What is a deep immersion vibrator? This is a construction tool that is used to compact the concrete mixture and remove excess air bubbles from the solution.
Concrete is one of the main building materials, without which it is impossible to do in the construction of any building. It is used to form the foundation of residential and technical buildings, create screeds, make slabs for paths, building blocks, etc.
The main components of concrete are sand, cement, crushed stone, water and various additional impurities. It can be gypsum, bitumen, expanded clay, pumice - it all depends on what properties need to be imparted to the finished structure.
One of the main conditions for concrete production is constant mixing. This must be done both for pouring the foundation of a multi-story building and for laying a path in a country house. The mixture of sand, crushed stone and cement is thoroughly mixed immediately before it is poured into the finished formwork. For this purpose, different concrete mixers are used - from small portable options to special industrial equipment.
Due to continuous stirring, air bubbles remain in the mixture, which do not have time to evaporate before it hardens. Especially if the thickness of the concrete layer is several tens of centimeters.
The remaining air does not have the best effect on the strength of the material - as a result of temperature differences, the compression and expansion of air and a solid concrete block occurs differently. Because of this, over time, the slab may begin to crack, crumble, and shrink additionally.
To compact the concrete mixture that has not yet hardened and remove air bubbles from it, deep (submersible) vibrators are used. They allow air to quickly rise to the surface and voids to be filled with material. In addition, thanks to the use of such equipment, raw concrete is more evenly distributed in shape, compacted, and interacts better with reinforcing structures.
What's happened?
So, an internal vibrator is an important tool for a construction worker. Basically, it has an electric drive, which makes it light and easy to carry. Two people are involved in working with a deep vibrator.
One holds the drive itself, the other lowers the main mechanism of the tool into the concrete. If we consider the design of a typical vibrator, it always consists of a drive, a flexible tip and an immersed part in the form of a flexible shaft. The operating principle of the device is simple.
Voltage is supplied to the drive motor, which provides torque to the flexible shaft, at the end of which there is an eccentric. The eccentric rotates, hits the walls of the submersible tip body, creating a vibration that destroys the voids inside the poured concrete, which leads to air escaping to the surface.
Concrete vibration process
to use a 220V deep vibrator in your work, especially in the corners, since this is where cracks often form. In addition, the vibrator assumes the formation of a smooth concrete surface, uniform settling of the filler, which is gravel, quartzite, granite, expanded clay and other filling options.
This allows the contents to be evenly distributed throughout the foundation structure, which increases the ability to withstand heavy loads. I would like to note that such a tool is rarely used to process the surface of the base. In this case, a vibrating screed is used. It is laid on the concrete surface and specialists stretch it across the entire area. Due to vibration, the surface is leveled and becomes smooth.
Operating principle of internal vibrator for concrete
The most common submersible vibrators of the electromechanical type include an electric motor, a flexible hose (drive mechanism) and a working tip (mace or bayonet) that emits vibration. A powerful electric motor (1 kW or more) has one or three-phase power supply from an alternating current network. Using a flexible shaft, the length of which can be from 1 to 7 m, the rotation of the rotor is transmitted to the vibrating tip.
The vibrating nozzle is a stainless steel tube for resistance to corrosion from aggressive concrete mortar. To protect against moisture, the ends of the drive hose are sealed with rubber gaskets, and the nozzle has a polymer sheath. Inside the nozzle, a massive eccentric steel shaft rotates on a bearing. The discrepancy between the center of gravity of the shaft relative to the axis of rotation leads to the appearance of vibration oscillations of the nozzle, the frequency of which depends on the rotation speed of the electric motor rotor.
The shape of the working part of the vibrating attachment can be cylindrical (mace) or conical (bayonet). The first is intended for compacting concrete in forms and formworks with normal reinforcement frequency. The second type of nozzle is used for dense reinforcing mesh of poured forms. The vibrator kit may include several vibration attachments and clubs of different diameters. The weight of the motor and the length of the flexible drive must be such that one person can handle the tool. If the length of the shaft is more than one and a half meters, then two people must operate the device.
