Valves for Admix for Retarding Cement

Controlling the Mixture of Additives with Pinch Valves

One of the UK’s leading independent operators in the construction supply sector are using AKO’s DN25 black plastic Pinch Valves within their ready mixed concrete application. The valves assist with controlling the mixture of additives that are required for the cement mix.

The company have a variety of high volume readymix concrete plants capable of producing in excess of 1000m³ each day. These plants are strategically located and are equipped with wet batch facilities offering customers convenience of collection or efficient high volume delivery.

Retarding admixtures are used to slow the rate of setting of concrete. By slowing the initial setting time, the concrete mixture can stay in its fresh mix state longer before it gets to its hardened form.

The admix for retarding cement in this application is ambient in temperature, and passes through the Pinch Valve at 2 BAR. The Pinch Valve is installed in a horizontal position, in the mixture chamber.

The rubber sleeve inside the Pinch Valve is normally closed, dumping air once it is opened, and the number of cycles per day varies depending on workload.

Customer Experience & Satisfaction

As well as manufacturing ready mixed concrete, this company also work in pre-cast concrete block manufacture, supply of aggregates, sand and gravel quarries, and crushing and recycling. They have been using Pinch Valves from AKO UK in excess of 15 years. Mick Houston, one of the plant engineers on site, told us that AKO Pinch Valves are the easiest tool for the job.

The companies overall satisfaction with the valves is very good. Two or three new complete valves for admix are usually kept in stock, as well as a few spare rubber sleeves in case of failures or when the time comes to replace them. The rubber sleeves (diaphragm) used within this application are changed on average every 12 months.