Concrete mixer redesign

Cubic3 Design and Engineering and the University of Liverpool have been working on a project to improve the lifespan of a range of continuous concrete mixers. The 10-month project was carried out with the support of Cubic3’s suppliers and customers. The mixers have been redesigned to achieve longer life with less maintenance. Modern eco-design strategies were used to find the best opportunities for improvement.

“Having worked in the sector for over 30 years, we know how important it is to get the job done.  Being able to repair on site – without workshop facilities – is of great importance to us and our customers, who often are in overseas and remote locations such as the Algerian desert,” said Anthony Jones, Cubic3’s Technical Director.

“The operation of the mixer depends on hydraulic technology. Oil cleanliness has a big impact on the life of a system, so we combined advanced filtration technology with robust hydraulic components, resulting in mixers that can deliver results day after day in harsh environments.”

“Our new range of Cubic3 continuous concrete mixers have been developed based on our own experience, and detailed feedback from machine owners and operators. This project gave us the opportunity to innovate and improve the design and manufacture even further.”

The hydraulic, pneumatic, computer and electrical systems, as well as the fabricated structure, have been redesigned. The following are just some of the benefits achieved.

• Simplified systems with fewer components.
• Use of components with a high Mean Time Before Failure and low maintenance requirements.
• Simple fault diagnosis.
• 'Plan B’ fail-safes, to compete the job without immediate workshop assistance.
• Lower environmental impact as a result of simpler systems and longer lifespan.

Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/product-news/24072015/concrete-mixer-redesign-214/