After the cement tanker trailer reaches the construction site and unloads the concrete materials, some concrete will remain in the drum of the concrete mixer. This is true, especially near the belt screw blades. The residual concrete will be left inside the drum of the concrete mixer, especially in the belt spiral blade or the place near the belt spiral blade. If not cleaned up soon, the leftover concrete will slowly harden and stick to the tank’s surface. It will take up space and reduce the tank’s volume. This will cause later concrete mixing. This will take up space and shrink the tank. It will cause uneven mixing of concrete later. So, it’s crucial to clean the drum of the cement tanker trailer.
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The Importance Of Regular Cement Tanker Trailer Cleaning
Preventing contamination: Regular cleaning of cement tanker trailers is essential to prevent contamination. Residues in the tank can seriously affect the purity and quality of the next batch of material. For example, if cement residue hardens in the tank, it can mix with the new batch, leading to inconsistencies in texture and composition. This is particularly problematic for projects that require precise cement blends. In addition, contaminants can pose a health risk to workers handling the material. Ensuring thorough cleaning after each use maintains product integrity and keeps workers safe.
Avoid cross-contamination: Cross-contamination is a major issue when transporting different types of goods such as cement, lime, and sand. Without regular cleaning, these materials can mix. This mixing can lead to reactions or changes. The changes make the product unsuitable for its intended use. For example, cross-contamination between different types of cement can affect its strength and usability. Thoroughly cleaning tanks between loads eliminates this risk. It ensures that each material keeps its intended properties and meets industry standards.
Extend tank life: Regular cleaning extends the life of cement tankers. It prevents corrosion and damage from residual materials. Over time, materials such as cement can cause wear and tear on the inside of the tank, leading to rust and structural damage. Effective cleaning methods remove these residues. This keeps tankers in good condition and cuts the frequency of repairs and replacements. This saves on maintenance costs. It also ensures that the tanks run well and support business without interruption.
Continue reading: What is a Cement Bulker Truck Trailer?
Tank Body Cleaning Method
Traditional Cleaning Method
In the past, for cleaning the inside of concrete tankers, people would fill the tanker with water after unloading the concrete. They would rotate the tank slowly and then drain it. But, this method doesn’t work for concrete mixer tankers. The low-pressure water can’t clean the spiral structure where the hardened concrete sticks. If the inner wall is covered with a lot of dried concrete, the operator must climb into the mixer to clean it. But, the sharp edges of the tank’s spiral and the falling concrete increase the risk of injury.
High-Pressure Water Jet Cleaning Method
High-pressure water jet cleaning uses only tap water. A pump pressurizes it to dozens or even hundreds of megapascals. Then, special nozzles spray it at a very high speed (200 ~ 500 m / s) as a powerful energy flow. This small stream of water is like a small bullet with huge force. It can cut steel, and remove casting sand and metal rust. It also removes salt, alkali, and scale from pipes. This water jet has a great energy impact. It is efficient for stripping hardened concrete from the inside of tanks. Europe and the United States use it to remove concrete residual layers.
Chemical Cleaning Method
Acid solution cleaning: common acidic solutions include white vinegar, which can be used to clean cement. Pour white vinegar on the cement attached to the car, and wait for a few minutes, the cement will soften, and then wipe it with a towel. It is important to note that the cleaning should be done meticulously so as not to cause damage to the car’s paint.
Cement cleaner: Cement cleaner is a chemical substance specially used to clean cement. The cleaning method is like the acidic solution cleaning. First, spray the cement cleaner on the cement. Wait a few minutes, then wipe with a towel.
Step-By-Step Process Of Cleaning The Tank
Pre-treatment: Start by inspecting the tanker for any damage or corrosion to ensure safe cleaning. Drain all residual liquids from the tanker to make sure it is completely dry. This step is crucial to avoid any reactions between cleaning agents and remaining substances.
Interior Cleaning: Pour the appropriate cleaning agent into the tanker, selecting the agent based on the type of residue and the tank’s material. Allow the cleaning agent to soak and dissolve the dirt for the recommended time. Use a brush to scrub stubborn areas. After soaking, rinse the interior well with a high-pressure washer. Make sure to wash out all residues and cleaning agents. High-pressure rinsing is particularly effective in removing hardened concrete layers.
Exterior Cleaning: Use high-pressure washing to clean the exterior of the tanker, removing surface dirt and grime. For areas with stubborn dirt or oil stains, scrub with brushes to ensure a thorough clean.
Drying the Tanker: Allow the tanker to dry naturally in an open, ventilated area. To speed up the process, use a hot air blower to ensure all moisture is removed, preventing corrosion and bacterial growth.
Final Inspection: Inspect the tanker to ensure all areas are clean and free of residues. Confirm that the tank is completely dry before using it for the next load to avoid contamination and corrosion.
Recommended Cleaning Products And Tools
The best cleaning agent: Oxalic acid cleans well. It’s easy to use and won’t harm the mixer truck’s tank. It can make the tank very clean. This will restore the tank’s original shine and size. After using oxalic acid cleaning, you can extend the tank’s life. You can also reduce the residue of concrete when put into production. Oxalic acid is a strong acid. Using it requires special attention to safety. If not used properly, it will harm people and equipment. In addition, oxalic acid can not be in contact with metal, otherwise it will hydrogenate reaction and release a lot of toxic and harmful gases.
Tools for cleaning the cement tanker trailer: Before cleaning the cement tanker trailer, you need to prepare. You need an electrostatic sprayer, a high-pressure car wash, a cleaning agent, a brush, and a hose. Also, wear protective gear like gloves, overalls, and goggles to stay safe.
Common Challenges And Solutions
Cleaning cement tanker trailer often meet the mixture will coagulate and can not be rinsed down, at this time it is recommended to use high-pressure water cleaning. High-pressure water cleaning is a very effective tank cleaning method, the use of industrial high-pressure cleaners, high-pressure water rinsing tanks directly inside the scale, in the ability to dissolve the scale at the same time also be able to remove the rest of the stains. This allows for fast and effective cleaning of vehicle tanks and improves productivity.
Summary
Cleaning cement tankers often extends the life of the tanker trailer. It also protects the concrete quality and the construction schedule. By following safe procedures. And choosing green cleaning agents. Also, by keeping good records and doing maintenance. This ensures that the cement tanker is kept in the best condition and reduces downtime and maintenance costs.
FAQ
In daily transport, clean the cement tanker trailer thoroughly. Do this after every 30-40 tonnes of cargo. Especially in the case of transporting powdery goods, it is best to carry out a cleaning every time the goods are unloaded.
Wear the right gear, like rubber gloves and masks, when handling detergents. This stops skin burns. Also, keep air flowing in spaces where you use toilet bowl cleaners.
Not necessarily. Some edges require manual intervention to clean.
The outside of the tanker needs to be well-cleaned and disinfected after each wash. This is to keep the surrounding environment clean and safe.