A German concrete producer, Thomas Beton, is boosting its operating efficiency by using the latest plants. The firm is now producing high-quality ready-mix for a range of projects in North Germany.
Thomas Beton is strengthening its local presence and produces concrete at 26 facilities across the German states of Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Bremen and Lower Saxony. Producing materials closer to operating sites helps lower transportation distances and reduce logistics costs for its clients.
When the firm was prepared to build a new facility in Elmshorn, it turned to Ammann, which had already supplied plants for eight Thomas facilities. The concrete producer opted for an Ammann CBS 120 SL Elba Concrete-Mixing Plant featuring a frequency-controlled skip hoist. It offers theoretical output of up to 121m³/hour but has a compact footprint and requires minimal space.
The customer also opted for the Ammann CEM 2660 S Elba Single-Shaft Compulsory Mixer. This unit features the proven double helix design, which is said to offer high mixing intensity and fast homogenisation. Another benefit is the novel cleaning system, which simplifies maintenance work.
To meet the requirements of the site at Elmshorn, the Ammann CEL 210/6 Elba Linear Storage Bin was lowered by 3m to allow grade-level filling. This eliminated the need for an approach ramp, and additives such as steel fibres are now discharged directly onto the weighing belt at grade level. The opposite filling opening was increased to optimise filling and utilisation of the chamber volume. The segment dosing seals are operated pneumatically, and their opening width can be adjusted freely.
As Thomas Beton already has experience with the Ammann CBS Elba plant, the specifications were defined quickly and construction of the customised plant got off to a prompt start. In its basic version, the Ammann CBS Elba plant is installed on concrete foundations, but mounting on a steel frame without foundations is an option. Chamber walls and partitions are keyed for assembly of the linear batcher. Pre-installation of components such as the skip hoist track and the segment dosing seals saves time on-site.
The unit is designed to cope with both hot summer and cold winter conditions. Even at midwinter temperatures, smooth mixing operation is said to be optimised by insulated housing together with a hot air/hot water system to heat the aggregates in the linear batcher and the feed water needed for the concrete.
This is the ninth Ammann-Elba plant installed at a Thomas Beton concrete facility and further orders seem likely in the future.
