Abstract: Provided is a slurry manufacturing method in which a decrease in slurry quality, an increase in running cost, and a decrease in maintainability are suppressed. A slurry manufacturing device includes: a mixing device (suction pump mechanism portion) that mixes a liquid and a powder to manufacture a slurry; a powder supply device that supplies the powder to the mixing device; and a powder dry box, in which an opening portion of the powder supply device is accommodated in the powder dry box.

Abstract: This disclosure describes volumetric mobile powder mixer (VMPM) systems and methods for VMPM operation and use. The VMPM is providing with a number of storage compartments (or bins) for liquid or solid ingredients including at least one powder storage bin, a powder transport system, a dust handling system, a solid/liquid mixing system, a cellular foam generator, a product delivery system, and a controller capable of monitoring the delivery and mixing of each of the ingredients, as well as the discharge of the final product. The controller determines if the proper mixture is being discharged by the VMPM and, if not, alerts the VMPM operator. In an automated embodiment, the VMPM controller is also configured to independently control the delivery and mixing of each of the ingredients, as well as the delivery of the final product.

Abstract: A mixing system and method. The mixing system includes a mixer configured to mix a dry component into a fluid to generate a slurry, one or more pumps coupled with the mixer and configured to deliver the fluid thereto, and a manifold system coupled to the mixer and the one or more pumps. The manifold system includes one or more valves configured to direct the slurry from the mixer. The mixing system is operable in a first mixing mode to mix a first type of the slurry, and the mixing system is operable in a second mixing mode to mix a second type of the slurry. The manifold system is configured to prevent inert mixing of the first and second types of the slurry.

Abstract: A method to reduce refreezing of meltable snow includes configuring a wiper arm to wipe the meltable snow from an ambient-facing surface of a window positioned on a vehicle. The method also includes configuring a sensor coupled to the wiper arm to gather and transmit a parameter on the vehicle and environment. The method also includes configuring a processor to receive the parameter, determine refreezability of the meltable snow based on the parameter, and define an action to be performed by the wiper arm.

Abstract: A processor module features a module that respond to input signalling containing information about a volumetric flow of a fluid having minerals and varying amounts of entrained gas flowing in a pipe and being processed in a processing stage of a mineral extraction processing system for extracting a mineral from ore, and provides output signalling containing information about operations of the processing stage of the mineral extraction processing system that is not substantially affected by the varying amounts of entrained gas in the fluid flowing in the pipe. The output signalling controls the operations of the processing stage. The input signalling is based upon a speed of sound measurement, including a SONAR-based entrained gas measurement to determine the amount of entrained air in conjunction with a density measurement of the fluid flowing in the pipe.

Abstract: A control system for a concrete plant adds intelligent capabilities in the concrete plant that may enhance safety, localize control of the concrete plant, and assist with troubleshooting. The control system may also enhance accuracy for determining an amount of mixed concrete dispensed, or amounts of concrete ingredients to dispense, and may eliminate the need for equipment used to verify the amount of mixed concrete or concrete ingredients dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure and control the slump of concrete by monitoring sensor within the interior surface of a concrete mixer and a liquid flow meter. Data is analyzed by a computer processing unit to determine the slump of the concrete, liquid needed the quantity of concrete within the mixer, the amount of concrete poured, and the starting and ending time of the pour.

