Very concretely, here are the various stages of concrete preparation in a
Batch Plant:
Preparation and Transport of Aggregates
The aggregates are the first to be added to the mixer. They are therefore transported via a skip from their silo to a dosing tank.
At this point, the aggregates can also be sieved to retain only the finest. And yes: the grain size can be more or less important depending on the concrete. Some sites require fine gravel concrete for a more natural aesthetic appearance.
Once weighed and sieved, the aggregates are placed directly in the mixer or a waiting hopper.
Transfer of the Other Constituent Elements of the Concrete
The other elements of the mixture are transported from their tanks to waiting hoppers (using belts or pumps) or else poured directly into the mixer after the aggregates, in the following order: cement, water, then additives.
Thanks to the predefined programs, each component arrives in precise quantities. Mixing water comes from water treatment reserves, rivers, or lakes.
Like the other components of concrete, it is conveyed in extremely precise amounts. Concrete with too much water will lose its mechanical resistance.
Mixing the Concrete Constituents
The mixing of the concrete is done for a determined time, depending on the nature of the latter. Also, the mixing time depends on the amount of
material to be produced.
Depending on the volume of the mixer, this time is more or less important. The average production rate is estimated at 60 m3/h for a 1000 l mixer.
Note: During the mixing process, no dust comes out thanks to the presence of sealed covers.
Loading Concrete for Transport
Once the concrete is manufactured, it’s poured into a concrete mixer, a mixer pump, or even a carpet truck -depending on the accessibility characteristics of the site.
Transportation and Delivery of Concrete
You must arrive at the site within the hour: this allows the concrete to maintain consistency and, therefore, optimum resistance. On the way, the concrete mixer kneads the mixture continuously so that it does not harden.
Return of the Concrete to the Plant
When returning to the plant, the so-called “return” concrete (residues present in the router) is eliminated while cleaning the concrete mixer in a plant’s dedicated area. The remaining water and concrete pass through several settling tanks until filtered water is obtained, then recycled.