The CiDRA SMART HATCH is a system designed for monitoring concrete properties in a truck drum, providing real-time and archived data for drum rotation, concrete temperature, and air percentage. It is intended for use in the concrete industry to measure and report the air content of fresh concrete in a truck mixer drum while being transported from a batch plant to a job site. The system comprises a drum-mounted sensor, a chassis-mounted receiver module, an in-cab display, a cellular telematics module, a battery charger, and associated cables/connectors.
Function Description:
The SMART HATCH system automatically provides data for drum rotation, concrete temperature, air percentage, and sensor battery charge level. It operates when there is a minimum of approximately two (2) yards of concrete in the drum, the drum is rotating in the charge direction between 0.5 rpm and 6 rpm, the concrete slump is greater than approximately 2 inches, and the concrete water-to-cement ratio (w/c) is greater than approximately 0.3. Once these conditions are met, the SMART HATCH sensor begins initialization, which is complete after the drum rotates for eight (8) revolutions in the charge direction. After initialization, the concrete air percent and temperature are displayed. The system also offers advanced features such as reading optional hydraulic pressure and/or water meter sensors. Data from the SMART HATCH system is accessible through a web portal, providing real-time and archived information for fleet management.
Important Technical Specifications:
Power Requirements:
- Sensor (drum mounted): Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery, Nominal 7.2VDC, 4 Watts.
- Receiver Module: 9 to 16 VDC, 1 Watt (for Trucks with 12VDC Battery only).
- In-Cab Display: 9 to 16VDC, 1 Watt.
- Telematics Module: 9 to 32VDC, 7 Watts.
- Fuse Protection: An overcurrent protection device (fuse) must be installed on the supply side of the +12V ignition and +12V battery power inputs, with a fuse current rating of 10A to 20A. For Display Option 2, an in-line splash-proof fuse holder with a Mini Blade Fuse (Littelfuse 0297002H, 2A, 32V rated, Time blow fuse) is included.
Operating Temperature Range:
- Sensor Unit and Battery: -4°F to +140°F (-20°C to +60°C).
- Receiver Module: -4°F to +140°F (-20°C to +60°C).
- Display In-Cab: -4°F to +140°F (-20°C to +60°C).
- Battery Charging: 32°F to +113°F (0°C to +45°C).
- Concrete: Between 32°F to +122°F (0°C to +50°C).
Storage Temperature Range:
- Sensor Unit: -40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C).
- Battery: -40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C).
- Receiver Module: -40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C).
- Display In-Cab: -40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C).
- Caution: Battery packs should be stored in an environment with low humidity, free from corrosive gas at a recommended temperature range of 70°F (21°C). Extended exposure to temperatures above 113°F (45°C) could degrade battery performance and life.
Dimensional Envelope:
- Sensor Unit: 11.73 inches (297.94mm) x 13.19 inches (335.05mm) x 4.22 inches (107.19mm). Weight: 39 lbs (17.6 kg).
- Receiver Module: 6.33 inches (160.78mm) x 5.54 inches (140.71mm) x 2.79 inches (70.86mm) (excluding mounting tabs). Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg).
- Display (Option 1): 4.250 inches (107.95mm) x 3.522 inches (89.46mm) x 1.574 inches (39.98mm). Weight: 1 lbs (0.45 kg).
Altitude Limits: The sensor, receiver module, and display are rated for installations up to an altitude of 5,000m (16,404ft.).
Humidity Limits: Sensor and receiver module: 0 – 95%, non-condensing.
Degree of Protection:
- Sensor: IP67.
- Receiver: NEMA 4, IP66.
- Display: IP20.
Pollution Degree: Sensor and receiver module are rated for installations in Pollution Degree 2, / 4 environments. Display is rated to Pollution Degree 2.
Area Classification: SMART HATCH™ Mobile System is rated for use in non-hazardous areas only.
Usage Features:
- Installation Training: Requires satisfactory completion of an installation training program provided by CiDRA Concrete. CiDRA provides remote and/or on-site assistance.
- Sensor-to-Receiver Wireless Pairing: The sensor must be uniquely paired to the receiver module. This involves pressing and holding a pair button on both the sensor (located in the battery compartment) and the receiver module. LEDs on both devices blink green during pairing and light solid green for 2.5 seconds upon successful pairing.
- Telematics Configuration and Activation: The telematics module must be configured and activated by CiDRA Concrete Customer Support to associate it with the specific truck.
- In-Cab Display: Shows concrete air content (%), concrete temperature (°F or °C), drum speed (rpm), and sensor battery charge level (% remaining).
- Display Controls: Four pushbuttons allow navigation through menus to select display temperature units (°F or °C) and adjust display backlight.
- Web Portal: Provides real-time and archived data from the SMART HATCH system, organized for quick user access to fleet information. Training on setup and use is provided by CiDRA Concrete Customer Support.
- Battery Charger: The system comes with two batteries. One is used in the sensor, while the other is stored in the charger to ensure it's always ready. The charger has an indicator that blinks during charging and shows five solid bars when fully charged.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: The sensor face is made of a hardened material resistant to abrasion. Concrete build-up can be cleaned off the sensor casting surface, but hammers, chisels, or similar tools should not be used on the elastomeric surfaces.
- Preventative Maintenance: Regular inspection of the nut plate and sensor face is recommended. Any damage or excessive wear should be reported to CiDRA Concrete Customer Support.
- Fuse Replacement: In case of an electrical fault, fuse replacement should only be performed by trained service personnel.
- Battery Disposal: The "smart" lithium-ion battery is designed for several years of service. When it no longer holds a sufficient charge, it should be replaced. Used batteries should be disposed of locally in accordance with local and state regulations; they should not be returned to CiDRA Concrete Systems.
- Sensor Removal for Chipping: During routine drum "chipping," the SMART HATCH sensor should be removed to avoid damage.
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