Cleaning of the concrete pump is required after each use. Properly cleaning the concrete pump is crucial for maintaining equipment performance and extending its service life. Residual concrete inside the pump can clog pipelines, reduce pump efficiency, and even damage the concrete pump equipment, increasing maintenance costs.
Regular cleaning ensures the concrete pump’s long-term stable operation, improves construction efficiency and quality, and reduces construction risks. Therefore, the operators must master the skills on how to do the concrete pump cleaning. First, you can learn about several different methods on how do concrete pumps get cleaned.
Several Different Methods for Cleaning Concrete Pumps
Water Flushing
Utilize high-pressure water flow to flush the internal and external pipelines, mixing devices, and hoppers of the pumping system. Water flushing is simple and feasible, effectively removing the majority of concrete residues without causing equipment damage. However, for more stubborn concrete deposits or solidified residues, thorough flushing may be insufficient, necessitating repeated rinsing and potentially requiring a larger volume of water.
Chemical Cleaning Agents
Utilize specialized cleaning agents or cleaning solutions to more thoroughly remove concrete residues and stains. The method is suitable for more tenacious deposits and can effectively dissolve concrete. However, chemical cleaning agents may pose environmental contamination risks and require specific safety precautions and disposal methods.
Manual Cleaning
For challenging-to-clean areas or specific components such as how to clean the concrete pump pipe inside or delicate parts of the mixing device, manual cleaning may be necessary. It involves employing tools such as scrapers, brushes, and spray guns for targeted cleaning. Manual cleaning ensures a more thorough cleaning outcome but may demand additional time and labor resources.
Which Is The Most Recommended Cleaning Concrete Pump Method?
Among the three cleaning methods mentioned above on how to clean out a concrete pump truck, for regular daily cleaning, the recommended approach is water flushing. While mechanical cleaning and chemical cleaning can achieve more thorough removal of concrete residues, water flushing is a simple, environmentally friendly method that does not cause damage to the equipment surface. Moreover, regular water flushing effectively preserves the concrete pump’s performance and lifespan, making it an economical and practical cleaning method.
Concrete Pump Cleaning Procedure
The concrete pump cleaning task is easy for user to operate. Here I have listed some steps for reference. Check the procedures below.
Preparation
Ensure that the concrete pump is in the closed position and disconnect the power supply. Wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Gather the cleaning supplies: concrete pump cleaning ball, high-pressure water gun, and clean water.
External Cleaning
Use a concrete pump ball and clean water to clean the exterior of the concrete pump. Dampen the sponge ball and gently wipe the outer surfaces of the pump, especially the pump pipes, hopper, and connection components. If there are stubborn stains, you can use a suitable amount of cleaning agent to assist in the cleaning. Be careful not to let water enter the electrical components and control panel.
Internal Cleaning
Next, connect the high-pressure water gun to a water source and adjust the water pressure. Direct the nozzle of the high-pressure water gun towards the interior of the pump pipes and clean section by section.
Start from the inlet and progressively advance the high-pressure water gun, ensuring thorough cleaning of each section. Simultaneously, open the outlet to allow water to flush the interior of the concrete pump.
In areas that require it, use sponge balls with cleaning agent to clean the internal surfaces of the trailer concrete pump. The soft texture of the concrete pipe cleaning ball facilitates easy cleaning of all corners and crevices inside the concrete pump.
Be mindful of maintaining an appropriate distance between the nozzle and the pipe walls to avoid damaging the concret pump pipes.
Pipeline Cleaning
Use the high-pressure water gun to flush the pipelines of the concrete pump. Ensure that the water flow covers the surface of each pipeline to thoroughly clean any remaining concrete residue. If necessary, use concrete pump pipe cleaning ball and cleaning agent to do cleaning concrete pump lines, ensuring complete removal of residues.
Detail Cleaning
Use concrete cleanout balls and cleaning agent to clean the detailed parts of the concrete pump and pipelines, such as bends and joints, to ensure thorough cleaning.
Inspection
Inspect the cleaned concrete pump and pipelines to ensure that there are no residues. Pay special attention to inspecting the internal pipelines and critical parts of the concrete pump.
Drying and Maintenance
Allow the concrete pump and pipelines to dry completely. Close the inlet and outlet. Carefully inspect the components of the pump, such as lubricated bearings and clean filters, to ensure they are in good condition. If any damaged or worn components are found, promptly carry out repairs or replacements. Perform routine maintenance on the pump equipment, such as lubricating bearings and cleaning filters, to ensure the equipment is in good working condition.
Special Considerations for Concrete Pump Clean Out
- Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. This protects you from splashes of water, cleaning agents, or concrete residues.
- Power Off and Safe Operations: Before starting the cleaning process, make sure to disconnect the power supply of the portable concrete pump and ensure that the equipment is in a safe condition.
- High-Pressure Water Gun Usage: When using a high-pressure water gun to clean the pump pipes, maintain a stable posture. Avoid pointing the nozzle at the concrete pump or other individuals to prevent accidental injuries. Also, ensure to maintain a sufficient distance and avoid directing the nozzle too closely at the pump pipes to prevent equipment damage.
- Use of Cleaning Agents: If using cleaning agents to assist in cleaning, be sure to use the appropriate amount of detergent as per the instructions and recommendations. Avoid excessive use or using inappropriate cleaning agents to prevent damage to the equipment or environmental pollution.
- Regular Maintenance: In addition to cleaning, regular maintenance is also crucial. Perform routine maintenance and inspections to ensure the normal operation and longevity of the equipment. Check for wear and tear on parts and perform repairs or replacements promptly.
By adhering to these considerations, you can ensure safety during the cleaning of concrete pumps and achieve optimal cleaning results. In AIMIX Group, there are different types of concrete pumps for sale. As for the different models of concrete pumps may have specific cleaning requirements and recommendations.
If you has bought AIMIX concrete pumps, please carefully read and follow the cleaning guidelines and operating manuals provided by us. If you have any questions or need further guidance, consult us for help without hesitation. AIMIX engineers would solve your problems as soon as possible.