Abstract: A slurry mixing system calculates a density of a slurry using measured pressure differential and bulk velocity of the slurry. Slurry from mixing of dry blend and mix fluid enters a one or more tanks having agitators. A pump then pumps the slurry from the tank(s) to the well, and a portion of the slurry is recirculating back to a mixer. From the recirculated path, a direct slurry weight sensor measures a pressure differential of the slurry between two vertical measurement points of a known volume, and the sensor measures a velocity of the recirculated slurry. Based on these measures, the controller calculates a density of the slurry, monitors a ratio of the dry blend and the mix fluid, and adjusts the ratio based on the calculated density of the slurry if there is a discrepancy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the production of a mixture of components, especially a mixture with premix dead volumes. The method and the device according to the invention ensure multivariable regulation feedback by a dynamic observer providing an estimate in real time of the properties of the components of the mixture, said estimate being sufficient to guarantee the effectiveness of the feedback loop. Thus, the desired properties of the mixture are guaranteed despite large uncertainties in the properties of the components on the one hand, and partial knowledge of the mixing process on the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and adjusting both air content and rheology (e.g., slump, slump flow) properties of a hydratable concrete mix contained within a concrete mixer. The system simultaneously tracks dosage of both rheology-modifying admixture (e.g., polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant) and air control agent or “ACA” (e.g., air entraining agent) by reference to at least four nominal dose response (“NDR”) curves or profiles, which at least four NDR profiles are based on the respective behaviors of each of the ACA and rheology-modifying agent on air content and rheology.

Abstract: The invention provides ‘thixotropy’ monitoring, by measuring the reversible, time-dependent reduction in viscosity occurring when concrete is subjected to mixing, and employs a mixing drum and conventional slump monitoring equipment as used on ready-mix trucks. In one embodiment, the drum is rotated until concrete is completely mixed; the speed is altered, such as by increasing it to a predetermined level; and the energy required to rotate the drum (ER) is monitored; the maximum (ER-MAX) and minimum (ER-MIN) values are recorded in computer memory; and these values are compared to pre-determined (target) values. Rheology factors (including viscosity, yield stress, and/or thixotropy) can be adjusted accordingly by adding liquid component(s) into the mix. This method, suitable for delivery of highly fluid concrete speed such as SCC, can involve transit and placement rheology targets during monitoring.

Abstract: A system for monitoring plant equipment is provided. Another aspect provides an automated analysis system wherein software instructions operably compare sensor data to predefined valves and determine mechanical problems in multiple machines. In another aspect, a cement manufacturing system includes sensors for sensing movement conditions of cement making machines. A further aspect provides a central computer connected to vibration sensors associated with cement making machines, where software instructions perform real-time comparisons and machine performance determinations, based at least in part on sensed signals.

Abstract: A method of preparing a concrete composition includes utilizing a controller to control a process including circulating process water in a process water supply loop for a predetermined period while monitoring and controlling the temperature and flow rate of the process water, circulating aqueous-based air entrainment solution in an aqueous-based air entrainment solution supply loop for the predetermined period and controlling the flow rate of the aqueous-based air entrainment solution and after the predetermined period of time in which the flow of process water and aqueous-based air entrainment solution have stabilized, simultaneously actuating valves to divert and mix the process water, the aqueous-based air entrainment solution and compressed air to produce an air-entrained foam and mixing the foam with a concrete composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the production of a mixture of components, especially a mixture with premix dead volumes. The method and the device according to the invention ensure multivariable regulation feedback by a dynamic observer providing an estimate in real time of the properties of the components of the mixture, said estimate being sufficient to guarantee the effectiveness of the feedback loop. Thus, the desired properties of the mixture are guaranteed despite large uncertainties in the properties of the components on the one hand, and partial knowledge of the mixing process on the other.

Abstract: A system for calculating and reporting slump in a delivery vehicle having a mixing drum (14) and hydraulic drive (16) for rotating the mixing drum, including a rotational sensor (20) configured to sense a rotational speed of the mixing drum, a hydraulic sensor (22) coupled to the hydraulic drive and configured to sense a hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum, and a communications port (26) configured to communicate a slump calculation to a status system (28) commonly used in the concrete industry, wherein the sensing of the rotational speed of the mixing drum is used to qualify a calculation of current slump based on the hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum.

Abstract: A system to provide an efficient, faster, and consistent slurry material application through utilizing a digital positioning receiver and micro controller as means for adjusting output flow rates and percentages of the individual materials within the slurry recipe. This slurry control system consists of a digital positioning receiver for means of sensing vehicle speed, a hydraulically motor controlling the aggregate and emulsion, an electronic liquid additive flow meter, an electronically controlled water flow meter, a dry additive hydraulic motor, an adjustable display, a dedicated prime mover and pump, and a programmed micro controller to proportionally control each material of the slurry recipe to accomplish each of their target output flow rates and percentages.

