SIMEM of Italy will be at Saudi Build this month extolling the virtues of its MMX batching plants while impressing upon potential customers the flexibility afforded by these units in any kind of onsite concrete production, even for small-volume projects.

Its mission has been made easier by the fact that one of the first units to be installed in the Gulf has already been successfully commissioned in Saudi Arabia and started production in May with an output capacity of 130 cu m per hour.

MMX stands for Mobile Mixing eXcellence, says a spokesman for the company, and it is exactly this attribute of the machines that Simem will aim to expound to visitors at the show.

The spokesman adds that MMX also represents in Roman numerals the year 2010, when Simem officially launched the state-of-the-art super mobile batching plants worldwide. Two patents for industrial property referring to the moving mechanism of the mixer and chassis hood-scales were acquired by Simem in 2009, clearly establishing the innovation in the MMX.

“Thanks to these inventions, the concrete batching plant MMX 5000, the most powerful version of the two units now available, can ensure an hourly output capacity of 130 cu m of high-quality concrete, and have a structure that allows transport with generic vehicles,” says the spokesman.

In addition, with the introduction of this range of super mobile plants, Simem continues to maintain its reputation for offering machines that ensure minimal installation time and cost, he adds.

Other features include:

• Easy transportation: The aggregate module can be completely transported in one vehicle. The hopper walls and loading ramp containing the walls collapse into the aggregate module for easy stowing during transport. Due to the patented movement system for the mixer, the mixing and dosing module is transported as one unit with dimensions that allow for the use of standard equipment;

• Quick assembly: The support structures of the aggregate and mixer modules are all pre-assembled, pre-wired and automated. Thus, it is extremely easy and fast to configure the modules from the transport to the working position, says the spokesman;

• Modular concept: The aggregate module is based on a modular concept, which allows it to be expanded with additional modules including the number of hoppers available and, therefore, the types of aggregates. With regards to storage capacity of aggregates, MMX allows the user to switch easily from the basic configuration of 80 cu m to 180 cu m;

• No civil works: Bulkheads below the aggregate module have a double function: They support the aggregate module avoiding the need for civil works; and act as restraints for the loading ramp for aggregate feeding;

• Easy maintenance: Access to the mixer is made easy, thanks to a patented system of rails and hydraulics that moves the weighing devices. When a thorough cleaning of the mixer is necessary, it is possible to move the weighing devices from the work to the transport position, making the internal part of the mixer accessible for a more thorough cleaning or for changing of wear parts;

• Optimised truckmixer charge: The MMX 5000 plant is equipped with a twin shaft mixer that produces 3.33 cu m of compacted concrete, and it is able to guarantee 130 cu m per hour through 40 cycles. With a batch size of 3.33 cu m, the plant is optimised for loading of 10 cu m trucks; and

• Durability: The long-term performance of the MMX is ensured due to the oversized structures that are fully hot-dip galvanised, and through the use of high-quality pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical components.

Simem was established in 1963 with the aim of creating the highest quality machinery and ensuring customer satisfaction and has since been focusing on designing and manufacturing machines and plants for concrete production and materials processing and on environment protection.

The company has supplied plant solutions worldwide for major projects such as the EuroTunnel, Petronas Towers in Malaysia, the Olympic Stadium in Sidney, the airport of Hong Kong and many others.

Simem will be showcasing its products at Stand 519-3 at Saudi Build.