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ASK ANY QUESTION RELATING TO BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
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01/09/2024 4:46 pm
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If concrete hardens inside a cement mixer drum, it presents a significant challenge for the company. The course of action depends on the extent of the hardening and the cost-benefit analysis of different removal methods. Here’s a breakdown of what a company might do in this situation:
1. Assess the Extent of Hardening
- Minor Hardened Buildup: If only a small amount of concrete has hardened, it might be possible to remove it manually using pneumatic tools or jackhammers. The labor and time required would be relatively low, making this a cost-effective option.
- Severe Hardening: If a significant amount of concrete has hardened, especially if the drum is fully or mostly filled, removal becomes much more complex and costly.
2. Methods of Removal
- Manual Removal: Workers can break the hardened concrete with jackhammers, pneumatic tools, or even chemicals designed to soften or dissolve the concrete. This method is labor-intensive and time-consuming but can save the drum if the concrete buildup is not extensive.
- Chemical Dissolvers: There are industrial-grade chemicals that can soften or dissolve hardened concrete. This method can be effective, but it involves the cost of chemicals, environmental considerations, and the potential need for additional cleaning afterward.
- Rotary Drum Cutters: For severe cases, specialized drum cutters can be used to grind down the hardened concrete. This is a more advanced and expensive solution but can effectively restore the drum.
3. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
- Labor and Time Costs: The labor involved in manually removing hardened concrete can be extensive, and the downtime of the mixer during this process can also be costly for the company.
- Chemical Costs: While chemical solutions can be effective, they add to the overall cost and may require multiple applications.
- Risk of Damage: Attempting to remove hardened concrete, especially with aggressive methods, can damage the drum, making it unusable even after removal efforts.
4. Replacement Consideration
- Drum Replacement Costs: If the cost of removing the concrete, including labor, chemicals, and potential damage, exceeds or approaches the cost of a new drum, replacing the drum might be the more cost-effective option.
- Disposal: If the company decides to discard the drum, there might be costs associated with disposal, though these may be outweighed by the savings in avoiding the removal process.
5. Prevention Measures
- To avoid such situations, companies usually implement strict cleaning protocols to ensure that concrete doesn’t harden inside the drum. This includes thoroughly washing out the drum after each use.
Conclusion
In most cases, if the concrete buildup is severe, the cost and risk of attempting to remove the hardened concrete could indeed outweigh the cost of simply replacing the drum. For minor hardening, manual or chemical removal may be more cost-effective. Ultimately, the decision hinges on a detailed cost-benefit analysis considering the specific circumstances, including the drum's value and the potential downtime costs.
