At its core, a volumetric mixer stores the fundamental, unmixed ingredients for concrete in separate compartments. These primary components are sand, stone aggregates, cement (or other cementitious materials), water, and chemical admixtures. This method of storage is the key to producing fresh, customized concrete directly on the job site.
The critical takeaway is that a volumetric mixer is not a simple transport vehicle; it is a mobile batch plant. By keeping all materials separate until the moment of mixing, it provides precise control over mix design, quantity, and freshness.
The Raw Ingredients: A Separate Compartment for Each
A volumetric mixer functions by carrying all the necessary raw materials in dedicated, isolated containers. This separation is fundamental to its operation and flexibility.
Sand & Aggregates
These materials, which form the bulk of the concrete, are held in large, open-top bins. The system uses calibrated gates to control the flow, or volume, of sand and stone onto a conveyor belt.
Cementitious Materials
Cement and any secondary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash or slag are stored in a separate, enclosed, moisture-proof bin. This protects the powder from premature hydration and environmental contaminants.
Water
A dedicated water tank is mounted on the unit, typically behind the truck's cab. A pump and metering system deliver a precise amount of water to the mixing auger to achieve the target water-to-cement ratio.
Chemical Admixtures
Specialized liquid admixtures—such as air-entraining agents, water reducers, or accelerators—are stored in their own calibrated tank systems. This allows for their precise and automated introduction into the mix.
How Components Are Measured and Processed
The genius of the volumetric mixer lies not just in storing the components, but in its ability to precisely measure and combine them on demand.
The Conveyor Belt System
The sand and aggregates are dispensed from their bins onto a conveyor belt. This belt acts as the primary measurement and delivery system, moving the materials toward the mixing chamber at a controlled rate.
Metering and Dosing
As the aggregates travel on the belt, the cement bin uses a metered dispenser to add the correct volume of cement. Simultaneously, automated systems dose the exact required amounts of water and chemical admixtures directly into the final mixing point.
The Mixing Auger
All the separately metered components converge at the mixing auger. This powerful, corkscrew-like device violently and thoroughly combines the ingredients in seconds, producing fresh, perfectly mixed concrete as it exits the chute.
Understanding the Key Distinction: Storage vs. Transport
The method of storing separate components creates a fundamental difference between a volumetric mixer and a traditional ready-mix drum truck.
Volumetric Mixer: A Mobile Plant
A volumetric mixer carries raw, unmixed ingredients. No concrete exists until the moment the operator engages the system. This means there is no risk of the mix getting "hot" or beginning to set during transit.
Ready-Mix Truck: A Transport Vehicle
A traditional drum truck carries pre-mixed, hydrating concrete. The clock starts ticking the moment it's batched at a central plant. The entire load has a limited time window for placement before it becomes unusable.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
Understanding how a volumetric mixer stores its components helps you decide when it's the superior tool for the job.
- If your primary focus is mix design flexibility and freshness: The separate component system allows for instant, on-site adjustments and ensures every pour is factory-fresh.
- If your primary focus is minimizing waste: A volumetric mixer allows you to produce the exact amount of concrete needed, eliminating the cost of over-ordering from a batch plant.
- If your primary focus is continuous or remote pouring: The ability to stop and start production on demand makes it ideal for projects with intermittent needs or in locations far from a batch plant.
Ultimately, a volumetric mixer's component-based storage transforms it from a simple concrete transporter into a precise and versatile mobile production plant.
Summary Table:
| Component | Storage Method | Key Function |
|---|---|---|
| Sand & Aggregates | Large, open-top bins | Forms the bulk of the concrete mix. |
| Cementitious Materials | Enclosed, moisture-proof bin | Provides the binding agent, protected from moisture. |
| Water | Dedicated tank with pump/metering system | Controls the water-to-cement ratio for strength. |
| Chemical Admixtures | Calibrated liquid tank systems | Adds specific properties like acceleration or air-entrainment. |
Ready to gain the ultimate control over your concrete projects?
GARLWAY specializes in providing robust construction machinery, including advanced volumetric mixers, for construction companies and contractors globally. Our equipment empowers you to:
- Eliminate Waste: Produce only the concrete you need, when you need it.
- Ensure Freshness: Mix on-site for superior quality and performance.
- Achieve Flexibility: Easily adjust mix designs for any project requirement.
Contact our experts today to discuss how a GARLWAY volumetric mixer can be the mobile batch plant solution for your business.
Visual Guide
Related Products
- JS1000 Volumetric Concrete Mortar Mixer for Sale Skid Steer Cement Mixer
- Belle Cement Mixer JS2000 Volumetric Concrete Mixer for Harbor Freight
- JZC500 Large Cement Mixer Machine Price for Concrete Mix
- Ready Mixer Machine for Construction Ready Mix Machinery
- Shaft Mixer Machine for Cement and Regular Concrete Mixing
People Also Ask
- What is the difference between volumetric concrete mixer and concrete mixer? Maximize On-Site Efficiency & Eliminate Waste
- What are the disadvantages of a volumetric concrete mixer? Key Challenges for On-Site Mixing
- What are the ideal applications for a skid steer concrete mixer? Boost Efficiency in Tight Spaces
- What is the purpose of a volumetric concrete mixer? Gain On-Demand Mixing & Zero Waste
- What are the key features of a high-quality skid steer concrete mixer? Maximize On-Site Productivity
