How Do Concrete Pumps Work

Anyone working in the construction industry, dealing with all kids of constructions and concrete structures, knows that concrete pumps are indispensable for certain jobs. Concrete is a sturdy, durable and affordable construction material, therefore it is extensively used. A structure may employ either concrete blocks or poured concrete.

Concrete pumps deal with poured concrete.

While it may not sound as complicated, sometimes liquid concrete must be poured in areas that are difficult or nearly impossible to access with cement mixers, for example the top of a building, or the middle of a long tunnel. Concrete pumps are designed to reach these difficult areas, feeding liquid cement from a great distance.

There are two main types of concrete pumps: the boom pump and the line pump. Boom pumps are ground based machines of large dimensions, with a crane or boom arm of varying lengths. This crane holds the length of rubberized or plastic tubing, feeding the liquid cement to its destination. This type of concrete pump is especially useful for high constructions with multiple stories, that require poured concrete high above the ground level. The boom pump is generally truck-mounted, with a large open reservoir in which mixed concrete is constantly added. The engine, either gasoline or diesel-powered, protrudes a driveshaft into the cylindrical chamber right at the base of the reservoir. The weight of the cement pushes it into this chamber. The cement is forced through the airtight chamber and up the boom, allowing liquid cement to be poured from a distance.

The line pump is portable, and is recommended for smaller jobs. In a nutshell, line pumps consist of a diesel power engine mounted on the back of a truck or a trailer. A large worm gear at the center of a funnel is controlled by the engine, and at the end of this worm gear a long rubber or plastic tube is attached. With a cement mixer, the cement is poured into the funnel and the turning worm gear pushes it down the tube. Generally, line pumps are used to fill wood or metal forms for certain structures, such as concrete slabs.

Depending on the needs and requirements of the construction project, a boom pump or a line pump will be necessary. You can find them for sale either new or used, or you can even find concrete pumps for hire. The prices vary depending on the model, capacity and type of concrete pump, but generally it will require a considerable investment. However, many constructions would not have been possible without concrete pumps, so it is a necessary investment.

Mihai is the author of this article. If you are interested to read more, feel free to check his other articles for useful information.