The findings of an independent study on the effectiveness of Eirich mixers conducted a decade ago are still relevant, according to local Industrial Process Solutions Company Birkenmayer South Africa, which manufactures and distributes the mixers here.

Findings summarised
“The Eirich mixer is outstanding for its very short mixing times. Subject to the same mixing drum contents and conditions a comparable mixed product is achieved with the Eirich intensive mixer faster than in the case of mixer ‘X’ and as a consequence brings economical advantages. Moreover, the high uniform consistency of the concrete prepared with the Eirich mixer was obvious,” is quoted in a decade-old neutral study conducted by the Weimar Institute for Finished Part Technology and Finished Construction. The study comprised conventional mixers in comparison with an Eirich mixer.

Present comment
Ten years down the line, a lot of advancement has been made as technology, stemming from research and development by Eirich, has allowed for fresh innovations. However, regardless of technological advancements, the study findings still hold true for all of Eirich’s mixers. The above-mentioned study was a neutral study of ‘conventional mixers’ in comparison with an Eirich mixer. Specimens from a leading German manufacturer of finished concrete products which works with various types of mixers at different locations in Germany were taken. “The high uniform consistency of the concrete prepared with the Eirich mixer was obvious,” the study found. In addition, a more consistent quality of concrete was achieved in Eirich mixers in a considerably shorter mixing time than with mixer ‘X’.= Louis Eksteen, Business Development Manager at Birkenmayer points out: “In practice, this means that each mix is exactly like the next, with less waste through surface faults. An investment in Eirich mixing technology pays for itself in a very short time as a result of improved mixing efficiency and reduced wastage.”

Unique mixing principle
Eksteen says the actual difference between Eirich mixers and other mixing systems is found in the unique Eirich mixing principle: Rotating mixing pan and transportation of the mixed material; and the variable slow-to-fast running mixing tools for mixing. Separating the transportation of the mixed product and the actual mixing operation makes it possible to vary the speed of the mixing tool (and, as a consequence, the energy introduced in the course of the mixing operation) over a very wide range. “Eirich mixing technology – unlike other mixing systems on the market – allows the tool speed to be adjusted optimally to suit the respective product,” says Eksteen.

Eirich advantages
Eirich mixers offer the following advantages:
• The mixing tool can run fast or slow.
• At high tool speed: fibres are optimally mixed; pigments completely broken down and fine particles (for example, in the case of fine grain concrete) are thoroughly dispersed.
• Mixes requiring high mixing quality are achieved at medium tool speeds.
• Light additives or foams are carefully mixed at low tool speeds.
• Concretes of any type and consistency can be produced quickly and with high quality.
• The quantities of cement and pigments can be reduced (a result of better distribution).
• There is an improvement in quality compared with earlier mixing systems.
• Waste, especially as a result of poor face surfaces, is reduced.
• The investment pays for itself in a very short time.
“The low number of tools required as well as their constructive design and the use of special materials ensure low expenditure for service and maintenance; primary wear parts can also be easily replaced,” Eksteen says.

Modern history
In recent years, Eirich has developed five new mixer models: The R12 and the RV12 variant, with usable volumes of 250 litres and 400 litres respectively; the R16 with a usable volume of 600 litres; and the RV16 variant with a usable volume of 900 litres. The EL 1 followed, a laboratory mixer developed for applications in high-tech ceramics and general laboratory work. The R28 with a usable volume, depending on the design, of 4 000 to 5 000 litres followed and subsequently gave birth to its big brother the R33 which has a usable volume of 5 000 to 7 000 litres.

An Eirich speciality is the preparation of ultra-high heavy-duty concrete in the Eirich vacuum mixer. “Air inclusions, which have a detrimental effect on concrete strength, can be avoided to a great extent,” Eksteen points out. “The bottom line,” he concludes, “is that, to-date, no other mixer has the technology or broad spectrum capabilities of an Eirich mixer, with a return on investment to match! Acquiring an Eirich mixer is an investment in technology, reliability, quality and competency.  The quality of any concrete product starts with the mixing process – and there is no known type of concrete in the market which cannot be efficiently processed in an EIRICH mixer.