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3 Elements That Could Lead to Blockages in Concrete Pumps

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Most construction projects involve pouring liquid concrete, which requires the use of concrete pumps. High-quality concrete pumps are efficient and economical. Therefore, they are slowly overtaking other methods for pouring liquid concrete.

The main issue you will face when using these pumps is blockages in the pump line. Avoiding such obstructions will help prevent delays in your project. The article highlights various elements that could cause blocking in concrete pumps.

1. Using the Wrong Mix

One of the major issues that lead to blockages is the failure of the concrete mixture to retain enough water. Your concrete mixture can bleed out when you use low-grade sand, as it will allow water to penetrate out through tiny channels formed in the sand. The mix can also end up segregated due to insufficient mixing.

Ensure the aggregate is fully-coated with cement grout to offer proper lubrication when pumping the mix. Also, avoid any delays when placing the concrete since this may cause it to set prematurely, and you will end up with a stiff mix that cannot be pumped.

2. Making Operational Mistakes

The operator you hire for your project should have proper training and experience to use the machine. An operator without the right skills can make mistakes that negatively affect the machine's performance. Therefore, it is best to hire competent operators to avoid errors at all costs.

A skilled operator will set up and use the concrete pump in the best way possible, and this will reduce the need to add more hoses during the pumping process. Pipe kinks caused by poor equipment handling might prevent the proper flow of the mixture. They increase the chances of the jammed points tearing or rupturing.

3. Failing to Examine the Pipe

It is necessary to evaluate the whole pumping system before using to ensure it can handle the task ahead. Ensure the machine capacity and power can match your project's requirements. If the motor cannot offer enough power to move the concrete through the pipe, the machine will end up with a blockage.

The pipes also need proper cleaning to clear away any old concrete that remained in the pipelines. Otherwise, you will experience segregation and bleeding in your machines. Damages on the gaskets, couplings, weld collars or other vital parts may also cause loss of grout. The hoses you use should also have the same diameter to prevent rock jams in the pipeline.

Preventing blockage in your concrete pumps can minimise project downtime. Therefore, you can prevent your equipment from blockages by working with experienced experts. The specialists understand the common causes of blockages in concrete pumps and will work to avoid them.

Contact a supplier of concrete pumps to learn more.


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