If ready-mix concrete is not an option for underground sealing, stabilisation and grouting, then Blastcrete Equipment’s Mine Mate will step up. The low-profile Mine Mate mixes and pumps concrete material for shotcrete applications. It features Blastcrete’s X-10 ultra high-pressure swing tube pump for the wet-mix shotcrete process. In contrast to the dry shotcrete – gunite – the wet shotcrete process minimises dust and improves visibility making it much safer, particularly for underground use. Featuring a compact configuration, Mine Mate is designed for operation within a 1.2m ceiling. Mine Mate includes Blastcrete’s X-10 7.6cm high-pressure swing tube pump and a high-shear continuous mixer that can mix and pump just over 9m³ per hour and handle aggregate up to nearly 1cm diameter.
Offering the highest piston face pressure in the industry at 152bar, according to Blastcrete, it can pump material more than 150m in both horizontal and vertical directions. Additionally, the hydraulic pump can run in reverse to eliminate line pressure from the delivery line should a hose get plugged.
Unlike competitive swing tube pumps, the X-10 provides easy access for cleaning and maintenance. The receiving hopper of the pump is mounted with a heavy-duty hinge so that it can easily swing away from the swing tube section. The flat pack is held in place by four heavy-duty bolts so that the spare flat pack can quickly and easily be replaced.
Available power options include a V3600, 50kW Kubota watercooled diesel engine or 37kW electric motor with starter and disconnect. The machine can also be equipped with a material screw conveyor, with bin indicator for charging the continuous mixer.
Mine Mate’s X-10 is CE Certified, meeting European Union safety standards for equipment operation. For 60 years, Blastcrete Equipment, based in Anniston, Alabama, has been manufacturing refractory and shotcrete equipment and accessories.
