Go Boom

Despite the economic slowdown that is currently plaguing the country, the number of infrastructure projects is increasing, as is the demand for boom pumps. This is only likely to grow over the years, finds Shubhangi Bidwe.'The only constant is change,' stated Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher. And, true to its nature, change' is happening the world over. While India's infrastructure and real estate market gets bigger and refuses to pause, the construction equipment industry too, finds its way out on rough roads. Where a major part of construction activities can involve substantial amount of time, cost and hazards, boom pumps step in to expedite project execution. With big players moving in with their big offerings, it is definitely time to go boom!Market driversThe market for boom pumps has been growing at a fast pace since the last couple of years and will continue to do so for several more years, states AV Dikshit, Technical Director, Aquarius Engineers Pvt Ltd. According to him, the market is presently anywhere between 50 and 100 units a year, with maximum demand arising for boom placers in the 30 m class.In fact, major issues affecting the infrastructure sector are becoming a boon for this niche industry. Two of the primary factors driving the demand for boom pumps in India are the increasing labour shortage faced on construction sites, especially for concreting work, and the insistence on faster delivery of projects by clients. VG Sakthikumar, Chief Operating Officer, Schwing Stetter India, adds that The major requirement for these pumps is stemming from power and metro projects.ApplicationsBoom pumps are more suitable for commercial and infrastructure projects, avers Dikshit. They are usually not used for high-rise applications since their vertical height is limited to only 36 m or 43 m. Moreover, the launching of bigger boom pumps depends on the availability of suitable truck models, which are difficult to procure, and this in turn prevents them from being used for high-rise applications. he continues.Upcoming trendsContractors are increasingly opting for boom pumps that guarantee good value for their investments. For instance, A boom pump on a 2 axle truck that can be positioned in a congested area and meets the minimum height requirement, like in the construction of flyovers, bridges, etc, are more in demand, affirms Sakthikumar. Also, more often than not, contractors seek to reduce costs by selecting boom pumps with more economical parts. Secondly, features of the boom pump, such as the boom architecture, type of material used for making the boom section, layout of the pipeline and pipeline support used, hydraulic piping and supports, all play a major role in the selection of the right pump.Major innovationsWith the spurt in complex infrastructure projects, there is a growing demand for new and technologically advanced boom pumps. Companies are rising to this demand by launching new products. Amongst the leaders of the industry are Sany Heavy Industries, Schwing Stetter and Aquarius Engineers, who have launched a wide range of innovative boom pumps.Here is a brief view of these companies and their innovations:Sany's truck pumpA Sany Group company, Sany Heavy Industries is involved in all aspects of construction machinery manufacturing, with products as diversified as construction equipment, road construction equipment and cranes, etc, totalling 25 categories and more than 120 types. It includes concrete pumps, truck mounted concrete pumps, concrete batching plants, asphalt batching plants, rollers, asphalt pavers, motor graders, truck cranes, crawler cranes, etc. The company has recently launched a new boom pump called the Truck Pump, which is characterised by a full hydraulic open system, simple structure and high reliability and produces low shock due to electro-hydraulic buffering and differential pressure sensor technology incorporated into the product. Sany's technology of automatic reversing pistons makes the pump more highly-efficient for check, repair and replacement of concrete pistons (wearing parts). With mounted wireless remote controllers, it can be operated more easily, and less space restriction is imposed. Its arm supports are made of 1,000 MPa high strength steel, more powerful in fatigue resistance. The level of safety and reliability is raised by a Rollix swing bearing, imported and used as the main component of slewing mechanisms. Sany also offers some inbuilt advanced features for safety and better performance, like single-side support technology, anti-tilting control technology, SYMC special control system patented by the company, along with a boom vibration control system, to name a few.Schwing's S-effectSchwing Stetter India, a 100 per cent subsidiary of the Schwing Group of Companies GMBH, is the pioneer of the Indian concrete construction equipment industry. The company has introduced path breaking products in the Indian concrete pumping industry and recently unveiled three new models of boom pumps in the market:S20: This pump is available with a 20 m boom and is the most favoured pump for bridge construction. Its RZ boom is suitable for spaces with height restrictions, making it highly suitable for tunnel lining. The pump is designed with an unfolding height of 3.85 m, which enables it to work in cramped spaces like low-roofed buildings.S36: This boom pump has been mounted for the first time in India on a MAN truck fitted with a 1620 Pumpkit. It is ideal for the construction of metro stations, power plants, etc and can also be mounted on Ashok Leyland and AMW Chassis.S43: The S43 is mounted on a 4 axle MAN Truck and comes with five boom sections. The RZ fold also offers flexibility to the users. This is the biggest boom pump available today on a 4-axle truck in India.Aquarius' RMC solutionAquarius Engineers, since its establishment in 1981, has grown into a multifaceted, multi-venture, manufacturing conglomerate. The company offers several models of boom pumps including concrete boom pumps - starting from 20 m up to a vertical height of the 36 m of the boom - and stationary boom placers.The core pump used is the latest in the world with the 'S-Valve' transfer tube system. In boom pumps, the use of proportional hydraulic valves allows the speed of the boom segments to be varied from the remote control unit. The 'Z-Fold' boom system ensures that it can be used for under-roof applications.Aquarius Engineers also recently launched the 20 m concrete boom pump, which is most suitable for the RMC industry. This boom pump is designed for smaller reach jobs, where set up areas are restricted.Future outlookGiven these latest introductions, it is evident that the demand for these pumps is likely to continue in the midst of infrastructure development. What remains to be seen is how the growth trend follows this year!To share your views on the market for boom pumps, write in at feedback@ASAPPmedia.com