The selection of concrete batching equipment should align with the scale of production. For an annual output below 200,000 m³, the equipment’s production capacity should generally not be less than 90 m³/h. For an annual output between 200,000 and 300,000 m³, the typical production rate is around 120 m³/h. For outputs exceeding 300,000 m³ annually, the production capacity is usually 150 m³/h or 200 m³/h.
(2) Construction Site Conditions Depending on the size of the construction site, either a concrete mixing tower or a concrete batching plant can be selected. A mixing tower offers one-time aggregate lifting, resulting in higher productivity for the same mixer capacity compared to a batching plant. It also provides a more compact and aesthetically pleasing layout, smaller aggregate yard footprint, and better production environment. However, it requires a longer manufacturing and installation period and involves higher initial investment costs. In contrast, a concrete batching plant requires two-stage aggregate lifting, but offers greater layout flexibility, shorter setup time, and lower upfront investment. The trade-off includes a larger footprint and a less optimal production environment.
(3) Supporting Equipment The selection of mixer specifications and operational dimensions should consider the capacity of supporting equipment. The load capacity of concrete transport trucks should match the mixer’s discharge capacity to avoid inefficiencies. Similarly, the loading capacity of wheel loaders should correspond to the feeding height of the batching station.
(4) Management Capabilities If centralized network-based management is to be implemented, the equipment's compatibility with network management systems should be considered to prevent future difficulties in upgrading.
(5) Technical Performance Key considerations include the equipment’s level of advancement, reliability, performance quality, and general compatibility. The ideal equipment should feature advanced operating principles, high automation, strong management capabilities, and good environmental protection performance. It should also be well-configured, with reliable control systems, strong adaptability, ease of maintenance, and the use of standard components to ensure high interchangeability. Additional performance factors include high measurement accuracy, good mixing quality, high production efficiency, low energy consumption, and a large proportion of standardized parts.
(6) Supplier Reputation This includes strict adherence to installation and commissioning protocols, the provision of adequate technical guidance and training, prompt after-sales service, and sufficient spare parts availability.
(7) Cost-Performance Ratio Pursuing the highest technical specifications without regard to cost can lead to unnecessary investment. Conversely, prioritizing low initial costs at the expense of equipment performance can result in higher long-term operational costs. This approach is also inadvisable. In the domestic market, imported equipment typically offers superior overall performance, albeit at a higher price. Some leading domestic brands, while not entirely comparable to imported models in all aspects, often use imported components in critical areas and deliver comparable key performance at significantly lower costs. Therefore, selecting equipment with an appropriate cost-performance ratio is a more rational choice.
