Powder pigments instead of granules

Advanced metering technology offers operational savings

Fig. 1 Advanced powder
metering system for three concrete mixers.

Fig. 2 Metering system with six pressure-/conveying vessels.

Fig. 3 Dust-free connection of the Big-Bag.

Fig. 4 Pneumatic discharge aid for Big-Bag.

 Cost pressure forces manufacturers of concrete products to search for potential cost savings. Next to the cement cost, pigment is the second highest cost component for producing products like pavers. Cost saving potentials for purchasing cement are rather limited.

Quite different is the situation when purchasing pigment, because the different pigment forms allow for more flexibility. For many years the granule form of pigment has been widely used in Europe and North America. In other parts of the world concrete producers kept using the less expensive powder pigment.

Granule pigment is a great product, allowing for reliable and dust free metering, and pneumatic conveying to the concrete mixer. The only disadvantage is the price of granule, which is higher than the powder pigment.

That brings us back to the cost saving potential. Generally there is a...