The weighing system in a concrete mixing plant is a critical component that ensures precise measurement of materials to maintain concrete quality and optimize production costs. It consists of multiple subsystems designed to handle different types of materials—aggregates, powders, and liquids—each with specialized hoppers, sensors, and control mechanisms. The system operates under the command of an electrical control system that manages taring, error correction, and real-time adjustments to maintain accuracy. Larger plants (50+ cubic meters/hour) often use independent weighing for each material, controlled by electronic scales and microcomputers.
Key Points Explained:
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Primary Components of the Weighing System
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Weighing Hoppers: These hold materials during measurement.
- Aggregate hoppers receive sand, gravel, etc., from bins.
- Powder hoppers (for cement/admixtures) are filled via screw conveyors.
- Liquid hoppers (water/admixtures) use pumps for transfer.
- Sensors: Monitor weight in real time, ensuring materials reach preset values before mixing.
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Weighing Hoppers: These hold materials during measurement.
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Subsystems by Material Type
- Aggregate Weighing: Handles coarse/fine materials like sand and gravel. Bins deposit materials into metering hoppers, with sensors controlling the process.
- Powder Weighing: Manages cement and dry admixtures, typically using screw conveyors for precise delivery.
- Liquid Weighing: Includes water and liquid admixtures, pumped to dedicated hoppers. Water systems may include a small storage tank for partial flow control.
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Control System Features
- Automated Taring: Removes container weight to isolate material weight.
- Error Correction: Adjusts for drop errors (e.g., material stuck in conveyors).
- Deduction/Compensation: Fine-tunes single-material measurements for accuracy.
- Alerts: Light alarms signal deviations or completion.
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Scale and Technology
- Larger plants (>50 m³/hour) use independent weighing per material, linked to microcomputers for centralized control.
- Electronic scales ensure high precision, critical for mix consistency and cost efficiency.
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Process Flow
- Aggregates: Bins → Hoppers (sensor-controlled).
- Powders: Screw conveyors → Dedicated hoppers.
- Liquids: Pumps → Measuring hoppers (with partial storage for water).
- Weighing stops when preset values are achieved.
This system’s reliability hinges on seamless integration of mechanical components (hoppers, conveyors) and smart controls (sensors, software), making it a cornerstone of efficient concrete production.
Summary Table:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Weighing Hoppers | Hold materials (aggregates, powders, liquids) during measurement. |
| Sensors | Monitor weight in real-time to ensure materials meet preset values. |
| Control System | Manages taring, error correction, and real-time adjustments for accuracy. |
| Aggregate Weighing | Handles sand, gravel, etc., with bins depositing materials into hoppers. |
| Powder Weighing | Manages cement/admixtures via screw conveyors for precise delivery. |
| Liquid Weighing | Pumps water/admixtures to dedicated hoppers, often with partial flow control. |
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