Abstract: An embodiment for a water control apparatus is disclosed that may be used with a concrete mixing assembly. The apparatus may include flowmeter unit and a normally closed valve unit. The normally closed valve unit may be in fluid communication with, and removably connected to, the flowmeter unit. A control unit may be provide that may monitor the flowmeter unit and electronically control the opening of the normally closed valve unit. A switch may be also provided for that may electrically communicate with the control unit to. The activation of the switch being operable to cause the normally closed valve to open and result in the flow of water into a concrete mixing drum that is in fluid communication with the normally closed valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a program controlled stirrer for producing pharmaceutical or cosmetic recipes, comprising a stirring unit which consists of a stirring tool which engages with a mixing receptacle. According to the invention, the stirring unit is coupled to a micro-processor which determines the length of stirring time and stirring speed at the stirring unit in a program-controlled manner. The micro-processor executes a data-processing program with the following steps: input of variable data; input of constant data; determination of the length of stirring time and stirring speed in order to produce the desired amount of the recipe by combining the variable and constant data; conversion of the determined length of stirring time and stirring speed into corresponding first current or voltage values; control of the stirring unit with said first current or voltage values.

Abstract: A cement handling system may include an aggregate container, a first component container, a second component container, and a metered water supply. The first component container may house a first mortar component and may include a metered opening in communication with the aggregate container. The second component container may be isolated from the first component container and may house a second mortar component. The second component container may include a second metered opening in communication with the aggregate container. The metered water supply may be in communication with the aggregate container.

Abstract: A process for operating a water recovery plant comprising charging a storage tank with water contaminated with solids water recovered from a manufacturing or construction process, determining a parameter associated with the concentration of one or more selected contaminants in the storage tank, diluting the water contaminated with solids whereby the concentration of the one or more selected contaminants in the storage tank is at or below a desired level, and utilizing water from the storage tank in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method for mixing at least two materials is provided. The method comprises introducing the at least two materials into a physical system and combining the at least two materials to form a mixture thereof. The method also comprises independently controlling a desired characteristic of the mixture and a desired parameter of the physical system, wherein the controlling is based in part on estimating a disturbance, wherein the estimating the disturbance is based on processing an error term determined by subtracting a modeled parameter of the physical system from a corresponding sensed parameter of the physical system.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing cold asphalt, such as for road repair and construction, that allows cold asphalt to be easily produced at or near the job site. The apparatus includes at least one hopper for receiving screened particulates, an optional second hopper for granular materials, e.g., sand, a live feed for additive oil, and another for optional lime, conveyors in which to convey the granular and screened particulates, oil, and optional lime to a mixer. The mixer is controlled through a controller that is programmed to determine the correct proportion of RAP (recycled asphalt and a small amount of new asphalt), optional sand (silicates and/or sieved RAP), additive hydrocarbon oil, and optional lime (limestone powder). The apparatus may be permanently installed to create a cold asphalt manufacturing plant or placed on a trailer for use at a construction site.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining an estimated volumetric ratio of a material to total materials in a mixing vessel. In various embodiments, the methods may comprise: summing a commanded input flowrate of the material and a volumetric disturbance flowrate of the material being fed to the mixing vessel; estimating the output flowrate of the material exiting the mixing vessel; negatively feeding back the estimated output flowrate of the material to obtain an estimated volumetric rate of change of the material in the mixing vessel; and integrating the estimated volumetric rate of change of the material to compute the estimated volumetric ratio of the material to the total materials in the mixing vessel.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a volumetric ratio of a material to total materials in a mixing vessel are provided. In various embodiments, the methods may comprise: estimating the volumetric ratio of the material to the total materials in the mixing vessel and an output flowrate of the material from the mixing vessel using a volumetric ratio observer; dynamically recomputing the commanded input flowrate of the material based on outputs of the volumetric ratio observer using a flow regulator; and adjusting an input valve of the material based on the commanded input flowrate of the material using a flow modulator. The mixing vessel may include a first mixing vessel partially separated from a second mixing vessel. In this case, a height of the total materials in the second mixing vessel may be estimated using a height observer.

