip. This can occur when air is trapped in the concrete placement boom or line. The resulting whipping movement may cause injuries to workers.
A preventive measure is to ensure that all non-concrete personnel stay clear of the delivery hose area (exclusion zone). Additionally, only pump concrete mixes that are suitable for pumping should be used.
The flange of steel pipelines should be checked regularly for cracking or failure to withstand the concrete pressure rating. Pipe owners and users should obtain information from their suppliers of pipes and hoses about welding and inspection methods. They should also consider fitting a fail-safe ball catcher to the end of the steel line. The catcher will contain the swaged or cracked end fitting if it fails to withstand the pressure.