Maintenance of Ready-Mixed Concrete Batching Plant

For an effective production & delivery of concrete, all plant & equipment should be maintained in a clean and efficient working condition. To achieve this, checklists are used by the batching plant personnel. These checklists include daily checks, weekly checks, monthly checks and quarterly checks. Checklists must be prepared in such a manner so that they cover the following 3 basic components of ready-mixed concrete batching plant.

1. Storage & handling equipment
2. Batching & mixing equipment
3. Transporting equipment (Mixer & Agitator)

Checks For Storage And Handling Equipment

7 Weekly Checks

1. Check the area under plant for spillage and trace source
2. Check all drains and traps are clear. Check cleanness of yard
3. Check to maintain settlement pits, recyclers and wash down areas in efficient working order
4. Check all storage bins and doors for efficient operation
5. Check conveyors, boom scrapers and bucket elevators for free running and wear, and adjust as necessary
6. Routine checks and servicing on loading shovels
7. Routine checks and servicing on compressors

Checks For Batching And Mixing Equipment

3 Daily Checks

1. Check and adjust tare weights and clean weigh dials (if applicable)
2. Check to ensure that weighing hoppers empty properly
3. Check to washout central mixer drum or pan

14 Weekly Checks

1. Check and maintain all hoppers and doors are in clean and efficient working order
2. Check central mixer blades, paddles or arms for wear and tightness and adjust as necessary
3. Check and remove any cement or concrete build up in the mixer
4. Check and shack out cement silo filter sock (if applicable) and maintain in efficient working order.
5. Check dust seals on cement hoppers for wear
6. Check and clean knife edges or load cells on weighing equipment
7. Check calibration of moisture meter if applicable
8. Check oil levels on air line lubricators
9. Drain water traps on air lines
10. Check rams and air lines for leaks
11. Check pipe-work for leaks and wear
12. Check wiring and electrical apparatus for correct operation and over heating
13. Routine checks for greasing of bearings and gears
14. Routine checks and servicing on central mixers

3 Monthly Checks

1. Check calibration of all weigh scales
2. Check calibration of water meter
3. Check calibration of admixture dispenser

2 Quarterly Checks

1. Inspection and testing of all weigh scales over their complete operational range
2. Routine oil changes in gearboxes and oil baths

Checks For Transporting Equipments – Mixer & Agitator Units

1 Daily Check

1. Check and wash out truck mixer drum

3 Monthly Checks

1. Check mixer unit for blade wear
2. Check operation of revolution counters, if fitted
3. Check calibration of truck mixer water meter