How Much Do You Know About Concrete Pump Boom Pressure

Posted On: 03/12/2025 | Posted by: Haomei Concrete Pumps

In concrete pumping construction, the boom system of a boom pump acts like a "mechanical arm," precisely completing concrete delivery and placement operations. Concrete pump boom pressure, as a core indicator reflecting the system's operational status, directly impacts equipment lifespan and construction safety.

Many construction teams have neglected abnormal boom pressure, leading to equipment failures and even safety accidents. Today, we will delve into the influencing factors, hazards, and control recommendations for boom pressure.

Boom pressure is not a fixed value; its fluctuations are influenced by multiple factors, which can be broadly categorized into three dimensions: structure, load, and operating conditions. From a structural perspective, the material strength and connection precision of the boom are fundamental.

If the high-strength steel used in the boom has material defects, or if the clearances of the pins and bearings in each boom section are abnormal, it will lead to uneven force transmission and a sudden increase in localized pressure. In one construction project, due to pinholes in the boom welds, pressure concentrated at the welds during operation, ultimately causing the boom to crack.

Load is the most direct factor affecting boom pressure. This load includes not only the weight of the concrete but also the weight of the boom itself and dynamic inertial forces. When the pump truck boom is fully extended and the concrete placement radius is at its maximum, the end-load reaches its peak, and the pressure rises to its highest level. During boom extension, retraction, and rotation, inertial forces cause pulse-like pressure fluctuations. If high-density concrete is pumped under these extreme boom conditions, the pressure can easily exceed the safety threshold.

Complex construction conditions act as catalysts for pressure fluctuations. High temperatures reduce hydraulic oil viscosity, leading to decreased pressure transmission efficiency in the hydraulic system; low temperatures cause hydraulic oil to solidify, resulting in a sudden pressure surge; and bumpy or sloping ground at the construction site can cause unbalanced forces on the boom, further exacerbating pressure fluctuations. Furthermore, wear and tear on components such as the hydraulic pump and relief valve can indirectly lead to abnormal boom pressure.

The hazards of abnormal boom pressure should not be underestimated. From an equipment lifespan perspective, prolonged high pressure accelerates boom structural fatigue, increasing the wear rate of vulnerable parts such as pins and bearings by 3-5 times, and hydraulic lines may also burst due to high pressure; insufficient pressure leads to sluggish boom movement and reduced construction efficiency. From a safety perspective, sudden pressure changes can cause the boom to "swing," endangering the safety of nearby construction workers. A construction site once experienced a scaffold collapse due to uncontrolled boom pressure.

To address these issues, three aspects of control are crucial during construction: Firstly, pre-operation inspection, focusing on checking for cracks in the boom structure and leaks in hydraulic components, and observing the stability of the pressure curve through no-load test runs; secondly, standardized operation, avoiding prolonged operation of the boom under extreme conditions, and smoothly controlling boom movement during pumping to reduce the impact of inertial forces; thirdly, regular maintenance, including periodic replacement of hydraulic oil and filters, lubrication of boom pins, and timely repair of worn parts.

Stable boom pressure operation is a prerequisite for efficient boom pump operation and a guarantee of construction safety. Only by thoroughly understanding its influencing factors and implementing comprehensive process control measures can concrete boom pump lifespan be maximized and safety risks minimized.

Original source: https://www.concrete-pump-cn.com/a/how-much-do-you-know-about-concrete-pump-boom-pressure.html

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