General Shale upgraded their concrete mixers, improving mix quality and production with Rapid International equipment.
Introduction
General Shale, a concrete masonry producer in Tennessee, replaced their older ribbon mixers with Rapid International’s planetary and pan concrete mixers. This change improved the consistency and speed of their concrete production.
The Problem
The company was not satisfied with the quality of concrete coming from their ribbon mixers. The mixes contained too many unmixed particles and did not meet their quality requirements, prompting them to seek a better mixing solution.
What Work Was Carried Out
General Shale worked with Standley Batch Systems, a longtime Rapid dealer, to find suitable replacements. The first upgrade involved removing a ribbon mixer and installing a Rapid RP2000 planetary mixer. This model allowed for more consistent mixing and offered options for color blending. To fit the new mixer, adjustments were made to support beams and feed chutes. A new control system and water supply were set up, along with a moisture sensor to better manage water content and produce a more uniform mix.
Encouraged by these results, General Shale then replaced another mixer at their Lintel plant. Standley Batch designed a custom solution to fit the different layout, installing a two-door Rapid R500 pan mixer. This required removing the old mixer and platform, modifying the feed chute, and adding load cells, slide gates, stainless steel hopper, and safety features like handrails and stairs. Electrical wiring was completed by a local contractor while General Shale handled the air and water connections.
The Results
The new mixers brought faster mixing times, improved consistency, and higher quality concrete. These upgrades allowed General Shale to better meet their production demands and maintain strict quality standards across their operations.
Closing Note
By partnering with Standley Batch and choosing Rapid International mixers, General Shale successfully modernized their facilities while enhancing product quality and efficiency.