Video: Portable concrete vibrator
Description and characteristics
The deep vibrator is generally light and has small dimensions, but it is better for two people to work with it. As we said earlier, the first worker will hold the tool itself and bring it to the desired place, and the second will pierce the concrete base using a submersible flexible shaft. As for selection issues, it is important to determine the characteristics of the tool, since they are fundamental. I would like to highlight the following characteristics:
1. Engine power. Each drive has a motor inside it. Here they divide models into household and professional. For models for domestic use, the power should not exceed one and a half kW. At the same time, less than 0.75 kW will also not be enough for domestic needs. For industrial operating conditions, a heavier and more powerful vibrator is required, with a power limit of 3 to 4 kW, inclusive.
2. Flexible shaft. It must have a length that will be greater than the size of the formwork, taking into account the depth of the foundation. Take the tool with a reserve. If your foundation has a depth of about 1 m, plus formwork, then you need to choose a flexible shaft length of at least 2 m.
From this point of view, it is convenient to rent a deep vibrator from those who have many different varieties. The vibrator is often used in layers. This is due to the fact that the depth tip can be of a fixed, small size. At the same time, when immersed in concrete, it should stick out slightly above the surface. Thus, another selection criterion is the length of the tip.
3. Tip diameter. This criterion is no less important. The tip is also called a mace. If we work with a larger diameter, we can process a larger volume of concrete in a short period of time. It is worth considering that during one immersion during vibration, no more than 10-12 cm in diameter is processed around even the thickest tip.
Therefore, even the thickest tip should be reusable over the entire base area. The work is difficult and requires a lot of effort, but you can guarantee the quality of the foundation.
4. Frequency of eccentric oscillations. This criterion even depends directly on the type of concrete you will use. Any concrete has a concept of grain size. This is due to the quality of the filler and the fraction used. Therefore, if you use coarse-grained concrete, it is better to use a low-frequency tool in your work, where the vibration value does not exceed 3500 in one minute.
As for high-frequency tools, they will work best with fine-grained concrete. If you are buying a tool for your home, it is best to pay attention to models with intermediate vibration values. This will help ensure that air is removed from the monolith or tape-type base.
5. Weight of the product. We said earlier that the weight is light. This applies to average models for household use. But, if we are talking about a professional tool, then its weight can reach 100 kg. This vibrator is equipped with a transportation system, and it must be rolled along the poured base. It must be emphasized that household tools weigh no more than 6-8 kg.
Kinds
As for the varieties, here the vibrator is represented by four main modifications. This concerns the principle of operation of the device, where electric type vibrators are most often found. They are easy to use, weigh less, but at the same time develop the required amount of eccentric vibrations.
In the electric modification, an important link is the electric motor, the power of which varies up to 4 kW, depending on whether the model is amateur or professional. Another type is pneumatic. It is not used for domestic needs, since this type of design and method of operation of the device requires the presence of an additional installation that will create air pressure.
The device is difficult to use, but has a fairly high efficiency. Diesel and gasoline vibrators are two more varieties on sale. These devices are autonomous, although they are the heaviest among the electrically driven varieties. Diesel engines are even cheaper, since they consume less fuel, and it costs a little less than the cost of gasoline.
Scope of application
They use a high-frequency deep vibrator in construction matters. For example, if you are going to build a private house, then you will need it. Having dug the foundation and prepared the concrete for pouring, they begin to fill the base. At the same time, every 20 cm of depth, the base must be passed through with a deep vibrator, at least every 30 cm. These will be so-called punctures, which will remove excess air.
Not only the strip base, but also the monolithic base is subjected to similar treatment. Some even “thick” floor screeds are processed using a deep vibrator, but the latter is much more convenient to do in combination with a vibrating screed. The scope of application covers private and capital construction, so any construction team must have such a tool.
