GCP Applied Technologies Inc.
Rotated Concrete Volume Determination

Abstract:

Disclosed is a method for determining volume of a concrete mix load in a mixer drum based on use of an in-and-out sensor probe which submerges into and exits from the concrete during drum rotation and which provides data to a processor used for calculating volume based on the data. To provide for concavity, convexity, and/or cascading surface flow effects that can hinder accurate determination of the concrete load volume, the processor may be configured to compare original batch volume and/or rheology of the concrete load monitored during drum rotation. The calibration of load volume value, highly useful for monitoring or admixture dosing purposes, can be done based on comparison of real-time data with historic data gathered over time and stored in processor-accessible memory. Further exemplary embodiments also take into account the speed and/or tilt of the drum (due to roadway conditions), concrete mix design, and other factors.