October 7, 2020

Simem Underground announces the successful commissioning of the Fruta Del Norte Pastefill Plant in Ecuador.

September 2020 – The Simem Underground team proudly completed the successful commissioning of the Fruta Del Norte Pastefill Plant in Ecuador.

This unique in location and design pastfill plant required strategic research, design, and engineering. Simem’s experienced professionals who possess expertise ranging from project-specific equipment manufacturing, operator training, installation commissioning, and technical support are honored to have been selected for this unique project. The plant features Simem’s Sealcrete and MDC Mixers that can flawlessly manage the production output of our clients’ needs. 

Congratulations to FL Smidth on the grand opening of their Fruta Del Norte plant.

Full article and case study here.

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January 27, 2020

Colloidal Mixing and Grout Strength Outcomes

Philip Antunes, P.E., P.Eng.

INTRODUCTION

Colloidal mixers were developed in 1937 and are internationally recognized as the most efficient method of mixing cement based grouts (Houlsby, 1990).  These mixers are used in grout preparation throughout the mining, tunnelling, heavy civil and general construction industries.

The key element of the colloidal mixer is the colloidal mill consisting of a high speed rotor (or discar) operating at 1700 rpm coupled with a close fitting chamber housing. The clearance between the discar and the walls of the housing is approximately 3 mm. It is here that a violent turbulence and high shearing action is created which is capable of breaking down clusters of dry cement particles (agglomerates).

The strong vortex action inside the tank rapidly assimilates the mix ingredients in as little as 2 minutes. The resultant slurry exhibits colloidal properties meaning the cement particles remain in suspension with minimal settling or bleed. 

In combination, the high-speed shearing and the centrifugal actions of colloidal mixers thoroughly breaks up cement clumps and separates air bubbles, both of which slow the wetting process of cement grains. As a result, each grain is rapidly and thoroughly wetted and put into suspension.

The practical benefits of this combination include:

  • The grout or slurry mix is nearly immiscible in water. This allows the mix to resist washout or contamination with groundwater.
  • The mix is stable and fluid enough to allow it to be pumped considerable distances.
  • The slurry permeates uniformly into voids.
  • Segregation of sand, if incorporated in the mix, is virtually eliminated.
  • The grout or slurry has less settlement (bleed) of the cement when stationary.
  • Higher compressive strengths.

Of these benefits, the compressive strengths are perhaps the most notable due to the direct correlation to material savings and improved strengths.  Numerous test results both in the lab and in the field show that colloidally mixed grouts produce higher strengths at all testing periods and densities when compared to paddle and non-colloidal mixers.  In the figure below, the densities represent different water/cement ratios; as the cement content is increased, the density is correspondingly increased as well.  While the figure represents a neat grout with only cement and water, it is important to note that this trend is also repeated for cellular and bi-component grouts.  In fact, the colloidal technology produces consistently higher strengths in all types of grouts tested.

Figure 1: The 28-day strength of colloidal and paddle mixed grout

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March 28, 2019

Cellular Concrete Plants

Cellular

Lightweight cellular concrete is ideal for projects where a strong, non-structural, cost/value material is required to fill a continuous void or area by pump or bulk delivery. Decades of mixing, batching, and grout equipment manufacturing, coupled with pumping expertise for the delivery of grout materials over great distances, brings high-competency to our cellular concrete plants.

Cellular
Simem America

Features

Application

In tunneling, lightweight cellular concrete is often used to backfill and support sewer and utility pipelines within a concrete segment lined tunnel. Look to Simem for pumping solutions to place the cellular grout up to 5,000 m (3 miles) from the plant.

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March 28, 2019

Bentonite Plants

Bentonite

Providing stability to surrounding soil is critical to proceeding safely in a tunneling project. By creating a thick, colloidal mixed slurry of Bentonite and water, our Bentonite plants provide unparalleled consistency and efficiency in production of Bentonite for tunneling projects.

Bentonie
Simem America

Features

Mission Critical Application

Prior to the launch of Bertha — Seattle’s EPB TBM — in July 2013, the project teams managing the largest diameter TBM scheduled to excavate the Alaskan Way viaduct replacement tunnel, needed a prevention solution.

As a precaution, to ensure the safety of project personnel and the project itself, the need for a potential hyperbaric intervention was genuine. Hydrated bentonite would be used to seal the massive excavation chamber if intervention was required.

A fully automated bentonite plant, engineered to produce 180m3/hr. of bentonite slurry, with two independent 150m3 hydration holding tanks, readied to transfer via a 8″ pipeline by progressing cavity pump to the TBM’s holding tank, was built for the job.

