mini batching plant

Types of mini batching plants

A mini batching plant is a small concrete plant with a capacity of under 20 m3 per hour. It is widespread for small-scale projects. There are three typical types of mini concrete plants: mobile, stationary, and modular.

• Mini mobile concrete batching plant

  The entire plant is on a single chassis in the case of a mobile concrete plant. It becomes a single-loading unit due to the folding mechanism, making it simple to transport on a truck or trailer. After reaching the job site, the mini mobile plant can unpack and set up in one or two days. Operations can start right away without the need for concrete foundation work or complicated assembly. Mobility is a big plus for mini mobile plants. It is relocated to new sites as project priorities shift quickly and easily. This saves time every day because crews are not traveling long distances to get supplies of fresh concrete.

• Mini stationary concrete batching plant

  Although a stationary concrete plant is more spread out than a mobile plant and not designed for movement, there are still some reasons why a construction company could consider this type. Stationary plants have larger aggregate and cement silos, and mixing capacities and are typically less expensive per cubic meter of concrete than mobile plants because they are more straightforward to fabricate, heavier, and more complex. The unmovable position of a stationary mini plant also means that concrete can be mixed up more and at a faster rate. The concrete is prepared in a reverse drum that mixes the concrete by rotating in the opposite direction. Compared to a mobile plant, the mixer may be pan or twin shafts, which may be cement, aggregate, water, or other materials.

  Stationary plants require a concrete foundation to anchor them in place. Other things, like the silos used to store aggregate, may also be needed to prepare concrete. The storage system for aggregate in a stationary plant can be a horizontal, vertical, or owl silo; however, an owl silo is the most economical.

• Mini modular concrete batching plant

  A mini modular plant is lightweight and easy to move from one job site to another. Each module is packaged and transported as a single unit. They are cost-effective, identifiable, and quicker to build. Unlike the mini mobile and stationary plants, a modular plant's sizes and scales depend upon the number of modules put together. The more modules involved in construction, the faster the building process will be. There is also less site preparation necessary for modular plants since their components are brought directly to the construction site. Assembly is rapid, with no special tools or training.

Specification and maintenance of mini batching plant

Specifications of the mini batching plant include model and appearance, mixing capacity, module configuration, power supply, and control mode.

• Model and appearance: The model of the mini plant will determine its appearance. Buyers can visit the online store to see different models and how they look.
• Mixing capacity: The mixing capacity of a mini batching plant ranges from 10 to 25 m3 per hour. Lower capacities are ideal for smaller projects, while higher capacities are suitable for large construction projects.
• Module configuration: The configuration of a mini batching plant can be mobile or static. A mobile plant is easy to transport, while a stationary plant has a better production cost-to-capacity ratio.
• Power supply: A mini batching plant can use diesel, electricity, or solar energy. An electric-powered plant will deliver a stable performance with low noise, while a diesel one will be more efficient in drying in hot climates.
• Control mode: A mini plant comes with an automatic or manual control system. An automatic/fully automated plant will be easy to run, but it will need to have a spare and professional serviceable parts inventory. A manually controlled plant will be easier to maintain but may have limited features.

Maintenance tips for mini concrete batching plants

• Regular inspection: The equipment should be inspected often to discover any signs of wearing or damage.
• Scheduled maintenance: Suppliers should provide scheduled maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice. This may include part replacements, inspections, calibrations, and upgrades.
• Spare parts inventory: Business owners will need a good spare parts inventory to ensure any repairs are carried out quickly to avoid downtime.
• Cleaning: Equipment must be cleaned to avoid build-up that will shorten its lifespan and affect productivity.
• Lubrication: Moving parts need to be lubricated often to avoid damage and wear and tear that shorten the equipment's life.
• Training: People operating the batching plants need to be trained well so that they can take good care of the equipment. If they don’t understand the features and the requirements, they will not know what to do to keep it in good working condition.

Scenarios of using mini batching plants

Apart from the benefits already stated, mini batching plants have several applications or usage scenarios in the construction industry.

• Small to medium construction projects

  Due to its space-saving design and ability to produce concrete in daylight hours, the mini batching plant is ideal for use in small to medium construction projects. This includes road works, residential builds (e.g. multi-story apartments), and landscaping projects, to name a few.

• Remote/congested job sites

  Mini plants are easy to transport, making them ideal for use in remote locations where concrete isn't readily available. Their small size and flexibility also allow them to fit into tight spaces on congested construction sites.

• Quality control and testing

  Mini plants provide a control set over concrete mix, enabling the production of high-quality concrete tailored to specific project needs. Also, mini batching plants help ensure consistent concrete quality during construction, reducing the need for on-site mixing and improving project efficiency.

• Rapid construction methods

  Speed of concrete production eliminates delays associated to onsite mixing or transporting pre-mixed concrete. Quick set concrete and other specialty mixes can be created in the mini batch plant allowing for accelerated construction in critical project areas.

How to choose mini batching plant

According to experts, business buyers should first understand their unique needs when looking for a suitable mini concrete batching plant. They should ask themselves questions such as the required capacity and the preferred level of automation. They need to analyze their available space and determine if a compact or a portable option will suit them better. Business buyers should also consider the types of projects they typically handle. If the buyer mostly deals with small-scale construction projects, an affordable mini batching plant will be an ideal option.

Business buyers should carefully evaluate the supply requirements of the projects they commonly undertake. They should decide on the essential ingredients, such as aggregates, cement, additives, and water, which should be considered for efficient mixing. Also, business buyers need to consider the preferred concrete types for their projects. Certain projects may require specialized concrete types, such as high-strength, self-compacting, or fiber-reinforced mixtures, which should be accommodated by the selected batching plant.

These buyers should assess the required output and frequency of concrete production. They should also consider the plant's location and setup requirements, as well as the available budget constraints. After considering all the above factors, business buyers can identify the features that are important to them, such as mixing technology, aggregate storage capacity, dosing accuracy, control system, and plant dimensions.

Finally, business buyers can now compare different mini concrete batching plant models from multiple suppliers. They should ensure the selected plant complies with local regulations and review the technical specifications to ensure the features match their needs. Additionally, they should also consider the support and maintenance services offered by the suppliers after buying the plant.

Mini batching plant FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between a mini and a mobile batching plant?

A1: Mobile plants are designed for easy transportation and relocation. They are mounted on a movable chassis with wheels. They are suitable for projects that require frequent changes in location. On the other hand, mini plants are smaller-scale concrete production facilities. They have the capacity to produce smaller quantities of concrete compared to traditional batching plants.

Q2: How does a mini concrete batching plant work?

A2: In a mini concrete plant, raw materials are stored in separate silos and bunkers, where they are subsequently transported to the scales after being measured. The weighed materials are put into the mixing machine, which is comprised of a mixer and a concrete transport system. Water, aggregates, and cement are mixed and stirred to make concrete that is then distributed through the cement transport system.

Q3: How much concrete does a mini batching plant produce?

A3: The capacity of mini batching plants varies depending on the specific model and configuration. However, mini plants typically produce batches ranging from 10 to 20 tons per hour.

Q4: Is it possible to transport concrete from a mini batching plant?

A4: Yes. Concrete can be washed into a rear-discharge truck and transported to a delivery location. However, this will require the use of a concrete transit mixer truck.

Q5: How does a mini batching plant differ from a mobile plant?

A5: Mini plants are designed for smaller production capacities, while mobile plants are easily transported to different project locations.