Today, volumetric Mixers are highly popular and used around the world. Yet, not many people know how they work. This article will look back at the history of concrete and volumetric concrete. Let us also learn how a Volumetric Mixer works. Volumetric Concrete Mixers are highly beneficial and convenient. Ever so many constructions have come to rely on them. They are suitable for large and small constructions, making them the one-stop shop for all concrete needs. Concrete itself is already a highly versatile material that is perfect for a multitude of construction needs, volumetric mixers just make it even more convenient. Let us start by looking at the history and then move on to other topics.
A Little Bit Of The History Of Reimer Mixers
The history of concrete dates far back than most of us are aware of. Cement, one of the main ingredients of concrete, has been used for many centuries in construction, though not a product in the industrialised form that we see today. Volcanic ash and lime are some of the common materials used in their place. The Romans are the earliest known of concrete that is close to the mix that we use today. They have used concrete quite liberally for building homes, temples, vaults and even roads and pathways.
Sometime around 1950, the easiest known design for volumetric mixers was made from Daffic Mixers. These were then imported to North America where they began to design their versions around the 1960s. This is when the Reimer family created a volumetric mixer in Ontario, Canada around the year 1962. This is also when Volumetric Mixers began to be seen more commonly in and around construction sites. Back then, it wasn’t so easy to adjust the mix nor was the machine flexible enough. It was a basic model and it suited the needs of the time. But these issues were addressed in the ’70s as the machines were made much more versatile.
In the 1980s, with the growth of small constructions, smaller amounts of concrete increased in demand. And many found that the Volumetric Mixer was the right equipment to produce the exact amount of concrete and serve multiple projects in multiple locations, often within the same day. Smaller projects that are often done by homeowners without the help of contractors made use of these mixers that were just highly convenient.
Volumetric concrete mixers also grew largely in popularity at the end of the century as the preference for quick-drying concrete increased. Volumetric mixers became the right choice for such needs.
Today in 2022, approximately six decades after the original invention of Volumetric, a lot about it has changed. One need only to look at it to spot the difference. Moreover, technological development has allowed it to become more automated which consequently results in the perfect mix of concrete, every time. They are also much more efficient and precise. Today construction sites of all sizes have come to rely on them.
The Basics Of Volumetric Mixers
A volumetric mixer is often mounted on a truck or a trailer. The mixer has a compartment that stores water and a water pump. This water is used for the mixing process as well as cleaning up afterwards. Behind this water tank, are situated the aggregate bins. There are two bins, one is for sand and the other for coarse aggregates such as stone or crushed gravel. They are situated next to each other and are left open. This is not an issue as they cannot be damaged due to exposure to air or water. On the other end of the truck is located the cement compartment. Unlike the aggregate bins, this area is closed off. This is where the cement is stored before the truck is ready to be sent to the construction sites.
Below these is located a conveyor belt, upon which the required amount of coarse aggregates and cement is transferred to the mixing auger. The mixing auger is located at the very back of the mixer. The ingredients and water are added to the auger and mixed and dispensed. Along with with the volume of each ingredient, the mix can be controlled by the operator as well.
Intelligent Features
One of the most intelligent features of the modern Volumetric Mixer in comparison to the older one is the operating system. It gives major control to the operator of the entire process. This allows for controlling not only the precise volume of each ingredient but also helps with mix sequence, mix quality and dispensing. It is also highly automated. Oftentimes, only the desired Concrete Mix Design needs to be selected and the Volumetric Mix will do its thing. This way, the exact amount of admixtures added to the mix as well as the total volume of the mix will be precise. This can be manually overridden when the site requires a different mix from the usual, standard mix designs that are produced.
Beyond One Size Fits All
With years of creativity, innovation and upgrades behind it, a volumetric mixer is a versatile machine. It is an appropriate method for concrete delivery whether the project in hand is small or large. It can produce the exact required amounts of concrete, leaving none to be wasted. It can also create various mixes, even multiple varied mixes within the same site if it is needed. It is often highly useful for large construction projects that need a large amount of concrete at a time.
Unbeaten Cost-Effectiveness
A volumetric mixer can largely save on the cost of concrete as there is no need for overproduction of concrete. It is a versatile machine that produces concrete as required at the site. This ensures that there is no waste even when more than one type of concrete is required at the sites.
Unbeaten Mix And Customization
This has to be one of the major benefits of volumetric mixers. They allow for the production of very varied mixes without needing a batching plant. With this mixer, the concrete mix design can be customised as needed at the sites.
There is no doubt that volumetric mixers are the future of concrete and construction. They reduce the hassle and other troubles that often accompany concrete mixing and delivery. This will be a one-stop place that can meet all the concrete needs of a construction site.