Enhancing Performance and Increasing Safety of Concrete Pumps through Digitalization

Modern concrete mixtures are becoming increasingly complex due to environmental and economic pressures. The use of fillers and advanced admixtures enables a reduction in cement content, which alters the properties of fresh concrete. These changes often lead to higher viscosity and increased sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and water content variations, potentially causing flow instabilities and pipeline blockages during pumping.In this paper, a sensor-based edge device is introduced that can be attached to existing concrete pumps to monitor process data and detect impending blockages. By continuously analyzing hydraulic data during the pumping process, the system assesses the material’s flow behavior to identify early signs of potential blockages. These insights enable proactive interventions, improving operational safety and reducing costly disruptions.