Surface (area) models
This type is less common, but it can also be used in private housing construction, and in particular for the construction of baths. When constructing small structures, foundations are rarely very deep, often have a medium or shallow depth, so the use of surface concrete vibrators will also compact the solution well. In addition, it can then be used when pouring floor screed.
The selection parameters are the same - amplitude and frequency of oscillation, number of hours before failure, range of action. The vibrator motor itself is installed on the platform and tightened with bolts.
One of the options for a surface concrete vibrator
When working, it is important to tighten the bolts at the attachment points of the working platform. This will ensure better transmission of vibrations and will also prevent the motor from jumping off the mount. This must be done regularly - at least twice in a quarter of an hour.
Before work, the installation must be grounded, then turned on and slowly moved along the plane. To achieve a good effect, the treatment strips should overlap by approximately 10-20 cm.
DIY vibrator
The simplest deep concrete vibrator is made on the basis of a hammer drill. This is a ready-made tool that contains a button, an electric motor, and the ability to connect various attachments. As a nozzle we will use homemade products based on a round metal rod with a diameter of 8 mm.
But in order for it to fit normally into the hammer drill, it is necessary that its end be chambered for the SDS+ cartridge. Therefore, we buy absolutely any nozzle with such an ending, cut it off, and weld it to our rod. In this case, the length of the drive must be at least 1 m.
DIY deep vibrator from a drill
Let's go to the store and buy a plastic pipe for the water supply. You can take the cheapest pipe, with a diameter of 32mm. This is the outside diameter, so take a caliper and measure the diameter of the pipe from the inside. Next, we buy 3 bearings based on this diameter.
Taking into account that the internal diameter must match the diameter of our rod, which is 8 mm. If you have something on hand in slightly different sizes, you can use that too, as long as everything matches. It is necessary to place our 3 bearings on the shaft at equal intervals.
They should sit firmly and not move along the length. An eccentric must be welded onto the end of the shaft. That is, on one side it is necessary to weld a small plate, which, when rotated, will create vibrations inside the pipe. Next, we put our shaft with bearings installed on it onto a plastic pipe.
If you were unable to select the exact diameter of the bearings and there are gaps, you can use electrical tape, which you wrap over the bearing to seal it. As they say, yellow electrical tape will help in all matters. For additional compaction, you can bend the shaft slightly.
After you have inserted the shaft with bearings into the pipe, we put it on our hammer drill and turn on the vibration device. When you turn it on, you will notice that vibration occurs inside the pipe. The tip moves, creates vibrations, and the pipe itself also vibrates a little.
Thus, we will create the required amount of vibration and a do-it-yourself deep vibrator will solve our problems with pouring the foundation. Not much money will be spent on this, so if you have a hammer drill, the budget will remain the same. Assembly takes about 3 hours if you have the parts on hand.
Signs of sufficient compaction of the concrete mass
One of the signs is the absence of bubbles in the concrete mixture.
Compaction work with concrete can be carried out in two ways: manually and mechanically. However, it is difficult to achieve good results with manual compaction. Vibration is also not always possible to obtain the required homogeneity. On the one hand, the mixture may not be completely compacted, and on the other hand, it may delaminate due to excessive vibration.
The degree of compaction can be correctly determined using several parameters:
- there is no settling of liquid conglomerate;
- laitance with sand floats to the surface;
- there are no air bubbles;
- After removing the vibrator nozzle, the surface of the conglomerate quickly closes.
Is it profitable to rent a vibrator?
If you work in a construction team and are constantly involved with the construction of the foundation, then, of course, spending money on rent is not profitable for you. It’s better to invest once and purchase tools of proper quality. If you are a private person and are pouring a foundation, where work is usually completed within one day, then renting a deep vibrator is simply necessary for you.
There is no point in buying a tool that will then sit on your shelf and remain idle. Renting such an instrument is inexpensive, usually 400-800 rubles. in one day, so you can easily afford it.
