Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Today, we’re going to discuss the various types of concrete mixers, starting with the free fall mixers. Can anyone tell me what a free fall mixer is?
Isn’t it a mixer that relies on gravity to mix the materials?
Exactly! Free fall mixers utilize gravity. They mix by dropping materials from a height into the drum. Next, let's talk about non-tilting reversible mixers. What do you recall about their operation?
They have a spiral blade that mixes the materials when it spins one way and discharges it when it reverses, right?
Spot on! Remember the acronym 'MRD' for Mixing, Reversing, and Discharging. This highlights their main operations. In our next session, we'll dive deeper into power mixers.
Now, let’s focus on power mixers. Who can explain how they operate differently from free fall mixers?
They rotate at high speeds with paddles to mix, right? That makes them suitable for stiff mixes.
Correct! This high-speed rotation enhances mixing efficiency. Can anyone remind us why productivity is essential for a mixing operation?
Higher productivity means more concrete is made in less time, which is vital for large projects!
Exactly! The faster we mix, the more concrete we can deliver. Let's summarize: Power mixers have higher productivity and can handle cohesive mixes effectively.
Let’s explore planetary and trough mixers. How does the planetary mixer derive its name?
Because the paddles move around their axis like planets orbiting the sun!
Exactly! This motion allows for a more homogeneous mix. Now, what about the trough mixer? Can anyone describe its design?
It has a trough-shaped drum and can have single or double shafts, with paddles arranged spirally.
Great job! In fact, the trough mixer improves intensity with its horizontal shaft. Summarizing, both mixers help improve productivity and mixing quality.
Let’s wrap up with mixing duration. Why is it crucial to follow guidelines for mixing time?
If we mix for too long, it could set before we use it, right?
Exactly! A balance is needed. Additionally, how do we calculate productivity?
By looking at the batch size and the cycle time!
Precisely! Remember, the formula is Batch Size multiplied by cycles per hour. Great job today! Mixing efficiency is key to our work.
Free fall down, gravity's call, mix it right, or it won't blend at all!
Imagine a planetary mixer as a dance of planets, each paddle swirling around, creating harmony in the concrete mix, just like planets in orbit around the sun.
Remember 'MRD' for Mix, Reverse, Discharge in the non-tilting reversible mixer.
PMP for Power Mixer Productivity: P = Productivity, M = Mix Speed, and E = Efficiency.
Term
Free Fall Mixer
Click to flip
Term
Planetary Mixer
Click to flip
Term
Mixing Duration
Click to flip
A type of mixer that operates by dropping materials under the influence of gravity.
A mixer with a spiral blade arrangement that reverses direction to both mix and discharge concrete.
A mixer that uses high-speed rotating paddles to mix concrete, suitable for stiff mixes.
A type of mixer resembling a pan, featuring vertical shafts and paddle arrangements for mixing.
A mixer that has paddles rotating around their axes and the axis of the pan, resembling planetary motion.
A mixer with horizontal shafts and spiral paddle arrangements, providing high intensity of mixing.
The time taken to mix concrete, crucial for achieving a homogeneous mix.
This section covers the various types of concrete mixers, primarily focusing on the planetary and trough mixers, their mechanisms, and operational efficiency.
In this section, we discuss the different types of concrete mixers, including free fall, power, pan, planetary, and trough mixers. The section highlights their operational mechanisms, productivity benefits, and the significance of proper mixing duration, detailing how to calculate batch production and efficiency.
In this section, we delve into the mechanics and different types of concrete mixers, focusing chiefly on the planetary mixer and the trough mixer. The planetary mixer operates through a unique mechanism where paddles rotate about their axes and also around the center, similar to planetary systems, leading to enhanced mixing efficiency. The loading and discharge operations are detailed, with emphasis on minimizing material sticking due to special blade configurations.
Additionally, the section provides insights into trough mixers which utilize horizontal shafts and spiral paddle arrangements to optimize productivity further in mixing concrete. The significance of maintaining proper mixing duration is elaborated, citing specific guidelines to prevent issues related to inadequate or excessive mixing times. Various configurations and productivity metrics of each mixer type are discussed, underscoring their suitability for stiff or cohesive mixes. Overall, this section aids in understanding how to effectively utilize different types of mixers in concrete production.