Make sure the pump and hose are cleaned out from the previous pours. A clean hose is essential for a good pour. Note that cleaning it may be your first step if the concrete pump has not been properly taken care of before you set it up to pour.
The next step assumes that you have set the pump up near the site where the concrete is needed. It also assumes that you have a clean hose or that you have just completed the cleaning process.
Set the hose up with the proper straps and cables and secure it to a fixed point on the boom. The next step is to prime it. You want to lubricate it using a gel so that the horizontal section has the mix running down the lower half and allows the upper part semi-dry. The concrete mix can still get through the upper portion if this is the case. Visit: http://peakconcretepumping.com/types-of-services-from-concrete-pumping-goldcoast/ for types of services from concrete pumping.
Turn on the pump and have someone working on priming the hose. This step involves pushing it up. Trust gravity to bring it down as it needs to. Primer will get to the high point of the boom and then flood down to wet the rest of the pipe. Count the strokes so you can be consistent once the concrete mix starts flowing downwards. You want the mix to come out smooth and counting is a good way to get it to do so.
As the pour comes out it will be wettest first. Hold off on pumping to avoid making mud out of the mist that is up at the top. Give the pump time to get the mix flowing properly continue pumping the same as before but watch out for any pressure buildups.
The more the pumping goes on the more you will get a feel for it. You will sense the pump when it becomes harder to pump. This is a sign it might be plugging up. Adjust your pumping to accommodate this. Run it on half-throttle as this helps you feel the pressure building sooner. This lets you change your pumping strokes as needed to prevent a clog. Click here for more information regarding impingement kinematics between circular and pumping strokes.
Even if a plug builds you can fix it. Work it out using the slump to let the mud mix correct itself and keep priming until the mix is all the way out.
Do not prime dry concrete. This will almost certainly cause it to plug up. Plugging up the chute of the machine is a bad thing. This is sure to stop the water and concrete mix from blending correctly. Think in terms of keeping everything flowing together in the right balance. Keep the pump moving.
Remember that properly priming the pump is the key to a successful, smooth pour. Once you have the priming done and you watch for any plugs as the pour goes on you should have success in pouring the concrete just right. Also, make sure to have a clean hose before you even start pumping and pouring concrete.
