Concrete pumps refer to tools designed for transporting freshly mixed liquid concrete to the construction site for use.
Concrete pumps work based on the basic principles of hydraulics and the valve system.
To make concrete, the mixing truck mixes the concrete within its rotating drum before pouring the liquid concrete into the hopper.
The truck also prevents the mixture from solidifying by churning repetitively.
The concrete pump then sucks the liquid concrete out of the hopper through the valve system pouring it in the required area on the site. In some cases, the auxiliary hoses may come in handy when pouring out the mixture from the truck.
These concrete pumps are not only valuable for professional contractors but also for DIY homeowners.
If you’ve been thinking about using concrete in any of your projects around your home, you now know how to transfer the mixture quickly and effectively.
These pumps are also helpful when you need to repair the concrete in your home.
These pumps come in various types, like the twin-cylinder hydraulic, whose internal system consists of two parallel cylinders.
These cylinders come with drive pistons on the inside, which enable the back and forth movement in opposite directions.
As one of the cylinders moves back, the other moves forward and vice versa.
The first cylinder, referred to as the material cylinder, is designed to pull your concrete out of the hopper.
The discharge cylinder, the second one, is responsible for pushing your concrete out of the pump to your desired location.
As a tandem, the two pistons work in alternation. They pull in and push out their volumes of your liquid concrete.
The continuous flow of the concrete, on the other hand, creates a hydraulic flow which causes the back and forth alternation of the two cylinders.
Besides, the constant flow of your concrete is useful in preventing the liquid concrete from solidifying.
Types of Concrete Pumps
Have you been thinking about getting a concrete pump for use on your DIY projects at home?
You probably have come across several options, and you are wondering which one is the best for your needs. These pumps come in several types, as outlined below:
Line Pumps
Line pumps are useful when pumping your liquid concrete at the ground level to your desired destination.
This technique of transporting concrete works best with hoses, which offer great flexibility.
Hoses easily navigate through alleys and around homes where the logistic trucks may find trouble parking. Some of the most popular line pumps include:
- Stationary pumps
- Truck-mounted static pumps
- Truck mixer pumps
Boom Pumps
Thanks to their long flexible and remote-controlled arms, boom pumps transport your concrete to the required destination by extending through the air.
The arms are designed with articulated sections and extend into the like cranes.
Boom pumps are essential for areas that are challenging to reach with line pumps, such as the upper floors of an apartment complex and high-rise premises.
You should also consider these pumps when working over houses and in the yards when constructing swimming pools and garden features.
For convenience, you can always neatly fold up your boom pump into sections and store it at the back of the logistic truck.
You can always have someone drive this pump to your site, and by positioning it conveniently, you can eliminate the need for additional hoses.
These pumps are also popular for their efficiency besides reaching longer distances.
These great features and versatility make boom pumps popular in the modern construction industry.
What Are Some of The Common Applications of Concrete Pumps?
The increasing demand for concrete pumps in the construction sector probably leaves you wondering where and how you can use these pumps.
Unlike what most people believe, these pumps are not primarily designed for commercial use.
You can also use them at home on your DIY concrete projects. Some of the most popular concrete applications include:
- Slab foundations
- High-rise premises
- Building foundations with basements
- Highway tunnels and overpasses
- Dams and bridges
- Parking structures
- Inground swimming pools
- Driveways and sidewalks
- Garden shed foundations and patios
Most of the concrete applications require you to pour a flat concrete slab.
At this point, you’re probably wondering how long it will take you to lay the slab.
While pouring the concrete is a quick process that may take a few minutes to complete, you should give it some time to dry before proceeding.
The longer you leave it to dry, the better results you get.