Abstract: An embodiment of a water control apparatus is disclosed that may be used with a concrete mixing assembly. The apparatus may include flowmeter unit and a normally closed valve unit. The normally closed valve unit may be in fluid communication with, and removably connected to, the flowmeter unit. A control unit may be provide that may monitor the flowmeter unit and electronically control the opening and close of the normally closed valve unit. A switch may be also provided that may electrically communicate with the control unit. The activation of the switch being operable to cause the normally closed valve to open and result in the flow of water into a concrete mixing drum that is in fluid communication with the normally closed valve.

Abstract: A control system for mixing at least two materials in a physical system having two or more tanks comprises at least two actuators, each actuator being operable to introduce a material into a first tank to form a first mixture, the first mixture flowing into a second tank to form a second mixture and a controller operable, based on a commanded input, to control the at least two actuators to obtain a density of either the first mixture or the second mixture and a volume flow rate of the second mixture out of the second tank, wherein the density is controlled independently from the volume flow rate.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the in-feed and discharge rates of materials flowing into and out of a mixing process where one priority is to achieve a target mixture flow rate from the mixing process and another priority can be to achieve a target value for a mixture property. Actuators can be operated to control material in-feed rates, the mixture composition, and discharge rate, and can maintain a hold-up of the mixture in the mixing process. A total flow rate controller provides a control signal to a controller acting on the discharge rate and a controller acting on the in-feed rates. The mixture discharge flow rate can be automatically reduced from its desired target when the commanded rate of at least one of the materials exceeds its available supply rate as inferred from an inability to maintain the targeted value for the mixture property.

Abstract: Program product to measure fluid flow characteristics in a pipeline is provided. A vortex-shedding body is positioned within the pipeline to form vortices. A vortex meter can include a vortex frequency sensor to measure the frequency of the vortices to determine the volumetric flow rate. A differential pressure meter positioned adjacent the vortex-shedding body can produce a differential pressure meter flow rate signal indicative of the density of fluid when flowing through the pipeline. A thermal flow meter positioned adjacent the vortex-shedding body can produce a mass flow rate signal indicative of the mass flow rate of fluid when flowing through the pipeline. The program product can include instructions for a fluid characteristic determiner to perform the operations of processing measured and sensed signals to produce an output of a volumetric flow rate, a flowing fluid density, and a mass flow rate to be displayed on a fluid characteristic display.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for varying the color and/or flavor of an extruded food product during a single production run of a single extrusion device. The apparatus includes a multi-additive injection system, which is attached to a fluid supply line of an extrusion device. The injection system is comprised of a plurality of additive supply tanks, which are each in fluid communication with the fluid supply line via an injection manifold, and a metering mechanism which selectively controls the amount of additive injected into the supply line by each individual supply tank. The injection system may also include a central control mechanism for calibrating the amount of additive injected into the supply line and for maintaining a constant fluid volume added to the extrusion device. Each of the additive supply tanks may contain a different colorant and/or flavoring. Two variants of the injection manifold are provided as well as a novel injection sequence for use with the disclosed system.

Abstract: A concrete batch mixing system and method are disclosed that enable the batch master to measure and control both the water and cementitious ingredient feeds in relation to each other so as to be able to blend the two ingredients in a known, selected, adjustable and repeatable manner, and to agglomerate these ingredients in a counter-rotating twin screw mixing apparatus for use in the preparation of batches of mixed concrete in a concrete batching process.

