How To Properly Select And Size A Concrete Batch Plant

How To Properly Select And Size A Concrete Batch Plant
Shopping for a concrete batch plant is often more challenging than most people expect. Even the most experienced batch plant operators can find themselves "stumped" when trying to replace, upgrade, or add a new plant to their operation. You find yourself considering price vs. quality, capacity vs. mobility, not to mention long term vs. short term considerations. Before you contact a supplier of concrete batch plants, you should identify the answers to the following questions regarding your desired concrete batch plant:
1. Are you looking for a portable or stationary concrete batch plant?
2. Do you want a central mix or transit mix (ready mix) plant?
3. How many types of aggregates (sand, stone, etc.) will you be using?
4. How many cements/additives will you be using?
5. What are your hourly production requirements? (cubic yards/meters per hour)
6. Consider and average US mixer truck load is 8-10 yards
7. How many hours per day will your plant operate?
8. Where is the plant located? Are their special considerations? (voltage, seismic area, terrain, remote, etc.)
9. Do you have specific silo or bin capacity requirements?
Depending on your experience the questions above will be easier to answer for some than others. If you are unsure of your aggregates, cements, or other considerations, that's ok, you just need to contact a concrete batch plant dealer/rep that offers consulting services. Most dealers/reps will help you evaluate your project and make specific equipment recommendations at low costs or even free. If you need help in determining the type of equipment, cements, aggregates, production, etc, you should be prepared to discuss the specifics of the plant use:
1. Why do you want to buy a plant? What are you going to use it for?
2. How long do you intend to own this plant?
3. What will the concrete be used for?
4. How will you be moving/transporting the concrete? How many trucks do you have? How much are they going to be pouring?
5. Where is your location? What type of access do you have to raw materials? Rocks? Sand? Water? Electricity?
You may not have the technically specific answers to these questions, but try to answer them as best as you can. Relate them things you know about, or have used in the past ( of truck loads per project, times of day concrete is poured, etc.)
Obviously there are many considerations in the final selection and purchase of a concrete batch plant, but thorough research and comparison shopping using consistent information and requirements will help you to ensure you comparing concrete batch plants that suit your needs. You may find a custom designed batch plant is needed for your project from one manufacturer while a "stock" design of another manufacturer fills your needs. Remember, you need to be asking some questions yourself to make sure you can make the most informed decision. You should understand and ask questions regarding importing areas including: price, financing/leasing, hidden costs (required "accessories"), accessories/options, maintenance, parts (what is recommended to keep on hand and cost), delivery time, shipping, foundation design and prints, and the construction process. Preparing yourself with answers to these questions and approaching a concrete batch plant dealer/rep will enable you to gather the most uniform and accurate information and make the most informed decision when you purchase your new concrete batch plant.