The Complete Guide to Concrete Pumping

25th August 2022

Before you can start pouring concrete into your lay site, you need a way to get it there.

In this guide to concrete pumping, you’ll learn exactly how the pumping process works, and why it could be the best concrete transport solution for your business.

If your mix trucks are too large to get close to your lay site, delivering concrete can prove a problem. You could transport the concrete manually, but lugging around heavy cement-filled wheelbarrows is far from ideal – it’s slow and back-breaking work, with a high risk of spillage or injury.

That’s where concrete pumps come in. Concrete pumps streamline the process of transporting concrete, delivering it faster, easier, and more cleanly. They’re able to transport hundreds of yards of mix with ease, cutting down on wastage and speeding up the process massively.

At Wright Readymix, we have a wide range of concrete pumps for hire. These include the largest concrete pump in the UK, standing at 62 metres tall, and the boomless minipump, for delivery to especially difficult-to-access lay sites. If you’re looking for the right pump for your project, get in touch.

How Concrete Pumps Work

Concrete pumps use a simple, reliable mechanism for transporting concrete.

Two cylinders are placed next to one another. Inside each cylinder is a piston: one piston draws the concrete into the cylinder, while the other pushes the concrete out. A valve can be turned to determine which cylinder is open to the concrete hopper and which is open to the discharge pipes.

When concrete is pumped, a layer of water, sand, and cement keeps it lubricated as it moves through the pump line walls. The mix needs to have enough water to move easily through without causing a blockage.

If you’re looking for the right concrete mix for your pumping project, we can help. We’ll create a high-quality custom mix for your project that moves smoothly through pipes while still serving its ultimate purpose.

Types of Concrete Pump

There are two main types of concrete pump: boom pumps and boomless pumps.

Boom pumps use a long robotic arm to deliver ready mix concrete and liquid screed quickly and accurately. Because of the sheer volume of concrete they’re capable of pumping, they’re often used on large construction sites.

Boomless pumps – also known as ground line pumps – rely on laying pipes from the vehicle to the lay site. These are especially useful for smaller sites that are difficult for mixing trucks to access.

Looking for more information? Check out our blog post on choosing between boom and line pumps.

If you’re unsure which pump will work best for your project, don’t worry. Whether you need a large concrete pump or a small concrete pump, we can show you exactly which pump will work best for your project.

How the Concrete Pumping Process Works

The specifics of how pumping works depend on the individual situation. However, there is a typical process most projects follow:

1. The pump’s operator sets up the pump and prepares the grout
2. The concrete mixer truck backs into and connects to the pump
3. The operator grouts the line and begins pumping
4. If using a boom pump, the concrete will be laid using the arm. If using a boomless pump, the pipeline must be rearranged during the pouring process
5. Once the concrete has been fully dispensed, the mixer chutes will be cleaned on site
6. Repeat for the other mixing trucks if necessary
7. Once completed, the concrete left in the pump and pipeline will be cleaned. How long this takes depends on the length of the pipeline
8. The boom is retracted and all equipment is packed away. The pump is then driven back to the depot

How to Prepare Your Site for Concrete Pumps

Pumps are excellent at accessing hard-to-reach areas, but they’re more effective when they’re placed as close to the site as possible. Make sure your site has enough space for both the pump and transport vehicles.

If your site is too small or remote to accommodate them, plan ahead. Use a pump with sufficient reach and notify your concrete pumping team in advance so they can account for any obstacles.

Using Concrete Pumps Safely

Concrete pumps are large machines that must be handled with care. The following safety tips should be followed at all times:

Using Concrete Pump Equipment Safely

1. Check all couplings and gaskets for wear and ensure compatibility. Use a pipe gauge to check thickness when needed.
2. Secure the pipeline using support brackets every 10 feet to prevent stress on joints and improve safety.
3. Use reinforced hoses for boom pumps and discharge hoses at the placement point.
4. Clean pipes using water whenever possible. Water is safer and more effective than compressed air.

Concrete Pump Vehicle Placement

1. Check for overhead obstructions like trees or power lines before deploying the boom.
2. Keep pump equipment clear of electrified areas. Use a spotter if you must work near power lines.
3. Park vehicles on level, stable ground, away from sharp drop-offs or slopes.
4. Stabilise the truck properly based on the surface it is mounted on.

If you still have questions about concrete pumps, reach out to our team. We’ll be happy to provide expert advice based on your site, project type, and volume needs.

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