Three Essential Guidelines for Pumping Your Concrete Mix in Cold Weather

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Pumping your concrete mix in cold weather can be a challenge in comparison to performing the same task in fair conditions. The most apparent problem that you will face is the freezing of the concrete mix. In general, when the mix, which contains water, comes into contact with the external cold temperatures, it will experience premature hardening. As a result, the concrete will be stuck in the hopper and boom pipeline. This hardening will stop mixture flow through the pipeline. If this is a concern for your project, you should use one of the below tips to minimise the freezing issues.

Use Hot Water

One of the most effective ways to prevent concrete freezing is to utilise hot water in the mix. This practice should allow the concrete mixture to be in a fluid state during the waiting period and the delivery process. Your slurry should also be prepared using heated water during the priming stage. Proper use of this method will prevent unexpected blockages and ensure optimal flow when pumping. In some cases, the slurry will start freezing when it comes into contact with the cold boom pipeline. Therefore, it is advisable to wrap this channel with insulation to prevent heat loss.

Preheat the Pipeline

You can keep the boom pipeline from freezing by preheating it. If this section of your concrete pump is hot, there will be a low risk of mixture freezing when pumping the construction material. Under ideal circumstances, you should be able to perform this task by utilising the engine exhaust stack. You will need a high-quality hose which can tolerate high temperatures. Then, you should use the hose to join the exhaust pipe and the boom tip hose. This setup should allow hot exhaust air to flow into the pump pipeline and flow out your pump hopper. The increased warmth should keep your concrete mixture flowing smoothly.

Clean Out Frozen Concrete

Concrete can unexpectedly freeze during pumping for your construction project. The frozen slurry might get stuck in the boom pipeline, limiting the pumping process. Also, the concrete can freeze inside the pump hopper, making it impossible for the mixture to flow to the pipeline. However, this occurrence does not mean that your entire project will be crippled. Like other frozen fluids, the concrete mix will return to its original state once the pump is placed in a warm or heated place. When the slurry starts thawing, you should clean out the equipment, prepare fresh concrete and resume your pumping.

To learn more, contact a company like Hunter Concrete Pump Hire.

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