Hydrated betonite is jointly used in the preparation of the “A” component grout commonly used in tunneling projects. The use of properly mixed, stored, and pumped hydrated bentonite significantly reduces bi-component grout bleed.

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March 27, 2019

Tunnelling Solutions

In tunnelling projects worldwide, Simem Underground Solutions provides comprehensive design, engineering services, and advanced equipment solutions for the production of bi-component grouts, hydrated bentonite, and various concretes.

Solutions Designed for Your Biggest Projects

Simem Underground Solutions provides a comprehensive range of equipment solutions for a variety of tunnelilng projects worldwide. Our engineered equipment solutions:

A true Colloidal mixer is our primary technology for the production of bi-component grouts, cellular concretes, and hydrated bentonite. The unrivaled high-shear mixing velocity generated by our colloidal mill technology disintegrates cement particles rapidly and evenly, providing a high-strength homogenized mix, in short-time and with lower cement consumption.

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March 26, 2019

Custom Mining Solutions

Simem Underground Solutions provides advanced equipment for the production of concrete, pastefill, shotcrete, and cemented rockfill product for mining operations worldwide. Our custom mining solutions are designed specifically for your project, timeline, and specifications to ensure a mining operation moves forward without interruption.

CRF Plants

CRF is critical to safe and compliant operation

Cemented rockfill (CRF) plays an important role in the mining process, providing critical backfill support for previously-excavated mine areas. In applications where density and moisture content of CRF are critical to safe and compliant operation, reliable mixing and production machinery can make the difference.

Learn More

Pastefill Plants

Maximize Safety, Minimize Cost

Pastefill allows mining operations to proceed safely and efficiently as an alternative to hydraulic fill, providing higher strength backfill properties while minimizing the need for water handling.

Learn More

ShotCrete Plants

Stability Meets Flexibility

Simem Underground Solutions considers all aspects of a project before designing, engineering, and manufacturing the right plant for the job. With a focus on quality, durability, modularity, and installation speed, our Shotcrete plants operate systematically and can be re-purposed with ease.

Shotcrete provides unmatched stability for decline pathways and ground support. Shotcrete helps to more efficiently and safely transport heavy mining machinery underground, while providing safety from any ground fall.

Learn More

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March 25, 2019

Pastefill

Pastefill allows mining operations to proceed safely and efficiently with higher strength backfill properties than hydraulic fill, while minimizing the need for water handling.

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March 25, 2019

Cemented Rockfill

Cemented rockfill (CRF) plays an important role in the mining process, providing critical backfill support for previously-excavated mine areas. In applications where density and moisture content of CRF are critical to safe and compliant operation, reliable mixing and production machinery can make the difference.

Surface

Simple and Reliable Backfill Solutions

Based on off-the-shelf modular designs, SIMEM’s surface CRF plants have evolved from 50 years of batching and mixing experience. These plants are designed for compact transport, ease of installation, reliable operation and low total cost of ownership. But if standard designs aren’t what you are looking for, custom solutions, including colloidal mixer based systems are available.  
















Underground





Backfill for Shaft Access Mines







For deeper orebodies, situating the CRF plant underground often makes sense. Creative solutions are  typically needed to deliver cement to the plant including pneumatic conveyance, isotainers, dry slicklines or even premixing cement/water in colloidal mixers. Expertise and experience matters. Our team has your solution.  












Portable





When Mobility Matters







For small stopes or areas, the pastefill system just does not reach, semi-portable CRF plants put the backfill production right where it is needed. Choose from colloidal mixer slurry systems for use with run-of-mine waste, or MDC continuous mixers suited to crushed & screened aggregate. We custom tailor the solution to your specific requirements.    









   




























    


    

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March 25, 2019

                
        
Shotcrete for Mining
    


    
    

        

  
Ideal for reinforcing both temporary and permanent mining excavations, Shotcrete has proven an immensely useful and necessary tool in the mining industry. Our mixers and batching plants provide precise processing for both wet-mix and dry-mix shotcrete applications.












Bagged Shotcrete





Featuring enhanced shooting characteristics and reliable physical properties, bagged Shotcrete provides an efficient, dried, pre-blended solution for the mining industry. Our suite of mixers and batching plants allow for easy production and distribution for bagged Shotcrete applications.














Surface





When utilized above ground, Shotcrete can provide unmatched stability to cliffs, rock walls, vertical rock sections, and other affected areas where stability may be affected. 






















Underground





Utilizing Shotcrete below ground to backfill and stabilize previously excavated areas is critical to the safety of project teams and is required for proper stability in permanent or temporary excavated areas.

































