Position: In mid-2005, Weighing controller design solutions was asked to design an onboard concrete weighing batching control unit for a Mixamate concrete mixing truck.
The object of the exercise was to replace an existing unit with one offering increased accuracy and speed.
The unit Synectic design solutions designed for this application was based on the innovative SY017 multirecipe batch controller combined with a printer.
The unit required special functions specifically for this on-the-spot concrete mixing application.
The design is a typical innovative product from Weighing controller design solutions, which could be used for any other truck onboard weighing requirements.
The unit controls the dispensing of water, cement, sand, aggregate and up to four other components of the concrete mix (by weight).
The unit then controls the mixing of all of the components to the required specification.
It can store 100 different recipes and they can be uploaded to the unit by a PC or laptop.
The unit will report to the user with a batch ticket and then log the result in internal memory, to provide full traceability.
Further features that are included in the unit include monitors (with alarm conditions) for hydraulic oil pressure, water level and the mixer lid (as a safety feature).
The industrial design is rugged enough to cope with the rigours of most situations, including a wide range of outdoor uses; it also has a vandal proof keypad.
The unit only requires a 24V power supply, meaning it can work off a truck battery.
This special product has improved the speed and accuracy of the concrete mixing and batching of the process, via faster printing, simplified control input (through the keypad), incorruptible processing - with the dedicated microprocessor, unlike PLCs and finally it offers full traceability.
This is an example of how Weighing controller design solutions can customise a standard product for a specific use.
This Weighing controller could be used directly with a number of other applications.
