Shotcrete Machine | Practical Tips on Types of Shotcrete Machines

Introduction

What is a shotcrete machine? This machine mixes shotcrete mortar inside the mixer and then transfers it to the machine’s tank. After this process, the mortar is pumped to the hose and the hose sprays it onto the surface. There are two types of shotcrete machines, which we will introduce below. So stay with us until the end.

Shotcrete machine

Shotcrete machines are used in many applications, such as bridge construction, transportation stations, construction, pool construction, mining, tunnels, and other similar applications. This machine helps to smooth out uneven surfaces in the best possible way and cover all holes. There are two different types of shotcrete machines, which are:

• Spray dryer
• Spraying machine

Spray dryer

In the shotcrete machine dry spray example, dry materials such as sand and cement are fed into the machine in a completely dry form from the inlet hopper and are transported to the outlet hose by compressed air. During this process, water is added to the materials through the nozzle and sprayed onto the relevant surface by the nozzle. It is interesting to know that there are different types of dry spray machines. However, the way each of them works is the same as mentioned. The only difference between different models of dry spray machines is in the granulation of the materials and their output volume.

Spraying machine

The way the shotcrete spraying machine works is that it mixes the consumables in a part of the spraying machine called the mixer completely and then transfers them to the tank. After completing this process, the machine pumps the relevant materials into the outlet hose using a system. Then, when the mortar is transferred to the nozzle head, it is sprayed onto the relevant surface by the nozzle worker with very high air pressure. The shotcrete spraying machine also has multiple capacities. In addition, the spraying machines are divided into two main types: piston and screw.

Important points about the shotcrete machine

Regarding the shotcrete dry spray machine, we must say that in this machine, the material transfer system is carried out by compressed air. However, in the shotcrete spraying machine, the material transfer is carried out by a piston or screw pump. In this type of shotcrete machine, the air is used only for spraying and does not play any role in the pumping process.

All equipment used by the contractor for mixing mortar and applying shotcrete must be capable of being transported by hand. In addition, the equipment must be able to mix large aggregates of the maximum specified size.

You should take good care of equipment such as hoses, nozzles, mixers, washers, water and air pressure gauges, and other such items and clean them regularly. In addition, in many industrial and construction projects, your equipment must be approved by the contractor’s supervisor.

Conclusion

In this article from the Kalar Machinery Company blog, we provided explanations about the shotcrete machine and found out what applications this machine has. We also provided some tips regarding the two main types of this machine. If you intend to use these machines, it is better to have proper information about their types before purchasing.