BFM® fitting eliminates cement leakage and blockages during mixer loading

Flexible connectors (sleeves) may seem like a small component on a concrete batch plant, but they are often weak points that cause a disproportionate number of maintenance issues.

S Morris Ltd, a construction materials manufacturer, were experiencing cement leaking from a connector on the inlet to the mixer at their concrete and screed plant. Jubilee clips were used to secure the ill-fitting connector, providing an inconsistent seal. As a result, cement continually leaked during batching.(Image: Jubilee clipped connector on cement inlet above mixer)

As the connector was ill-fitting, there were also many creases in the sleeve where cement accumulated. Cement would then bind with moisture from the mixer, causing blockages in the sleeve.

Consequently, staff would spend ~20 minutes after every shift cleaning the mixer area, clearing dust and also breaking off hardened cement with hammers. Staff also removed and re-attached the connector daily to clear the cement blockages.

In addition to health and safety risks associated with clean-up of the cement, the wellbeing of site staff was impacted. The Plant Manager, Chris Amos, told us “it’s hard cleaning up dried cement and tedious having to stay behind to sort it out.”

S Morris Ltd contacted us to discuss the BFM® fitting solution. The system is comprised of two specially formed steel spigots welded to inlets/outlets and an industry-leading BLUEBAND™ flexible connector. Crucially, BFM® flexible connectors snap internally within the spigots, creating a 100% dust tight seal.

Our team provided technical assistance and installation advice to Chris and the team. Within a week, they’d replaced the old connector with BFM® fitting and were amazed with the results:

BFM® fitting has completely eliminated cement leakage on the inlet to the mixer. Previously, staff spent ~20 minutes after each shift cleaning the mixer area and platform. Cement is kept in the process now, not only keeping the mixer platform far cleaner, but also reducing cement wastage. Moreover, approximately 72 hours have been saved in clean-up time so far.
(Image: BFM® fitting installed on cement inlet above mixer)

Similarly, staff were previously removing the old connector every day to clear blockages that had accumulated in any creases. In contrast, BFM® fitting offers a smooth internal surface for product to flow over. It only gets removed once a month now as part of regular housekeeping. What’s more, this is still the same flexible connector that was installed over a year ago.

Thanks to a cleaner mixer platform, better work environment and elimination of a non-value-adding task during ‘out of work hours’ each day, the wellbeing of staff has improved.

The Plant Manager commented: “It has been great! Not having cement blowing out the edges and causing dust to go all over the plant has saved us a big job. BFM® has such a good seal that there’s no longer any mess. We’re thrilled with the outcome.”

For applications adjacent to moving machinery it is the clients’ responsibility to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Measures for consideration could include; Tool Release connectors, guarding, proximity switches, light sensors, internal grid/grille etc.