3 tips on how to effectively pump concrete in cold weather using a hired concrete pump
Posted on: 21 February 2017
Pumping concrete in cold weather can present a variety of challenges as compared to pumping in temperate weather. The more obvious reason for this is that the concrete tends to freeze in the hopper or other parts of the machine, thus hindering the steady flow of concrete through the pipelines. This article is going to highlight several tips on how you can curb this problem especially if you're conducting construction during the winter season or residing in a cold place.
Mix the concrete with hot water
One way to ensure effective use of a concrete pump hire in cold weather is by mixing the concrete with hot water to prevent the concrete from freezing during the delivery period. During preparation, the slurry ought to be mixed with hot water as well. If the slurry is not mixed with hot water, it can end up freezing, causing a blockage in the pipes.
Pre-heat the boom pipeline
You can also pre-heat the boom pipes using the stack of the exhaust from the machine's engine. This is done by using an exhaust hose that is particularly made to tolerate high temperatures and connecting it to one end of the boom pipeline. This allows hot air to flow through the pipes and leave from the hopper. It is critical that the hot air flow has a path for exiting as this will prevent excessive back pressure on the truck's engine. If it just so happens that the concrete freezes in the boom, pumping will discontinue until the unit is heated up. The concrete will cease to set when it has frozen. One the unit has been heated up and the frozen concrete is allowed to thaw, then the pipes must be thoroughly cleaned up before more concrete can be added.
Use calcium chloride to accelerate concrete setting
Calcium chloride together with other additives are basically used to accelerate the setting of concrete. When using calcium chloride, the concrete should be kept alive by constantly and steadily setting the concrete on its predetermined destination to prevent any of it from freezing. The technique used in setting is very important, and one should be careful not to set too much so that it does not spill over or set too little and cause the concrete to freeze. A key point to note here is that minimal time should be wasted when cleaning the pipes under this condition.
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