    


    

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March 22, 2019

                
        
Shotcrete for Tunnelling
    


    
    

        

  
Ideal for reinforcing tunnel walls and for stabilizing previously-excavated areas within a tunneling project, Shotcrete has proven to be an immensely useful and a necessary tool in the tunneling industry. Our mixers and batching plants provide ideal processing for both wet-mix and dry-mix Shotcrete applications.








    


    

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March 22, 2019

                
        
Cellular Concrete Plants
    


    
    

        

  
Lightweight cellular concrete is ideal for projects where a strong, non-structural, cost/value material is required to fill a continuous void or area by pump or bulk delivery. Decades of mixing, batching, and grout equipment manufacturing, coupled with pumping expertise for the delivery of grout materials over great distances, brings high-competency to our cellular concrete plants.







Placeholder














Application





In tunneling, lightweight cellular concrete is often used to backfill and support sewer and utility pipelines within a concrete segment lined tunnel. Look to SIMEM for pumping solutions to place the cellular grout up to 5,000 m (3 miles) from the plant.


















 
    


    

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March 22, 2019

                
        
Bentonite Plants
    


    
    

        

  
Providing stability to surrounding soil is critical to proceeding safely in a tunneling project. By creating a thick, colloidal mixed slurry of Bentonite and water, our Bentonite Plants provide unparalleled consistency and efficiency in production of Bentonite for tunneling projects.







Placeholder





Mission Critical Application





Prior to the launch of Bertha – Seattle’s EPB TBM – in July 2013, the project teams managing the largest diameter TBM scheduled to excavate the Alaskan Way viaduct replacement tunnel, needed a prevention solution.





As a precaution, to ensure the safety of project personnel and the project itself, the need for a potential hyperbaric intervention was genuine. Hydrated bentonite would be used to seal the massive excavation chamber if intervention was required.





A fully automated bentonite plant, engineered to produce 180m3/hr of bentonite slurry, with two independent 150m3 hydration holding tanks, readied to transfar via an 8″ pipeline by progressing cavity pump to the TBM’s holding tank, was built for the job.





Hydrated bentonite is jointly used in the preparation of the “A” component grout commonly used in tunneling projects. The use of properly mised, stored, and pumped hydrated bentonite significantly reduces bi-component grout bleed.

    


    

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December 26, 2018

                
        
Simem Underground
    


    
    

        

  
Backed by a broad range of experience from project design, final commissioning, and operator training, Simem Underground Solutions delivers proven, engineered concrete and grouting equipment technologies, tailored for the most challenging tunneling and mining projects.
















Solutions for a Wide Range of Projects





Simem Underground specializes in the design and supply of cemented aggregate backfill plants, paste fill plants, slurry and bi-component grout plants, and long-distance pumping systems, providing fully-automated material handling systems backed by quality service and parts.





Learn More









A History of Excellence





Based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Simem Underground Solutions has assembled a top-flight team of industry experienced engineers and designers, to deliver unquestioned solutions for the mining and tunneling community.













Tunneling





Featuring fully automated high-shear colloidal mixers, our bi-component grout, cellular concrete, and bentonite mixing plants offer unsurpassed mixing quality with reduced labor requirements and measurable raw material savings.  Globally renowned for their high quality and durable reliability, customers recognize our products as a mission critical necessity to ensure project success.









Mining





With decades of mining experience our dedicated team of engineers and designers provide custom backfilling solutions for the global marketplace. For projects requiring a fixed pastefill plant on surface or a semi-mobile cemented rockfill plant underground, a complete solution from initial concept through final commissioning is executed.





    


    

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December 3, 2018

                
        
OtterCrete
    


            

            
                            
        

    
    

        

  
A skid mounted series of grout plants featuring the VortiMix high-shear colloidal mixer which can be combined with agitation tanks, pumps, and full automation, making it ideal for a wide range of tunneling and mining applications












  Simem America
  









Features









Application





OtterCrete plants are used in a wide range of applications, including bi-component grout and hydrated bentonite production to support tunnel boring machine (TBM) operation and ground stabilization needs. OtterCrete plants produce lightweight cellular concrete, cement based grouts for jet grouting, deep soil mixing, water cut-off injection, slurry wall production, and more.






















Auxiliary Equipment





OtterCrete plants can be combined with a full range of auxiliary equipment, including containerized liquid storage and agitation tanks, silos, bulk bag unloaders, foam generators, and skid mounted pumping systems. This complete solution with standard capacities of 7.5m3/hr. (9.8yd3/hr.) and 10m3/hr. (13yd3/hr.), brings versatility and total cost convenience to projects worldwide.






















