Gulf Construction Online

The Big 5

Batching control at Saudi Readymix ... accurate.

In command

01 October 2012

COMMAND Alkon, a leading integrated solutions provider for the concrete industry with a loyal, global customer base, will be showcasing some of its innovative software and hardware at The Big 5 show.

Solutions for ready-mix plant automation, like those in use at Saudi Readymix, are among the important product offerings from Command Alkon, says a spokesman for the UK-based company.

Saudi Readymix, a leading producer and supplier of ready-mixed concrete and related products in Saudi Arabia, has partnered with Command Alkon as its solutions provider for plant automation for more than 20 years.

The latter’s Spectrum batching systems provide automated plant operations and on-line monitoring for Saudi Readymix plants. “The automated control of plant processes provided by the Spectrum systems reduces batching errors and increases the speed of production,” says Carlos Casenas, plant equipment manager for Saudi Readymix.

At other Saudi Readymix plants, Command Alkon’s newest and most innovative automated concrete batching control, Commandbatch, is in place.

“Commandbatch is reliable and accurate, which is the bare minimum of operating requirements for Saudi Readymix,” says another Saudi Readymix spokesman.

The system meets Saudi Readymix’s design requirements, whether it is for the production of small volume dry batch or super high volume multi-mixer plants. “When the remote batching and diagnostic features are combined with the batching control systems, the plant automation thrives on efficiency, cost-savings, and quality,” says the spokesman.

Established in 1978, Saudi Readymix has a network of plants and stations that are strategically located throughout the kingdom and cover all major commercial and industrial areas.

This is made easier with more than 380 mixer trucks and over 130 mobile pumps, making Saudi Readymix’s fleet the largest in the kingdom. The company is also known for being highly-professional and adopting the latest technologies to stay at the forefront of efficiency and customer satisfaction.

To further improve the quality and consistency of the concrete being delivered to its customers, Saudi Readymix recently implemented a Precision Water System (PWS) from Command Alkon that works in conjunction with Commandbatch and Moisture Probes also from the company to provide an integrated water management/moisture compensation system.

“With PWS, you can easily calibrate and simultaneously measure up to 12 probes up to one-inch coarse aggregates, resulting in a reduction of the slump variability of the concrete that is being delivered. PWS allows the absorption of the aggregates to be taken into account when batching the concrete; thus, when using very dry material that will absorb moisture, the system automatically adds water to the mix, which gives the correct slump of the concrete and the correct yield,” says the Command Alkon spokesman.

During their 20-year partnership, Command Alkon and Saudi Readymix have had plenty of time to work together on their common goals of leading the industry and servicing their customers. One factor that continues to draw Saudi Readymix to working with Command Alkon is its excellent track record for servicing its customers. This, in turn, allows Saudi Readymix to provide optimal service to its customer base.

Command Alkon also offers solutions for ready-mix dispatch, dispatch optimisation, quality control, water management, fleet management, bulk materials distribution, prestressed and precast process control, performance management, electronic content management, and back office operations.

Command Alkon will be present at Stand 2E80 at The Big 5 to provide further information about its products and services.