At the same time, you will receive a guaranteed working tool, which you will then return and will not clutter up your own shelves in the garage. By the way, this is convenient in the early stages, since when construction begins there is simply no place where you could store it all. They brought it, worked, and returned it.
Price
If you are ready to buy this instrument as your own, then pay attention to the price segments of the domestic market. There are both cheap and expensive models, which differ fundamentally in their operating properties. , the red lighthouse deep vibrator has proven itself well .
In the price range for a deep-well vibrator up to 15,000 rubles, you can purchase a tool quite suitable for the job, with a shaft length of up to 3 m, and a power of 1300 W. This is a household tool that is suitable for pouring small strip foundations, floors, and other work with a light load. The vibration frequency is 3600 units per minute.
Club length 410 mm. The EPK-1300 deep vibrator fits the description . The wacker deep vibrator is expensive, but it is very professional. This is a simple and convenient submersible tool, which is available in modifications at a cost of up to 70,000 rubles.
It is quite powerful, so immediately buy a high-quality carrying case for it, since for Wacker Neuson IEC 45 models the current consumption is at least 4 amperes. The power here is 560 W, but despite this, it is highly efficient, thanks to the correct design. Flexible shaft included. The diameter of the club in this model is 45 mm.
No one has canceled the savings, so there are modifications on sale that cost no more than 2,000 rubles. Consider for yourself how good their construction is and how they will perform the job. Perhaps they will be enough for one time for your own home.
conclusions
From the review and rating it is clear that deep-seated vibrators are widely popular and famous among the citizens of our country in 2022. The list includes both Russian and foreign manufacturers of construction equipment and tools. The diversity of the product range allows you to find the most suitable device in terms of cost and purpose to ensure high-quality and reliable construction of various concrete and reinforced concrete structures and structures.
The high quality of deep-depth equipment allows you to perform long-term work on compacting concrete masses much faster, more reliably and more profitably. The resulting concrete structures, after treatment with deep vibrators, are highly durable, which is a very important characteristic of indestructibility during the construction of any object.
Flexible shaft of deep vibrator
The flexible shaft of the deep vibrator can be purchased separately. Often it comes standard with a tool, but you can purchase the right model for specific tasks. Its price is low, for example, for 1,500 rubles you can buy GROST VG 1.2/35.
Moreover, its length will be 1.2 m, diameter 35 mm, and weight about 3.5 kg. By the way, such an attachment can be purchased for a homemade device, which will save a lot of money. The option for deep work is considered to be model TDX 6 020515.
The device of the tip of the deep vibrator
It costs about 7,000 rubles. It should be used provided that it was not possible to process each layer step by step. The weight of this product is 8 kg. You should pay attention to the compatibility of this flexible shaft with a specific vibrator model.
Criterias of choice
It’s easier to choose the most suitable tool among a variety of models if you take into account important criteria when considering options.
Manufacturer
More reliable and durable concrete compactors are produced by well-known brands:
- Electroitel;
- Zitrek;
- Grost;
- ELITECH;
- Caliber;
- Sturm;
- VIBROMASH;
- Wacker Neuson.
Types
Depending on the design features, the tool is of the following types.
Vibrating tip. These are compact installations, the working part of which is a mace. The area of vibration propagation depends on the diameter of the tip.
Electric drive of the deep vibrator . This tool works from the network. The principle of its operation is to create a rotational force impulse, which is subsequently transmitted to a flexible shaft or mace.
High frequency vibrator . The most effective tool for high quality compaction. Its difference from other types of structures lies in the placement of the motor in the vibrating head. However, additional use of a converter is required for operation.
Flexible shaft with vibrating tip . The design consists of an electric motor, a flexible shaft and a vibrating needle. The engine can be petrol or diesel. It performs the function of transmitting rotational force to the flexible shaft, which in turn causes the needle to move. With its help, air bubbles are expelled.
By appearance
Concrete mortar compactors are divided into the following types.
