Concrete Pumping: How to Avoid Blockage in Your Pump Line
If you have ever tried pumping concrete before, you may have encountered problems due to pump line blockages. Blockages are common, especially in the beginning when operators are still getting the hang of the job. Understanding what causes pump line blockages can help you avoid them and reduce the downtime when resolving the problems. Here are some of the primary causes of concrete pump line blockage when pumping concrete and the measures that you can take to resolve or avoid them.
Concrete bleeding
Concrete bleeding occurs when the aggregates fail to retain the mixing water evenly. This can happen due to poorly choosing sand that has a lower grade than that recommended for concrete mixing. Bleeding can also occur if the water used for the mix floats to the surface of the fresh material instead of mixing with the solid components. Excessive concrete bleeding can cause structural problems such as scaling, craze cracking, and low wear resistance.
To avoid concrete bleeding, you should not put too much water in the concrete mix. If it occurs, use a different type of sand and add more cement to the mix. Also, wait for the bleed water to evaporate before finishing the surface.
Incorrect sizing of pump line
Some pump line problems can be traced back to incorrect sizing of your equipment. Insufficient pump capacity and low horsepower can make it hard for the pump to push the concrete through the line. Also, if your aggregates are too large for your pipeline, they will cause blockage during pumping. Failure to clean pump lines before using them can cause blockage where the old concrete hardened in the lines.
Pump line problems can be avoided by ensuring that you have the right equipment. The size, capacity, and motor horsepower of your concrete pump line should match your pumping requirements. Also, make sure that you clean the pipeline before any project to get rid of hardened concrete.
Poor handling of concrete pump
If you haven't used a concrete pump before, it is possible for you to make a few errors as you learn the ropes. For instance, if you remove and replace the hoses while the pour is in progress, the dry internal walls of the new pipes can cause a blockage. Also, poor handling of the flexible hoses can cause kinks which will lock the path.
Learn how to use the concrete pump and its components before starting your project. Do not replace pipes when pouring the concrete mix, and make sure that you handle the flexible hoses with care. If you are having difficulties operating the equipment, hire a professional concrete contractor, such as Hunter Concrete Pump Hire.