Concrete pump receiving hoppers experience constant impact, abrasion and movement as agitator chutes load material into the pump. Without effective sealing, slurry loss, splash-back and material build-up can occur, creating safety risks, excessive clean-up and premature wear to surrounding equipment.
To address this, Reglin Rubber supplies flexible rubber sealing skirts designed to contain slurry within the hopper while allowing movement when the agitator chute contacts the sealing edge.
The sealing rubber must balance flexibility, abrasion resistance and durability, while also remaining compatible with any release agents used by operators.
Premium Soft Natural Rubber Skirting — Maximum Flexibility and Wear Life
For most applications, Reglin recommends premium 40 Duro natural rubber skirting, which provides:
- excellent flexibility to absorb chute impact without tearing
- strong abrasion resistance from sand and aggregate
- good UV and weather resistance for mobile equipment
- reliable sealing performance to minimise slurry loss
The softer compound allows the rubber to deflect when struck by the agitator chute, maintaining an effective seal while reducing mechanical stress and extending service life.
This option delivers the best overall wear performance where hydrocarbon exposure is minimal.
Nitrile Rubber Skirting — Improved Resistance to Diesel and Release Agents
On some sites, operators apply diesel, kerosene or release agents to prevent concrete from adhering to hopper surfaces. Prolonged exposure to hydrocarbons can cause swelling, softening and degradation of natural rubber compounds.
In these situations, Reglin supplies nitrile rubber hopper skirts, which offer:
- strong resistance to diesel and hydrocarbon exposure
- improved dimensional stability where release agents are used
- reliable sealing performance in contaminated environments
While nitrile rubber is typically less flexible and slightly lower in abrasion resistance than soft natural rubber skirting, it provides significantly improved durability when hydrocarbons are present, resulting in better overall service life for these operating conditions.
Selecting the Right Hopper Sealing Material
The choice between natural rubber and nitrile skirting depends largely on site practices:
- Natural rubber — best flexibility, impact absorption and wear life where diesel exposure is limited
- Nitrile rubber — preferred where diesel or solvent release agents are regularly used
Reglin Rubber works with customers to match compound selection to operating conditions, ensuring the sealing system provides reliable containment, long service life and reduced maintenance.
Custom Cut Hopper Skirts for Concrete Pump Equipment
Sealing skirts can be supplied in full rolls, cut lengths or custom profiles to suit a wide range of pump hopper designs and mounting arrangements, supporting both new installations and replacement maintenance requirements.
Contact Reglin Rubber to discuss your concrete hopper sealing application and obtain a material recommendation suited to your operating environment.