Abstract: Method and system for concrete wash-out water re-use, wherein an apparatus such as a mixing truck (1) is washed out and sludge (2) water re-used. The invention comprises providing sensors (11), in a communication system connected with a control center (10), for determining amount of retarder (4) used and resulting sludge water/concentration. The data is analyzed such that overdoses or insufficient doses of retarder are minimized or prevented. Warnings or corrective signals can then be sent by the control center (10) if needed.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer, and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: A computer controlled pumping and measuring system is used to dispense chemicals into a concrete mix. The redundant use of positive displacement pumps and flow meters ensure that any problems with the chemical dispensing are immediately caught. The computerized control system may be operable to control exact batch configurations of concrete and aggregate in conjunction with the chemical dispensing, as well as provide precise mixture control and recording of the various components.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described for investigating polymorphs of a material, isomers of a material which allow different isomeric forms to be resolved, different hydrates/solvates and/or different salts of a material. The apparatus comprises an assembly (2) of reactor devices (6) arranged within a reactor body (8) which incorporates a heating/cooling block (10) and a stirrer block (12). A vessel support block (14) supports respective sample vessels (15) below each reactor device (6) for recieving material from the reactor devices. The apparatus includes a control unit (4) which includes a computer (16) which controls a robot for delivering materials to the reactor devices; a heating/cooling unit (18); a stirrer control unit (20); and a pressure unit (22) which controls the passage of material from the reactor devices (6) to the sample vessels (15).

Abstract: A computer controlled pumping and measuring system is used to dispense chemicals into a concrete mix. The redundant use of positive displacement pumps and flow meters ensure that any problems with the chemical dispensing are immediately caught. The computerized control system may be operable to control exact batch configurations of concrete and aggregate in conjunction with the chemical dispensing, as well as provide precise mixture control and recording of the various components.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding a coloring agent to a material used to manufacture brick includes an extrusion container having an opening defined in the sidewall thereof. A coloring agent supply communicates with the opening for delivery of the coloring agent to the interior of the container as brick making material passes through the container. A storage device stores the coloring agent supply amount data corresponding to a supply amount for each of a plurality of brick types, each of the plurality of brick types having a different appearance. A controller is adapted to control a supply of a coloring agent from said coloring agent supply into said extrusion container in accordance with a selected brick type. A computer can be connected to the controller for data transfer. Accordingly, the computer can be used as an interface between a user and the apparatus.

Abstract: Concrete is mixed and delivered on-site with slump continuously monitored on a real-time basis. A vehicle 10 having a compartment 11 holding blended aggregate and sand and a compartment 12 holding cement powder. An auger 13 carries the aggregate and sand to a mixer 14 coupled to the rear of the vehicle 10. As the aggregate and sand passes below the compartment 12 cement powder is dispensed by a paddle wheel dispenser 15 where the last stages of the auger 13 pre-coats the aggregate and sand with cement powder before delivering it into the mixer 14 where water is added. A slump indicator on a display shows departure of slump from a preset value so that customer may see that slump is being monitored and maintained on a dynamic basis. Merchant facilities are provided so that the concrete may be paid for in advance. The slump may be monitored on a tipping or non-tipping vehicle.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the slurry includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are provided to a control system which provides control signals to automatically control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a sample of the aggregate, adding liquid to the sample, subjecting the sample to a light source signal, monitoring a light reflected signal reflected from the sample and controlling addition of liquid to the sample as a function of the light reflected signal. The apparatus comprises a support for supporting a sample of the aggregate, a liquid source for adding liquid to the sample, a light source which subjects the sample to a light source signal, a light sensor which senses a reflected light signal reflected from the sample and a processor/controller which controls addition of liquid from the liquid source as a function of the reflected light signal. The light source is preferably an infrared source and the light sensor is preferably an infrared detector.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the slurry includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are provided to a control system which provides control signals to automatically control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a sample of the aggregate, adding liquid to the sample, subjecting the sample to a light source signal, monitoring a light reflected signal reflected from the sample and controlling addition of liquid to the sample as a function of the light reflected signal. The apparatus comprises a support for supporting a sample of the aggregate, a liquid source for adding liquid to the sample, a light source which subjects the sample to a light source signal, a light sensor which senses a reflected light signal reflected from the sample and a processor/controller which controls addition of liquid from the liquid source as a function of the reflected light signal. The light source is preferably an infrared source and the light sensor is preferably an infrared detector.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: A continuous mixing plant that, for example simply continuously feeds the necessary materials while metering the amount thereof and drops these materials by gravitational force so that the mixed material may be manufactured continuously. As a means for attaining this object, a continuous mixing plant comprising a continuous metering and feeding means for feeding at least two kinds of materials to be mixed with each other while continuously metering the materials, and at least one mixing box unit for mixing the materials, is characterized in that the mixing box unit is provided with: a plurality of modified passages each of which has an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end and a cross-sectional shape of which is continuously changed from the inlet toward the outlet and which extend in an axial direction; and a merging and dividing means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the system, apparatus, and method for controllably mixing a concentrate with a dilution substance using closed-loop feedback in order to improve the resultant substance. The present invention discloses a system, apparatus and method for sensing the conductivity of a diluted substance to provide feedback information for adjusting dispensing of a concentrate used to produce the resultant or diluted substance. The present invention also includes a system for dispensing beverages using the conductivity sensor such that the system controllably adjusts the dispensing of concentrate to maintain the resultant beverage within a desired concentration range based on conductivity sensing. The present invention also includes the method for sensing the conductivity of the resultant beverage and adjusting the dispensing of concentrate in response to the conductivity of the resultant beverage.

