How to Properly Start the Pumping System of a Wet Spray Machine
Release time:
2025-12-29
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Summary:
Proper startup of the wet spray machine’s pumping system is the primary step to ensure stable equipment operation and extend its service life. Standardized startup procedures not only effectively prevent malfunctions such as pipe blockages and hydraulic shocks but also guarantee the consistent quality of concrete spraying. The following outlines the standard startup procedure and key technical points for the wet spray machine’s pumping system.
I. System Check Before Startup
Equipment Status Confirmation
Before starting the pumping system, the following checks must be completed:
1. The equipment should be parked on solid, level ground with stable and reliable outriggers.
2. Check the oil level and oil quality of the power system to ensure that the engine or motor is in a ready-to-start condition.
3. Confirm that the emergency stop button has been reset and all safety guards are properly in place.
Hydraulic System Inspection
1. The hydraulic oil level should be above the middle mark on the oil gauge, and the oil should be clear and free of contamination.
2. Check that all hydraulic lines and fittings are securely fastened and free of looseness or leaks.
3. The accumulator pressure should conform to the equipment’s specified value (typically 60-70% of the system pressure).
Pumping System Inspection
1. Check that the hopper is free of debris and that the mixing device rotates smoothly.
2. Confirm that the inner wall of the delivery cylinder is clean and the piston head is intact and undamaged.
3. Check that there are no foreign objects obstructing the swing area of the S-valve.
4. The oil level in the lubrication system’s oil cup is sufficient, and all lubrication points are unobstructed.
II. System Pre-Startup Operations
No-load operation preparation
1. Briefly activate the main motor to confirm that the rotation direction is correct (if it’s a diesel engine, run it at idle).
2. Start the hydraulic system and check whether the pressure gauge reading is normal.
3. Turn on the lubrication system and confirm that oil is flowing normally from each lubrication point.
System warm-up
1. Run the hydraulic system at low speed for 5-10 minutes in no-load condition.
2. Operate the directional control valve to make the hydraulic cylinder move back and forth slowly several times.
3. Observe that system pressure fluctuations should remain within the normal range (typically ≤2 MPa).
Parameter Settings
1. Set the pumping flow rate according to construction requirements (the initial recommendation is to set it at 50% of the rated value).
2. Adjust the system pressure limit (must not exceed the equipment’s maximum allowable pressure).
3. Set the reversing buffer parameters for the S-valve.
III. The pumping system is officially launched.
Progressive loading
1. First, add an appropriate amount of mortar to the hopper to lubricate the pipeline (approximately 0.3–0.5 m³).
2. Start the pumping system and begin pumping at a low speed setting.
3. Observe the pressure gauge reading to confirm that the system is operating smoothly.
Concrete pumping start
1. As the lubricating mortar is about to be pumped out, immediately add pre-mixed concrete.
2. Maintain low-speed pumping until the concrete is smoothly discharged from the nozzle.
3. Gradually increase the pumping speed to the working setting.
Operating Status Monitoring
1. Continuously monitor the main system pressure; the normal range should be between 8 and 20 MPa.
2. Monitor the pumping rhythm and ensure timely direction changes with no unusual noises.
3. Check the concrete slump and maintain it within the appropriate range of 120–180 mm.
IV. Precautions During the Startup Process
Abnormal Pressure Handling
1. If the system pressure suddenly rises above 25 MPa, immediately switch to reverse pumping operation.
2. When experiencing drastic pressure fluctuations, reduce the pumping speed to identify the cause.
3. When a continuous high-pressure alarm occurs, the machine must be stopped and inspected.
Pipe blockage prevention measures
1. Ensure that the concrete mix proportion meets pumping requirements.
2. Before the first pumping, the pipeline must be thoroughly lubricated with mortar.
3. Avoid sudden changes in pumping speed that could cause material separation.
Key points for safe operation
1. During pumping, it is strictly prohibited to put your hand into the hopper.
2. No maintenance work shall be carried out during equipment operation.
3. No personnel are allowed to stand in front of the nozzle.
V. Startup and Adjustment for Special Operating Conditions
Low-temperature environment start-up
1. Use low-temperature hydraulic oil and preheat the hydraulic system if necessary.
2. Extend the no-load running time to more than 15 minutes.
3. Use preheated concrete mix.
Long-distance pumping start
1. Appropriately increase the amount of lubricating mortar used.
2. Use a lower initial pumping speed.
3. Inspect pipeline sealing in sections.
High-altitude work initiated
1. Conduct additional inspections of the boom and pipe fastening conditions.
2. Reduce the initial pumping pressure
3. Prepare an emergency pressure relief plan.
VI. System Confirmation After Startup
Performance validation
1. Confirm that the pumping displacement has reached the set value.
2. Check that the concrete discharge rate is stable.
3. Verify that the temperature rise of each part of the system is normal (hydraulic oil temperature ≤ 60℃).
Quality inspection
1. Observe the uniformity of the sprayed concrete.
2. Check that the rebound rate is within a reasonable range.
3. Confirm that the spray surface meets the required flatness standards.
Record and file
1. Record the key parameters during the startup process.
2. Identify any abnormalities that occur and the corresponding handling measures.
3. Provide data support for subsequent maintenance.
Conclusion
Properly starting the pumping system of a wet spray machine is a systematic process that requires operators to possess both specialized knowledge and extensive experience. By strictly following the standard startup procedures and strengthening process monitoring and quality control, we can not only ensure the safe and reliable operation of the equipment but also significantly improve construction efficiency and quality. With technological advancements, modern wet spray machines are moving toward greater intelligence and automation; however, standardized operating procedures and a rigorous work ethic remain the cornerstone for guaranteeing project quality. It is recommended that equipment management personnel regularly organize operational training sessions and continuously refine operating guidelines to provide strong support for the smooth implementation of construction projects.
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