SYSTECH ENGINEERS BATCH PANEL FOR READY MIXED

Systech, Inc. will unveil Integra Batch, an innovative tool created for increased management and performance of ready mix concrete plants, at this month's World of Concrete. Through what product developers note are advanced technology and seamless integration, the Integra Batch System increases batch accuracy and efficiency, while remaining an integral part of dispatch and production.

“Integra Batch provides the necessary components for plants to operate smarter, faster and more productively. The system offers a distinct competitive edge to material producers and will serve as the benchmark in the ready mixed industry,” notes Systech President John Rabchuk.

Integra Batch transforms the traditionally isolated batching process into a fully integrated component of the materials management operation, he adds, allowing dispatchers to operate the plant from any network workstation, or to control numerous plants from a centralized point. The fully Windows-compliant software improves automation and allows increased control and accuracy over the production process. The manual workstation is a touch-screen PC, customized to display a three-dimensional animated graphic of the user's specific plant, and can be updated as plant modifications are made.

Systech has selected Besser Co. to manufacture Integra Batch. The system has the latest process from Allen-Bradley PLC, fully IP addressable, digital scales from Mettler-Toledo and a rugged, manual panel PC from DFI Technologies. All system components are nonproprietary, modularized and available from thousands of electrical distributors nationwide. Damaged components can be removed and replaced by nonspecialized personnel.
— Systech, 630/515-0200, www.systech-inc.com

Advanced Concrete builds “plug and play” plant

Advanced Concrete Technologies enters this month's Manufactured Concrete Products Exposition (Atlanta) and World of Concrete with SmartMix, a new line of compact plants engineered for speed and precision that is shipped pre-wired, pre-plumbed and factory-tested.

ACT officials are calling the concept “plug and play,” whereby plants are up and running with four plug-ins and an aggregate bin connection. SmartMix models are delivered with a mixer platform and three-compartment aggregate bin — all transported on a single load. The plants are equipped with high-intensity, planetary countercurrent Wiggert mixers of 0.3-, 0.5-, 0.6-, or 1-yd. capacity. With conventional mixes, they can maintain 80-sec. batch cycle times.

SmartMix plants are equipped with a cumulative aggregate weighing system, and all batch materials can be preweighed while another batch is mixing. Batch water is handled volumetrically, providing a mixer-rinsing function for each batch. ACT's standard Programmable Control System links plant administration, production, material ordering, consumption, process supervision, costing and maintenance information.

Suited to high-slump and zero-slump precast operations, or onsite mixing, the SmartMix design is modeled after plants that ACT's German affiliate, Wiggert + Co, has been promoting to European producers.
— Advanced Concrete Technologies, 603/431-5661, www.concretebiz.com

CA. CONSUMES 100,000 YD. OF RAPID SETTING CONCRETE

The aggressive freeway pavement rehabilitation program launched by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to remove broken concrete sections at night and replace them with new rapid-setting concrete has reached another milestone. The department recently saw placement of the 100,000th yard of the specialty mix on Highway 99, in Bakersfield, Calif., by Standard Engineering of Brea, Calif. The concrete was produced by Pasadena, Calif.-based George L. Throop Co. with rapid-setting binder from CTS Cement Manufacturing Corp. of Cypress, Calif.

Work for the Caltrans Concrete Pavement Rehabilitation Program (referred to as CPR) occurs at night. Lanes are closed to traffic at 10 p.m. The old 9-in.-thick concrete pavement is removed and the sub-base is inspected and replaced, if needed. Concrete placement beginning at approximately 1:00 a.m. is completed by 4:00 a.m. After the concrete is checked for strength, the pavement is opened to traffic at 6:00 a.m. On some heavily trafficked areas, the replacement window is only five hours, from midnight to 5:00 a.m.

In typical removal and replacement, broken sections represent less than 5 percent of the pavement. The rehabilitated pavement is expected to have a service life upward of 20 years.
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SLUSH BOOT

A new line of rubber footwear manufactured specifically with the concrete industry in mind, 17-in. Treds are made of latex natural rubber. Developers note that stretchy latex rubber (800 percent elongation) and a smooth, drag-free inside surface make Treds easier to pull on or off, providing a better, more comfortable fit. Among the physical properties that Treds' natural latex rubber provides are 4,000 lb. tensile strength and 210 lb./in. of “trouser tear” strength. The product line includes seven sizes that fit over men's work boots sizes 3 to 19.
Advantage Products
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COMMAND ALKON PROGRAMS VEHICLE STATUS COMPUTER

The Commandfleet Vehicle Status Computer version 3 (CF-VSC3) is a mobile, truck-mounted computer that exchanges data and events between a fleet truck and the Commandseries truck tracking system. Headlining introductions the company has planned for the 2004 World of Concrete, the device can communicate data over a conventional analog or trunked, two-way radio system, or digital networks that include iDEN, GPRS, or CDMA1X. In the U.S., the equipment could be supported by carriers AT&T Wireless, Nextel, Southern Linc., T-Mobile, or Verizon Wireless.

With the exception of driver-initiated messaging, the CF-VSC3 is designed to be 100 percent automated. All delivery statusing and other truck or driver activities are monitored and reported using a combination of the truck's location (from built-in GPS receiver) and on-board sensors and truck interface wiring.

The CF-VSC3 is mounted in the vehicle cab and the Driver Display is pedestal-mounted within easy reach and view for receiving in-coming messages from central, sending programmable messages back to central, or initiating and reviewing other custom terminal functions.

Command Alkon officials cite additional Vehicle Status Computer features:

• High-contrast LCD display for viewing important messages from central or programmable on-board data.

• Display module provides the last status sent with the time, the current time, whether the status was automatic or manual, the drum revolution counter, and GPS validity. Enables driver to scroll and review previously received messages.

• On-site statuses On Job, Pour, Wash, and To Job may be viewed for their activation times when they are required to be recorded on a customer's hardcopy ticket.

• Over-the-air protocol allows for group or fleet text messaging.

• Up to 49 menu-selected messages can be sent by the driver to dispatch.

• The current GPS position data can be displayed at will, allowing for map placement of batch plants or other key locations.

• Dedicated input connections monitor mixer drum rotation.

• Multiple serial ports to connect to possible customer devices such as printers, card readers, or signature capture pads.

• Rugged, splash-proof and dust-proof construction for the harsh environment of a ready mixed or dump truck.
  — Command Alkon, 800/624-1872, www.commandalkon.com

ALUMINUM-BACKED BROOMS

Geared for brushing concrete after floating, a new line of brooms can impart a nonslip finish to newly finished slabs. Currently available in three sizes (24 in., 36 in., and 48 in.), the aluminum-backed concrete broom features what product developers contend are rugged construction and less weight. The brooms are constructed of 3-in., black, poly fibers set in a lightweight aluminum back. A Clevis handle mounting bracket is included with each, while pole adapters are sold separately.
Marshalltown
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SIMEM NAMES TEXAS DISTRIBUTOR

As a recently authorized representative for the Simem America (see Scope, page 8) product line, Concrete Plant Restoration, Inc., of Saint Hedwig, Texas, will provide new sales, spare parts, engineering, erection/installation and warranty services for twin-shaft mixers, planetary pan mixers, concrete reclaimers, and concrete batch plants.