Masonry Magazine October 2003 Page. 31
Pumps with Batch Mixers
WHEN USING PUMPS with batch mixers, the wet mortar can be prepared from a site-mix or from a pre-blended dry mortar. This system has the advantage of being able to use a cheap site-mix while still speeding up the work. On the other hand, the disadvantage of this installation is that a hot-carrier is still necessary to control the mixing time and dump the wet material into the pump. Also, the right mixing proportions of every batch have to be controlled and adjusted to the working consistency.
Pumps with Continuous Mixers
IN THE CASE OF PUMPS with continuous mixers, the wet mortar can only be obtained from a pre-blended dry mix, as this type of unit must add the water to the product. The advantage of this system is that you only need a small hopper at the pump as material is continuously feeding from the mixer. Furthermore, it is common to automate this system so the mixer starts and stops depending on the level of mortar in the pump. Due to the construction of the mixer, with one adjustment the water/mortar ratio will stay constant throughout the working day.
Mixing Pumps
MIXING PUMPS are a combination of a pump and a continuous mixer in one compact machine, giving masons all the benefits of both systems. This allows a faster setup and less wiring at the work site.
These machines are easy to operate: just connect water and supply power, fill with dry material, adjust the water once a day, and push the button whenever you need the material. The result will be a proper mixed mortar or grout with a stable consistency delivered fresh at your point of application, and only one additional helper is needed to feed the machine with dry material. By the use of a spraying gun or a remote control, the mason can even start and stop the machine by him or herself at the point of application.
Trailer-mounted Pumps
LIKE THE MIXING PUMP, the setup time for a trailer-mounted pump is very short as everything is ready to work once you've connected the water (many trailers have their own power generator).
The advantages depend on the combination mixer type and pump. The fast setup time makes them very interesting for contractors with smaller work sites. The disadvantage is the limitation of setup to outside the building or inside the first floor-in general, trailer-mounted pumps cannot be moved inside the building.
For larger sites that take more time, a mixing pump might be a better bet as it can be stored more easily in the evening.
Pumps and Ready-to-use Mortar
THESE PUMPS must have a bigger hopper than continuous-mix pumps as the material must be filled in larger amounts from a truck. The advantage is that you can work with a consistent material and the output can be higher. On the other hand, the contractor depends on delivery of fresh material.
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