Pumping Systems





Pumping system design must consider many factors prior to operation.  Matching a pumping solution for a specific project application requires extensive knowledge to ensure a pumping system performs as intended.  Simem Underground Solutions, and its decades of experience with long-distance pumping of bi-component grouts, cellular concrete, and hydrated bentonite, designs and assembles complete systems guaranteed to perform.  System types incorporate piston, peristaltic, progressive cavity, centrifugal, and air-diaphragm pumps.  System come complete with associated power control units, instrumentation, and pipe cleaning assemblies.  Systems are prepared for field connection as independent components, skid-mounted, or fully containerized.

















    


    

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December 3, 2018

                
        
SealCrete for Tunnelling
    


            

            
                            
        

    
    

        

  
Simem’s SealCrete is a containerized series of grout plants featuring the VortiMix high-shear colloidal mixer.  SealCrete’s combined contents includes:  VortiMix Colloidal mixer, high pressure cleaning system, agitation tanks, pumps, and full automation.  These self-contained units are optimized for easy transport, installation, and modular high-output production versatility. 












  Simem America
  









Features









Application





SealCrete plants are versatile and most popularly used for the production of highly accurate bi-component grouts and hydrated bentonite mixes which support tunnel boring machine (TBM) operations.    A SealCrete plant’s ability to produce lightweight cellular concrete, perform jet grouting, deep soil mixing, water cut-off injection, plus slurry wall production – makes it the Swiss Army Knife of solutions. 



























Auxiliary Equipment





SealCrete plants can be combined with a full range of auxiliary equipment, including containerized liquid storage, agitation tanks, silos, bentonite pre-mixer, foam generators, and skid mounted pumping systems.  This range of complete equipment solutions, with standard capacities of 15-50m3/hr. (20-65 yd3/hr.), brings versatility and total cost convenience to underground projects worldwide. 



























Pumping Systems





Pumping system design must consider many factors prior to operation.  Matching a pumping solution for a specific project application requires extensive knowledge to ensure a pumping system performs as intended.  Simem Underground Solutions, and its decades of experience with long-distance pumping of bi-component grouts, cellular concrete, and hydrated bentonite, designs and assembles complete systems guaranteed to perform.  System types incorporate piston, peristaltic, progressive cavity, centrifugal, and air-diaphragm pumps.  System come complete with associated power control units, instrumentation, and pipe cleaning assemblies.  Systems are prepared for field connection as independent components, skid-mounted, or fully containerized.






















     


    

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December 3, 2018

                
        
WetBeton
    


            

            
                            
        

    
    

        

  
State-of-the-art batching and mixing “super plants”, scaled and configured to meet any output capacity or application.












  Simem America
  









Features









Innovative Design





Built and engineered to perform in the most demanding of environments which require predictable high-output ShotCrete and CRF production, WetBeton purposely incorporates modular design elements for expansion. The modular design allows WetBeton to be scaled without sacrificing plant continuity or production quality.






















Tunneling and Mining Solutions





The tunneling and mining businesses are continuously evolving. The requirements for increased quality control, process optimization, and an appetite to produce concrete at reduced unit prices are driving factors.





By assembling standardized components, while implementing a variety for capacity boosting modules, with a minimum footprint configuration results in an extraordinary cost/cy3 output production.





WetBeton for ShotCrete





WetBeton provides solutions for ShotCrete production





WetBeton for CRF





WetBeton provides solutions for CRF production






















Process Streamlining





The configuration of the batching and mixing plant is a key factor when ensuring production site process is optimally organized. Flexibility is one of the most important advantages of the WetBeton series, offering multiple solutions to match ever-changing situations.






















Simem@tic 3.0





Simem@tic 3.0 is the automation program with a friendly interface which displays all essential plant operation information. A full process sequence view (loading, weighing, recipe, discharge, washing, production listing, pending orders) with self-adjusting software for a predictable and repeatable outcome. All production data is recorded and stored in SQL database format providing detailed record of concrete production.

















    


    

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December 3, 2018

                
        
SUN Mixers
    


            

            
                            
        

    
    

        

  
Compulsory mixing action guarantees the most homogeneous mix in minimum mixing time. Steadfast design and quality build materials allow SUN mixers to address a variety of mixing applications for the tunneling and mining industries. Complete plants for truck mixers to precision concrete, recasting factories, mobile plants, construction site plants, and special mixing processes (powders, waste treatment, chemical components, etc.), SUN mixers are proven performers.