- Mounted – is a component for vibratory pavers. Their main use is to compact mortar in unreinforced pours.
- Stationary – the device is equipped with a powerful engine and platform. It is advisable to use such a tool for large-scale work.
- Portable - characterized by a high compaction rate and compactness, which is achieved thanks to high-frequency vibration vibrations. Main area of application: pouring foundations, screeds, reinforced concrete products.
What drive
When choosing a drive type, you should be guided by the conditions under which you plan to operate the unit. Vibrators for concrete are available in the following versions.
Deep pneumatic vibrator Enar PNU 80
Hydraulic unit Mounted pneumatic vibrator VP-7
Pneumatic . The device operates only with a constant supply of air flow at a certain temperature. To operate the seal, you will need a compressor and special hoses. This type of drive is used mainly in models intended for large-scale pouring (for example, in factories, large construction sites).
Gasoline . The advantage of this type of vibrator is its mobility and independence from the electrical network. It is used in difficult conditions where access to communications is limited. The technical parameters of gasoline models are not inferior to electric devices.
Electric. This is a versatile and affordable option. The assortment includes a choice of different powers and club diameters. The only drawback is the need to connect to the network.
Power, W
All vibrators for concrete are divided into three groups according to power.
- Low-power devices are intended for domestic use or local work. They are lightweight, compact, and portable. This is an affordable tool.
- Medium power compactors are also used for local and domestic use. The maximum indicator does not exceed 2000 W.
- Professional models have a power of more than 2000 W. They are adapted to high and constant loads and are designed for long-term operation. Their area of application is pouring reinforced concrete products, monolithic construction.
The maximum power of the vibrator for concrete reaches 6600 W.
The power rating in gasoline models is measured in horsepower (hp).
Vibration frequency, rpm
This criterion is determined depending on the fraction of inclusions used in the solution. Mixtures containing small grains are treated with compactors with high frequency. Models with a low index are suitable for working with coarse-grained solutions.
Seals are produced with different vibration frequencies: from 1000 to 18780 rpm.
Shaft length, m
The indicator is selected taking into account the thickness of the concrete mixture with an addition of 1 m. Long shafts, reaching 15-20 m, are used in the production of reinforced concrete supports. For arranging the foundation, a working length of 2-5 meters is sufficient. In small areas, a short shaft (from 0.5 to 1 m) is sufficient to compact the floors. Shaft range – from 0.5 to 20 m.
Tip diameter, mm
An important parameter that reflects the effectiveness of the vibrator is the zone of its influence. In high-quality devices, this area is 10 times the diameter of the club. The indicator decreases due to poor quality of the tool or low power. An incorrect choice of tip diameter reduces productivity and reduces the properties of hardened concrete.
The range of club diameters used in different devices is 20-76 mm.
When working with concrete poured onto an armored belt, sealants with a tip diameter three times smaller than the interval between the grating bars are used.
Which manufacturer should you choose?
When choosing a manufacturer, you should pay attention to reviews. You need to communicate with those who have already purchased a similar item, and also control your own expenses. Moreover, if you plan to pour your own foundation, there is no point in overpaying for the manufacturer.
For example, in this case, a portable vibrator from Zitrek is suitable. Zitrek Z-900 r will operate from a household network of 220 volts, have small dimensions, have a flexible shaft of 2 m and a mace of about 35 mm in diameter. It is considered effective, convenient for home use and is suitable at all stages of foundation arrangement.
We need a semi-professional model. Please pay attention to the supplier “Industrialist”. For example, the Industrialist EP220 GV22651 has a shaft of 6 m, a mace with a diameter of 51 mm. It operates from a 220 volt network, has a cable length of 5 m, and consumes about 8.5 amperes.
Therefore, get a carrier of the proper cross-section for it. The entire model range from is characterized by a bright shade of red. Let's not forget about the company Red Lighthouse and wacker, who supply some of the best options for deep-seated vibrators today.
