Optimization of Technological Parameters of Foam Concrete Mix Preparation for Obtaining Foam Concrete with Improved Structure and Characteristics

The paper investigated the influence of the tilt of the activator blades on the uniformity of the structure of the foam concrete mixture and the power consumed for mixing. In the experiments, a cylindrical mixer with a conical part was used. Blade activators with three flat blades were used. Analysis of the data investigating the effect of blade angle shows that the homogeneity of the concrete mix decreases with increase in blade angle. This is due to a decrease in the speed of rotation of the mixture, respectively, the intensity of mixing. With an increase in the tilt angle of the blades, the power consumed for mixing decreases. Studies showed that the degree of air entrainment, the nature of the pore structure and the physical and mechanical properties of foam concrete depend on the rotation speed of the activator of the turbulent mixer. The dependences of the quality of the prepared foam concrete mixture on the geometric parameters of the mixer, the type and speed of rotation of the activator, the presence and characteristics of reflective partitions are obtained. The shape and type of activator significantly affect the energy intensity of the process and the quality of the prepared foam concrete. The mixer with a vane perforated activator proved to be the most effective. The degree of influence of the tilt angle of the activator blades on the retention of binder and aggregate particles in the volume of the foam concrete mixture during mixing is determined.