  Simem America
  









Features









Technical Features





    

  • Planetary Gearbox, Vertically Coupled to the Electric Driving Motor
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  • Transmission and Drive System is Concentrated Vertically and Center to the Mixing Tank
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  • Up to 4 Discharging Outlets can be Installed on SUN Mixers
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  • Main Control Board Connection is Pre-wired and Bolted to the Mixing Tank
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  • Steep Skip-rail Mounting and Sealed Material Dosing for Dustless and Fast Material Entry
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  • Each SUN Model Equipped with Ni-Hard Cast Iron Paddles and Wear Liners
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Mixing Efficiency





The mixing flow efficiency is due to the central stars in planetary rotation combined with different peripheral scraping shovel. The tank is internally covered by interchangeable panels made of wear resistant material, while the mixing paddles are manufactured with a Ni-Hard cast iron.






















SuperWash and MixerMind Electronic Check





SuperWash automatic washing unit is available as option, with electric pumps, 16 gal water flow, 2900 psi water pressure, full electronic control with a touch screen panel.





















Specifications





Model of SUN mixer452751150125013001
Dry filling capacity  l/cy450/0.6750/1.01,500/1.02,500/3.33,00/3.9
Output capacity  l/cy300/0.4500/0.71,000/1.31,700/2.22,000/2.6
Main mixing stars––222
Paddles per mixing stars22222
Side scrapers––222
Mixer drive motor  kW/hp11/1518,5/2537/5075/10090/125






    


    

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December 3, 2018

                
        
MSO
    


            

            
                            
        

    
    

        

  
A market benchmark thanks to 40 years and thousands of units manufactured to serve the global demand for concrete production. Known for their reliability, unquestioned durability, and their output of high volume concrete production, MSO twin shaft mixers boast strong design, easy maintenance, and high-quality componentry. This prescribed combination of engineered features provides the lowest maintenance cost per cubic yard of concrete produced.












  Simem America
  









Features









An Innovative Design





All mixing tanks of the Simem MSO twin shaft mixers are fully lined with high resistance tiles. Paddles and arms are bolted on two primary mixing shafts. The mixing arm design allows for different configurations to accommodate specific recipe applications. Hydro-dynamic engineering contributes to mixing paddles and arms reduce wear. This research and engineering technology also provides an optimized mixing result.






















Capable for a Range of Capacities





MSO mixers are available from 1.5 yd3 to 12 yd3 of concrete output. All MSO twin shaft versions are suitable for standard WET & SCC concrete, RCC concrete, and MASS concrete (with large aggregates).






















94% Efficiency





Simem MSO twin shaft mixers are equipped (as standard) with high efficiency planetary type gearboxes with a mechanical efficiency of up to 94%. Integrated oil cooling systems guarantee a proper working temperature which extended gearbox life and reduce maintenance costs.






















Automatic Greasing System





All Simem MSO mixers are equipped (as standard) with four special labyrinth mixer shaft seals. Seals are constantly lubricated by an electric drive grease pump with sensors to ensure proper functioning.






















Superwash mixer cleaning system





Simem exclusively designed orbital high pressure rotating wash heads are self-retracting and driven by an independent gearbox and electric motor.





Mixers are treated to a near 3,000 psi cleaning, leaving minimum residual concrete remains in the mixer tank.





More info about the SUPERWASH HERE.





















Specifications





MODEL15012001250130014001500155016001700190011200114001
Dry filling capacity          m3/cy     1.5/2.02/2.62.5/3.33/3.93.75/4.95/6.55.25/6.96/7.86.75/8.89/11.812/15.714/18.3
Compacted concrete      m3/cy       1/1.31.3/1.71.7/2.22/2.62.5/3.253.33/4.33.5/4.54/5.254.5/66/88/10.59/12
Output – wet concrete     kg/lb       2,400/5,2803,120/6,8604,080/8,9804,080/10,5606,000/13,2278,000/17,6008,400/18,5189,600/21,12010,800/23,76014,400/31,68019,200/42,24021,600/47,520
Compacted concrete     m3/cy    1/1.31.2/1.51.5/22/2.62/2.63/43/44/5.24/5.26/88/10.59/12
Max aggregates size       mm/in*         80/380/380/380/390/3.590/3.590/3.590/3.590/3.5100/4
Max aggregates size       mm/in* for HW version                   –––––150/6150/6150/6150/6180/7180/7180/7
Mixing Motors               kW/hp1×37/502×22/302×30/402×37/502×44/602×55/752×65/902×75/1002×90/1254×55/954×75/1004×90/125





* Depending on total mix design

    


    

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