In many parts of the world a shovel and a ditch
provide a concrete mixing solution. This crude
mixing system, plus skimping on cement and too much
water, leads to the issues that we all have
witnessed in Haiti this past year.
It is
understandable that this type of mixing has been
adopted in regions where labor is cheap and codes
are ignored. But it is nearly impossible to produce
quality concrete using this method.
It is irresponsible, even if well meaning, to
rebuild a home that was lost to an earthquake using
the same poor quality construction methods as
before.
The first step in producing a consistent concrete is
to insert a mechanical version of the “mixing ditch”
into the process.No matter how well proportioned the
mix is, it must be thoroughly blended or it will not
produce quality concrete.
The second is to accurately
measure the individual batches that enter the mixer.
Cart-Away Concrete Systems, Inc is a world leader in
creating small concrete batching solutions. We have
adapted one of our proven mixing processes to build
a mechanical version of the mixing ditch. This
mechanical ditch produces consistent mixes from a
unique batching process. |
Using an engine powered hydraulic system; the
counter-rotating auger can replicate the action of
several shovels turning the material at the same
time. The difference is that there is a consistency
of action that shovels cannot replicate.
By using simple recipes and consistent measuring,
the Cart-Away Concrete MD (mechanical ditch) will
produce up to 1/2-meter batches of quality concrete
in even the most remote villages.
The
Concrete MD integrates into the common material
handling methods of the local workers very well.
Workers find that shovels work to load in the raw
materials and buckets work for transporting the wet
concrete.
The 6” dispensing tube at the
center of the mixing chamber allows workers to
rapidly pour wet concrete directly into buckets for
transport to the forms. A “flapper” valve easily
controls the flow into the buckets.
The
Concrete MD can produce 3-meters of quality ready-mix
concrete each hour and will employ several workers
loading and then delivering the finished concrete.
The Concrete MD joins the
Cart-Away Concrete
CUBE in providing consistent batching in the
most remote locations. Final testing and
certification of this new mixer is scheduled to be
completed by September 15th, 2010.
|
