Skip Bucket Concrete Batching Plant

A skip bucket concrete batching plant is a common type of concrete production equipment, primarily used in construction and infrastructure development. Its key feature is that a skip bucket (also known as a skip hopper) lifts raw materials (such as cement, sand, gravel, and water) into the mixer for mixing. A skip bucket concrete batching plant typically has a production capacity of 25-75 m³/h and is suitable for small to medium sized construction projects, road and bridge construction, and precast component plants. It can produce a variety of concrete types, including plastic concrete and dry-hard concrete.

Taking the HZS50 concrete batching plant as an example, the technical details of a skip bucket concrete batching plant (elevating bucket concrete batching plant) are as follows:
- Production Capacity:
Theoretical production rate is 50 m³/h. Actual production efficiency is affected by mix ratio, operator proficiency, and equipment maintenance, typically reaching 40-45 m³/h.
- Mixing Unit:
Utilizes a JS1000 twin shaft forced concrete mixer with a feed capacity of 1600 L and a discharge capacity of 1000 L. The mixing time is approximately 30-45 seconds per batch, and the motor power is approximately 37-45 kW.
- Weighing System:
Aggregate weighing accuracy is ±2%, cement/fly ash ±1%, and water/admixture ±1%. High-precision sensors and PLC closed-loop control are used.
The aggregate silos typically have a capacity of 3-4, with a total storage capacity of approximately 30-50 m³. Both batch and cumulative metering are supported.
- Conveying System:
Bucket Elevator: Lifting capacity is approximately 60-80 t/h, using either chain or belt drive, equipped with a dust cover and tensioning device.
- Storage System:
The cement silo has a capacity of 100-200 t. The aggregate silo is constructed of steel or concrete. The capacity of the additive silo is configurable depending on the requirements.
- Control System:
PLC + touch screen, supporting manual/automatic switching, recipe storage (capable of storing over 100 recipes), real-time data monitoring and fault alarms, and data storage for ≥1 year.

Working Principle of Skip Bucket Concrete Plant:
When a skip bucket concrete batching plant is in operation, aggregate, cement, water, and admixtures are first metered to the set mix ratio using a batching device. The metered aggregate is then lifted by a lifting hopper to the top of the main mixer and poured into the mixer. Simultaneously, cement and other powders are conveyed to the mixer via a screw conveyor, while water and admixtures are delivered to the mixer via a corresponding piping system. After thorough mixing within the mixer, the concrete meets the requirements and is finally discharged by a discharge device.

Key Features of Skip Bucket Concrete Batching Plant:
- Compact Structure and Small Footprint:
Its modular design allows for flexible layout and can be flexibly arranged according to site conditions. Compared to belt conveyor-based batching plants, it can save 1/3 to 2/3 of the space required.
- Easy Installation:
The main components of the plant are pre-assembled at the factory with pre-defined interfaces, requiring minimal on-site assembly. A typical main plant can be installed within 2-3 days, and transportation and transition times are also relatively fast.
- Stable Operation and Low Failure Rate:
The lifting mechanism utilizes dynamic drop-point feeding for smooth lifting. A rope loosening protection limit prevents malfunctions such as bucket reversal, ensuring high operational reliability.
- Precise Weighing:
The cement weighing hopper features an octagonal design, providing excellent rigidity and smooth unloading. Equipped with an independent free weighing frame and pneumatic self-balancing technology, it effectively protects the scale from support and tension, ensuring weighing accuracy.
- Energy-Saving:
The enclosed design typically allows for fully enclosed loading of the hopper, minimizing dust spillage. This also reduces energy consumption for the main mixer and other equipment, meeting environmental requirements.

Application Scenarios of Skip Bucket Concrete Plant:
- Small and Medium-Sized Projects:
These projects are suitable for projects such as municipal roads, industrial plants, residential communities, and rural infrastructure projects, with daily concrete production volumes of 200-500 m³.
- Ready-Mixed Concrete Centers:
These are small and medium-sized ready mix concrete plants located near cities, meeting regional building material supply needs and supporting multiple formulations (e.g., C20-C50 concrete).
- Mobile Construction:
The mobile HZS50 concrete batching plant, equipped with tires or crawler chassis, can be quickly moved to different construction sites, reducing transportation costs and time.
- Adaptable to Special Environments:
Equipped with heating/cooling devices, anti-corrosion coatings, and dust covers, it can adapt to harsh environments such as high temperature, high humidity, high altitude, and high dust levels.

With its medium production capacity, compact structure, environmental performance, and economical practicality, the skip bucket concrete batching plant is the preferred solution for small and medium-sized projects and ready-mixed concrete production. It will continue to evolve towards intelligent, energy-saving, and green technologies.