Why automation of concrete distribution in production is the key to an efficient reinforced concrete plant

Automating the distribution of concrete in production is a technology that radically changes the approach to delivering ready-mixed concrete from the concrete mixing plant to the casting area. In the context of intensive production of reinforced concrete products, its implementation is not only convenient, but also economically justified and strategically important for improving quality and reducing costs.

At factories producing hollow core slabs and reinforced concrete products, a concrete distribution system (one of the options for automating concrete distribution in production) ensures accurate, controlled, and fast transportation of the mix. This means fewer delays, less downtime, and less waste of materials and resources.

How the concrete distribution system works

The essence of concrete distribution automation in production lies in a set of elements:

• Rail tracks, including straight sections, turns, ascents, and descents, along which a self-propelled barrel (shuttle or “bucket”) with an electric motor moves. This trajectory allows the mixture to be delivered precisely to the molding area, even if the route is complex.
• Self-propelled shuttle — equipped with two or four polyurethane wheels, a motor (6 kW on a two-wheel model, 12 kW on a four-wheel model), and a controller-inverter that regulates speed. The volume can be 2000/2700 liters of water or 1500/2000 liters of compacted concrete.

   

• Intermediate container (hopper) capable of storing the mixture along the route, with a bottom gate and a vibration system to prevent the concrete from hardening. The volume of such a hopper is about 2 m³ of compacted concrete or 3.3 m³ of water; dimensions are about 2.44 × 2.77 × 3 meters; weight with frame is about 1680 kg.
• A control system that makes automatic concrete distribution in production convenient and easy to use. Set to automatic mode, minimal staff involvement in control.

Advantages of automating concrete distribution in production

Automating concrete distribution in production through targeted distribution provides real benefits:

1. Transport and waiting times are reduced, speeding up the entire production cycle.
2. Concrete is delivered accurately, in accordance with standards and requirements, reducing material wastage.
3. Less manual labor, which reduces labor costs and the risk of human error.
4. Improved quality of finished products, as the mixture is delivered on time and consistently, without premature setting.
5. Reliability and durability of equipment — thanks to the use of durable materials and a well-thought-out design, all mechanisms operate for a long time without significant maintenance.

Where and why to implement automatic concrete distribution

It is advisable to install an automatic concrete distribution system for a reinforced concrete products plant both when constructing new facilities and when modernizing existing production facilities. This is especially useful when production involves the molding of various reinforced concrete products in different areas of the plant, with different mixture distribution routes (straight sections, turns, track changes).

If you are striving to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve product quality, automating concrete distribution in production is an investment that pays off. Process optimization, waste reduction, and human error reduction all directly impact the bottom line of the enterprise.

Automating concrete distribution in production is a strategy that allows reinforced concrete plants to reach new levels of efficiency, ensure consistent quality, and reduce operating costs. If you are interested in implementing such a system, it is worth discussing the details with the supplier engineers to select the configuration that best suits your needs.

Questions and answers about the automation of concrete distribution in production

1. What is the automation of concrete distribution in production?

It is the implementation of systems that automatically deliver ready-mixed concrete from the concrete mixing plant to the molding area, eliminating manual processes and minimizing the human factor.

2. What is the main benefit of the concrete distribution system?

The main advantage is the accuracy and speed of the mixture distribution. Concrete is delivered strictly to the right place and in the right volume, which reduces losses and speeds up the production cycle.

3. What equipment is included in the automatic distribution system?

The main elements are rail tracks, a self-propelled barrel (bucket), an intermediate hopper, and a control system with automatic operation mode.

4. How much time does concrete distribution automation save in production?

The time depends on the size of the plant and the routes, but on average, the production cycle is accelerated by tens of percent due to the elimination of downtime and waiting for concrete.

5. Can such a system be implemented at an existing enterprise?

Yes, systems for automatic concrete distribution are designed for both new plants and the modernization of existing facilities.

6. How does automation affect the quality of reinforced concrete products?

Concrete is delivered without delays, and the mixture does not have time to set prematurely, which ensures uniform filling of molds and consistent quality of finished slabs and products.

7. How reliable is the equipment for automatic concrete distribution?

The equipment is designed for intensive use, made of durable materials, and equipped with modern drives and controllers, which ensures a long service life and minimal maintenance costs.