used some old concrete blankets, zip ties and black duct tape !!! Cheap and works great! I pumped in single digit temps today and waited 30 min for a balance to be delivered with no probs.

Very nice, very clean looking, good job.

sgt580

You did a very slick job. It looks good!

Most of the blankets I have seen are filled with open cell foam that will absorb water. Once the foam gets wet it looses its ability to insulate. The other thing about the wet foam is the weight.

Just a thought ;~)

Why would you insulate a boom? If its so cold that concrete could freeze in the boom is it not too cold to pour the concrete. Here in Ireland the general rule would be that it should be 2 deg. above freezing and rising. Of course like all general rules its ignored but temp. is seldom below freezing during daylight hours.

Contractors build tents and use heaters to thaw the ground for footings and heat the forms in the same manner before we pour. Thenn they blanket it to retain the heat until set up. Its alot more work but the customer pays more for construction in the winter. Freezing in the boom only occurs when you stop moving the mud like when moving or waiting for the crew who might stop you to catch up or something. In single digit temps and below you boom will freeze up quicker than 2% NC on a hot summer day.

Some of the blankets now are bubble insulation. Found out by stepping on some the other day.

My rule is 20 degrees and rising. I do not think there is a problem with pumping concrete colder than that but as soon as you stop you better have a plan. I have found that sucking a clean out ball is the hardies because it will freeze some where in the boom. I violated my own rule a week ago it was 15 degrees and dropping, ball froze in the boom lucky ready-mix truck was still there with hot water.

I do not insulate my booms, I will stay home when it is that cold.

Here in canada we pump concrete all winter long the only time we dont is when it gets below -25. You just have to be aware of the problems that can arise and make sure you are well prepared. I pumped a 200m suspended slab last week in -15 right off the boom, my only problem was keeping myself warm.

40667 keep your sponge in the cab and make sure the water u use is really hot.

Sponge should either be soaked in hyd oil or antifreeze

looks good sqt580.  that'll keep the wind off your pipe for a couple winters.    pedro, your so modest not to add in the windchill factor.  if the patch plant is open, muds being pumped.  keep a hand on a deck pipe and you'll be fine.  when it doesnt feel warm, empty the boom if your waiting.  9 times outta 10 the truck shows up when the spong starts moving but its better then the one time...  if i didn't see a second truck, i'll hold the first truck with a couple meter left and ALWAYS ask the last mixer to hang around until my water was going,  so be nice to the mixers this christmas.  if a mixer operator is assured that sitting in his cab is all that is required,  they seem to hang around.

if the hopper isnt steeling,  somethings freezing

I had a warm sponge and warm water but I will try and get hot water from the ready-mix and will try antifreeze if there is a next time.

Maybe next winter you could just considor moving down under!!!! You would never really have to worry about freezing in Australia!!!!!!

I keep my ball tucked beside my water tank whick is heated off the engine. It will keep my water so hot you cant stant to wash your hands in it.

Also if i get into a pickle (like Waiting) I allways bring my boom around to my hopper and pump slow until the truck gets there also look at getting some frits-pac retarder. Very very good.