Abstract: A system for making extruded cement-based articles. The process can include forming a cement-based feed mixture including water, aggregate and binder and directing the feed mixture to a vacuum zone, wherein sufficient vacuum is maintained in the vacuum zone to remove entrained air and, preferably, excess water, from the feed mixture. The feed mixture is held in the vacuum zone at a negative pressure for a time sufficient to form a vacuum-treated or densified mixture. The vacuum-treated or densified mixture is passed through an extruder at an elevated pressure to provide an extruded cement-based article.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of mineral particles and recombining the mineral particles in an alterable, controlled fashion to create a plurality of products each having a predetermined, desired particle size distribution.

Abstract: An admixture dispensing and concrete mixer monitoring system which determines the correct amount of admixture, such as a stabilizer, to dispense in a load of unused concrete or for washing out a concrete mixer includes an admixture dispensing unit linked to a computer system. The computer system includes a processor which controls and monitors the operation of the dispensing unit which includes an admixture piping system and a water piping system. The processor is linked to various pumps, meters and valves in the admixture and water piping systems to control the flow of admixture and water into the concrete mixer. Additionally, the computer system provides questions and prompts to the user to assist in accurately and quickly determining the correct amount of admixture to deposit in the concrete mixer. The computer system also allows the tracking of multiple delivery or mixing trucks and their content status at multiple mixing plants to assist in the scheduling thereof.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling the mixing of raw materials for cement. Component contents of a sample material is obtained at an exit side of a mill system to obtain measured modulus values of hydraulic modulus HM, silica modulus SM, and iron modulus IM of a raw material mixture. Estimated modulus values of the component contents is determined and based on current takeout amounts of the raw materials, a mill system passage characteristic model, a component analyzer passage characteristic model, and preset component contents of the raw materials. Modulus deviation values are calculated based on differences between the estimated modulus values and the measured modulus values, and is passed through a noise removal filter. Future modulus values of the component contents are then calculated based on the raw material takeout amounts, and the preset raw material component contents. To determine predicted modulus values for calculation of updated takeout amounts.

Abstract: A soil refining machine having a crushing and mixing unit (A), an earth and sand material delivery unit (B) for supplying earth and sand material into the crushing and mixing unit and a soil refining material delivery unit (C) for supplying soil refining material into the crushing and mixing unit is provided with a control apparatus. The control apparatus includes: a sensing unit (31) for detecting a supply rate of the earth and sand material being supplied by the earth and sand material delivery unit; a first setting unit (47) for optionally establishing a supply rate of the soil refining material to be supplied by the soil material delivery unit; and a control unit (43) responsive to both the rate established by the first setting unit and the rate detected by the sensing unit for controlling an actual supply rate of the soil refining material being supplied by the soil refining material delivery unit.