Scale-Tron Inc.  Concrete batching controls, mixers, moisture measurement and silo weighing
Automation, Sensors and Weighing Systems

 MICROMIX 

 The simplest, lowest cost microwave moisture controller

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Accurate and economical. Everyone knows that microwave is the only way to go.

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MicroMix monitors the moistureCombine a rugged microwave sensor with the power of BatchTron and what do you get? A major saving over competitive systems, while maintaining top performance. If your business is dry cast concrete - precast, block or pavers - MicroMix will give you the control that you need; consistent quality that doesn't cost a fortune.

  • MicroMix monitors the moisture while adding water until the correct value is obtained. This method is just as accurate as our MixTron water system but is slower. If speed is not all-important, MicroMix will save you money - and we now have a FAST version - see below.
  • MicroMix's microwave sensor is unaffected by the type of cement, admixtures and temperature variation. Unlike older systems based on resistance, measurement is accurate at all times, giving you perfect moisture, batch after batch.
  • Fast and slow feed water valves accurately control the flow of water. The initial water feed is fast to get the bulk into the mixer quickly. Then the slow "final wet" feed continues until the precise target moisture value is reached.
  • Pre-wet cycle can be tailored for lightweight aggregates. Produce standard and lightweight products in the same mixer.
  • When the final wet is complete, the mix is ready for discharge. No extra mixing time required.
  • Because it uses the BatchTron computer for control, the system requires only the sensor, water valves and software, resulting in a large saving over a stand -alone moisture controller.
  • MicroMix's moisture trend graph allows the operator to view the mixing actionMicroMix uses BatchTron's graphic touch screen for display and control, making it easy to set up and operate.
  • MicroMix's moisture trend graph allows the operator to view the mixing action as it proceeds.  Its window on the mixing process shows up badly adjusted or worn blades, ensuring proper mixing action.
  • Target moisture values and choice of Standard or Lightweight concrete are stored in the batch formulas, allowing different moistures and mixing sequences to be preset for different products. This type of integration is easy with MicroMix but difficult or impossible between separate batching and moisture controllers.

    More background information - Concrete, water and moisture


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MASTERMIX AND MICROMIX?

MasterMix is for fast, high production plants where the mixer never takes a break. It allows more pours per hour because of its fast operation.  It is equally suitable for both wet and dry cast concrete.
MicroMix is for the slow to medium production plant where longer mixing cycles will not slow down production. It is a simpler system which costs less. It is suitable only for dry cast concrete., but concrete with low water/cement ratio, such as SCC, can be made successfully with MicroMix and Fast MicroMix.

Latest news - we now have a FAST version of MicroMix that gives the same short mixing cycles as MasterMix and is easier to set up.  This system requires a water meter, so is a little more costly than true MicroMix but it is as good a choice for certain applications.  Note that it will not handle wet cast (slump) concrete (except for SCC, see above).  However, when both types of concrete are made in the one mixer, the MicroMix system can be bypassed when batching wet cast, speeding up the operation further by using metered water.

Fast Micromix bypasses the slow pre-wet cycle by feeding the initial quantity of water at high speed through a meter, followed by the normal slow final wet to give an accurate cutoff when the target value is reached.  This doesn't sound revolutionary - many people have done the same thing in the past - but the problem is gauging how much initial water to add.  Since the process is controlled by a smart controller, the final wet water volume and feed time can be measured and used to correct the initial water amount as well as to optimize the final wet cycle.  The end result is a mixing time that is equal to the MasterMix cycle without the need for time consuming calibration of the moisture sensor.


WHY DO WE NEED BOTH MICROMIX AND MIXTRON?

Mixtron is a stand-alone water dosing system for use with separate batching controllers.  It can be used with BatchTron but is more expensive than MasterMix, which is built into the BatchTron system.  Like MasterMix, MixTron is for fast, high production plants. MicroMix is for the slow to medium production plant where longer mixing cycles will not slow down production. The simpler system uses less parts, is easier to set up and costs less to manufacture.

With MicroMix and a well adjusted mixer, you will make better product, saving money and increasing profit.


THE COST

MicroMix includes the sensor, valves, input unit for the BatchTron computer and special software.Because it does not require large, expensive water valves or a volumetric water meter, and runs on BatchTron's computer instead of a separate controller, it costs less than other microwave systems. Call us or use our Feedback form for prices and more details.


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