TWIN SHAFT MIXERS

The new RT3000 and RT4000 Twin Shaft Mixers offer a compact footprint and 4- and 5-yd. output, respectively. The mixers feature high turbulent mix zones; control panels with soft start mechanism; thick, premium chill cast tiles and paddles; discharge doors with two independent hydraulic rams; top doors with safe interlocks; drop-down, galvanized viewing platforms; twin, heavy-duty gear boxes directly driving mixer shafts; over-sized auto-lubrication chambers; and, four-minute cycle jetwash system.

The Twin Shaft joins the manufacturer's pan and planetary mixers and a full range of stationary and mobile batch plants, including a model for roller compacted mixes. The Rapid line is represented in the U.S. by Standley Batch Systems. Rapid International
www.rapidinternational.com
www.standleybatch.com

BATCH WATER BLENDING VALVE

The Texas-based concrete plant equipment dealer has engineered a compact valve for new or retrofit installations that enables ready mixed producers to blend regular and temperature-controlled water. A monitor automatically adjusts flow from multiple water sources based on constant temperature readings. In addition to blending hot or cold water with the regular supply, the valve can convey gray water from dedicated tanks or vessels for loads whose specifications permit rebatching. CP-Solutions Inc., 210/659-8867
www.cp-solutionsinc.com

3-D BIN LEVEL SCANNER

Using noncontact technology, the 3DLevelScanner measures and maps the material surface at multiple points to detect cone up, cone down, bridging and sidewall buildup, while advanced software calculates a silo-volume estimate more accurate than that of radar or ultrasonic devices, the manufacturer contends. The scanner's low-frequency, acoustics-based technology reportedly penetrates dust and excels at measuring powders and difficult materials such as fly ash. Its self-cleaning capability further improves performance and reduces the frequency of preventive maintenance. BinMaster
www.binmaster.com

TRUCKTRAX PROGRAMS WORK ORDERS, SHIFT SCHEDULES

Fleet-management information technology specialist TruckTrax has added work orders and rotating shift schedules to its payroll solution — PayTrax Time Management Software — designed specifically for ready mixed concrete and bulk product companies aiming to increase operating efficiency and reduce payroll-related costs. Work orders now can be entered by employees at any time-clock station or by managers at the approval workbench, thereby reducing the payroll-staff burden as work orders are automatically streamed to a corresponding cost center in an Enterprise Resource Planning system. By capturing information at a local level, TruckTrax developers note, companies can eliminate unneeded data entry, reduce payroll department overhead, identify work-force inefficiencies more accurately, and assure employees they are being paid for time logged.

To address complex legal requirements, PayTrax takes into account workers', crews' or employees' rotating shift schedules and implements wages specific to contracts and state or local employment laws. Technology upgrades ensure that the information is tracked and reported to find the most efficient schedule for worker and company.
— www.trucktrax.net

MIXER SYSTEMS MILLS TWIN SHAFT MODELS

Mixer Systems Inc. has added 4- and 6-yd. Twin Shaft mixer models. Manufactured at the Wisconsin headquarters with off-the-shelf components for ease of service and maintenance, they feature air purge shaft seals; single-drive motors; heavy-duty cast steel mixing arms; and, hydraulic discharge doors. Their high-volume, high-shear action achieves 60- to 90-sec. mixing times, depending on concrete specifications and companion plant components. The Twin Shaft equipment joins Mixer Systems' Horizontal Shaft, Turbin XL, and Planetary models, plus custom-engineered batching components and fully integrated batching systems with controls. — www.mixersystems.com

ADDITIVES SUIT SOOT-PRONE, PRE-EPA 2007 ENGINES

Green Equipment Solutions, Southern Pines, N.C., has announced XenTx Extreme Emission Control fuel-treatment products, formulated for mixer and dump trucks, plus heavy-duty, off-road equipment. XenTx reduces NOx and particulate matter emissions from engines predating EPA-compliant 2007 models equipped with diesel particulate filters. As a Cetane enhancer that improves engine power, efficiency and fuel economy, XenTx adds lubricity and reduces engine heat and friction.

Splash-mixed directly into the fuel at a recommended treatment ratio of 1:2000 or 16 oz./250 gal., the product has been validated as meeting or exceeding Texas (TCEQ) and California (CARB) emissions standards. Southwest Research Institute testing of XenTx against untreated diesel indicates the product's potential to reduce NOx and carbon soot emissions by 20-plus percent and 86 percent, respectively; impart fuel savings of 3-5 percent; and, extend oil and filter life 40 percent through improved lubricity. Green Equipment has secured global distribution of XenTx and the companion Synergyn performance oils and lubricants.
www.greenequipment.com

PIGMENT FORMULATION NEUTRALIZES COLORED-MIX RINSE WATER

Citing significant potential for reducing mixer truck and plant mixer process-water volume and downtime, GrayAgain has developed a product to convert integrally colored mix loads' rinse water to neutral gray. Hundreds of gallons of rinse water traditionally used in these conditions will be reduced to 10 gallons, the company notes, and time waiting to fill and discharge process water diminished. Following full colored-mix discharge, 10- or 20-lb. water-soluble GrayAgain bags are loaded with 10 gallons of water into truck or plant mixers. Product developers recommend a 10-minute mixing cycle, but note that color neutralization of wall, paddle and fin residue can occur in as little as three to five minutes.

GrayAgain agents are formulated from finely ground iron-oxide pigments and surfactants. A treatment guide covering major pigment manufacturers' color selections provides recommended dosages. Producers stocking the full treatment line should be able to process 95 percent of the colored residue washout they are likely to encounter. The treatment agents meet or exceed ASTM C 979, enabling producers to use mixers immediately following neutralized rinse water discharge without compromising a new load's set time, finishing characteristics or air entrainment.
www.grayagain.com