Renewed THT turbine mixer: a success story

Those who focus on a particular field for decades build up an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience. A good example is TEKA Maschinenbau GmbH from Edenkoben-Pfalz, Germany, which specializes in the modernization and renovation of production environments. The renowned company Hain System-Bauteile (Josef Hain GmbH & Co KG) also called on TEKA for a complex modernization project. As with many other concrete processing firms, the high-performance THT turbine mixer with patented turbine, first introduced at BAUMA in 2013, is one of the key elements. This mixer is mainly used for complex mixing tasks, for concrete that is self-compacting or has a very high solidity, as well as for refractory masses and dry building products. The results are excellent at any quantity.

TEKA THT Sidewall Scraper.

When the management of Hain System Bauteile (Josef Hain GmbH & Co. KG) in Ramerberg started looking for a partner to modernize their production, they quickly came across TEKA Maschinenbau GmbH. As with many other companies, the high-quality THT turbine mixer was also the deciding factor here. However, a complex task awaited the specialist's experienced team: from planning to delivery and assembly to commissioning. Among other things, the customer wanted the well-functioning parts of the existing mixing plant to be retained and the new elements from TEKA to be integrated into the original steel construction. For example, the existing tipping container and also part of the conveyor belt were retained. The tipping container received a new drive shaft and new safety elements were mounted at the level of the mixer. TEKA delivered a pre-assembled module with integrated mixer and binder scale. This was integrated into the existing steel construction in one piece, thus saving time and costs during assembly.

THT Turbine mixer as core
The new high-performance turbine mixer THT 750 (type E-1-III) with a frequency-controlled 30 kW motor and a maximum concrete mass of 0.5 m³ per mixing cycle is at the heart of this modernized mixing plant. An innovative, patented mixing turbine ensures a very intensive and fast mixing of the mass without breaking up the pellets in the process, thus keeping the screening curve constant. Rotating vanes ensure that material is always entering the mixing turbine. Unlike many other mixers, this system can also process very small quantities, which is very important for the production of special orders. In addition, this mixing turbine includes a scraper with self-cleaning function and the system can also be emptied quickly without leaving any material residue. The humidity level is continuously measured and maintained using a modern Bikotronic water dosing computer with a special measuring probe at the bottom of the mixer. This TEKA turbine mixer comes standard with a frequency converter for the main drive. This, of course, allows the user to adjust the rotational speed of the turbine and match it optimally to the mass to be mixed. The speed of the mixing turbine and the mixing tools can also be optimally adjusted during each phase of the mixing cycle.

Versatility trumps
Versatility was one of the main requirements for TEKA's R&D department when developing this progressive range of turbine mixers. Unlike other products, where time and again the maximum concrete mass determines the mixer's structure, the THT turbine mixers take into account the products the customer wants to produce and the needs of each specific customer. Indeed, each mixer can be optimally matched to the products to be mixed. Therefore, these turbine mixers are ideal for manufacturers of multiple, high quality products, who often need to change product or color, for the production of concrete types with very fine grain or for that manufacturer where smaller quantities are often worked with. This versatility was also one of the decisive aspects for the company Hain System-Bauteile.

Cost savings & energy efficiency
TEKA also paid close attention to cost savings in operation and maintenance of the systems. For example, the turbine and blades were coated with hard metal to increase their service life. In turn, the special shape of that turbine and the use of only a limited number of tools ensure that wear is much lower than in other mixing plants. In addition, several customers have found that the integration of the scraper into the mixer reduces the rate of contamination. Costs and time for maintenance are significantly reduced and the time interval between servicing is extended. Especially in applications where product or color changes are frequent, this provides an advantage that should not be underestimated. Finally, the height of the turbine can be easily adjusted and thus optimally matched to the drying floor, allowing the installation to be emptied quickly and cleanly. Of course, energy efficiency was also considered, for example by adapting the drive to the mass to be mixed and the specific task. Various motor and transmission variants can be selected.

Satisfied customers
In recent years, many concrete processing companies in Germany alone have invested heavily in the modernization of their production in order to continue to meet the increasingly stringent requirements of customers. Many called on TEKA Maschinenbau GmbH as a specialist in modernization and renovation projects as well as a supplier of high-quality concrete mixers for the most diverse applications. After all, the company has a team of driven employees with many years of experience and unparalleled know-how. They work closely with the customer to provide a suitable solution for each specific project and also follow up each project completely: from study over planning and production to delivery, assembly and commissioning. The needs and requirements of the customer are always at the center of this.

Meanwhile, TEKA's turbine mixers are used in the production facilities of many renowned manufacturers of concrete products and that for the most diverse, often complex applications. Customers at home and abroad choose TEKA because of the quality of the products, but also for the experience and enthusiasm of the employees and the rapid delivery of replacement parts from a large stock. Moreover, by appointment, these customers can carry out mixing tests at TEKA's laboratory in Edenkoben-Pfalz or simply come and discover for themselves the possibilities of the different types of turbine mixers. 

For questions about TEKA opportunities in the Netherlands, please contact
Hunter Blending and Recycling Technology:

info@jager-mrt.nl or +31 341 42 45 33 or
Visit us at Bauma, Hall B1, booth 301.

Text | Johan Debaere  Image | TEKA Maschinenbau GmbH
Featured image: TEKA THT Turbinemenger.