Water reduction at constant slump or increased flow at a constant water-to-cement ratio
All four FLUENTIS grades are based on polycarboxylate ether. The polymer side chains help keep cement particles dispersed. This allows either a reduction in mixing water at equal workability or an increase in workability at a constant water-to-cement ratio. Define the test objective before comparing grades.
- Water reduction at equal workability. With appropriate mix design and curing, reducing the water-to-cement ratio can improve strength and durability and reduce permeability.
- Increased flow at constant water content. This can facilitate pumping and the production of self-compacting concrete. Check stability, segregation and bleeding separately.
- Workability retention. Measure workability from batching through transport, waiting, pumping and discharge against the project limits.
- Mix optimization. Validate changes to water or cement content in trial mixes. For mass concrete, assess their effect on heat of hydration and temperature within the concrete mass.
All four datasheets refer to the possibility of obtaining concrete of grade ≥ C85. Achieving this grade depends on the materials, mix design, production, curing and laboratory verification.
Grade selection by concrete temperature and transport time
HW-510 · Cold seasons and faster hardening
For ready-mixed concrete in cold seasons and projects that require faster hardening. The datasheet refers to transport for one hour or more without loss of workability in cold climates. Verify this period using the project's concrete temperature, cement and actual discharge time.
HM-530 · Transitional seasons and workability retention
Introduced for ready-mixed concrete in transitional seasons. The datasheet refers to slump retention in warm conditions and over substantial transport distances. Assess slump loss up to discharge and mix stability during pumping.
HS-550 · Summer and very hot conditions
A summer-grade hyperplasticizer with high slump retention at elevated temperatures and during long hauls. Measure slump loss over time at a concrete temperature representative of site conditions and assess setting time when selecting the dosage.
HS-550B · Summer, long hauls and specified solids content
Introduced for ready-mixed concrete in hot weather and during long hauls, with very high slump retention. The datasheet specifies an amber colour and 40 ± 1% solids. Use the effective dosage from trial batches to compare costs per cubic metre.
Common listed applications include self-compacting, pumpable, high-strength, high-performance and high-durability concrete. Mass concrete is listed for HM-530, HS-550 and HS-550B. Low-permeability concrete is explicitly listed for HW-510, HM-530 and HS-550.
Technical specifications for the four FLUENTIS grades
| Property | HW-510 | HM-530 | HS-550 | HS-550B |
| Chemical base | Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) | Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) | Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) | Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) |
| Physical form | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid |
| Colour | Dark brown | Colourless to amber | Dark brown | Amber |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.08 ± 0.02 | 1.08 ± 0.02 | 1.09 ± 0.02 | 1.09 ± 0.01 |
| pH | 4–6 | 3–5 | 3–5 | 3–5 |
| Solids content | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 40 ± 1% |
| Freezing point | Approximately 0 °C | Approximately 0 °C | Approximately 0 °C | Approximately 0 °C |
| Chloride content | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Alkali content | Approximately 1% | Less than 1% | Less than 1% | Less than 1% |
| ASTM C494 classification | Type F | Type F | Type F & G | Type F & G |
The values come from the supplied datasheets. Only HS-550B has a stated solids content. Solids content alone does not establish the active polymer content or provide a basis for direct dosage conversion between grades.
Technical references listed in the datasheets
- ASTM C494 Type F for HW-510 and HM-530.
- ASTM C494 Type F & G for HS-550 and HS-550B.
- EN 934-2 and Iranian National Standard ISIRI 2930-2, Tables 3-1 and 3-2, for all four grades.
The application notes also refer to EN 206 for consistency classes, exposure conditions and durability requirements. For project approval, check the datasheet edition, grade-specific test report and trial mix results against the contractual acceptance criteria.
Select the initial dosage using the correct units
| Grade | Recommended range | Basis stated in the datasheet |
| HW-510 | 0.10–0.80% | Volume-to-weight (v/w), based on cement weight |
| HM-530 | 0.10–0.80% | Percentage by weight of cement |
| HS-550 | 0.15–1.00% | Percentage by weight of cement |
| HS-550B | 0.10–1.00% | Percentage by weight of cement |
The English HW-510 datasheet uses a volume-to-weight basis (v/w). Confirm the calculation basis and dosing equipment units before setting the dosage. For a mass-based dosage, multiply the cement mass by the dosage percentage and divide by 100 to obtain the admixture mass in kilograms. To set a pump in litres, divide the admixture mass by its density in kilograms per litre.
Trial batch comparison protocol
- Record the reference mix, cement, aggregate moisture and concrete temperature. Correct the effective mixing water for aggregate moisture.
- For water-reduction trials, compare dosages at the same target slump. For flow improvement trials, keep the water-to-cement ratio constant.
- Measure slump or slump flow, as appropriate, from batching to the planned discharge time. Record concrete temperature, stability, setting time and strength at the ages specified by the project.
- Select the dosage that meets acceptance criteria under actual transport and placement conditions. Compare the cost of the actual dose per cubic metre of concrete.
Mixing sequence, compatibility and storage
If aggregates are dry, pre-mix them with part of the mixing water as directed in the datasheets. Add the admixture to the mixer with the mixing water. The HM-530, HS-550 and HS-550B datasheets specify at least five minutes of uniform mixing when the admixture is added in a truck mixer.
Admixture compatibility
The datasheets list reactive silica fume, air-entraining admixtures, expansive agents and shrinkage-reducing admixtures. The HW-510 datasheet refers to AX100 accelerator for cold conditions. The HM-530, HS-550 and HS-550B datasheets refer to R200 retarder for very hot conditions or very long hauls. Verify dosage, addition sequence and the combined effects on setting and workability in trial mixes.
Packaging, storage and safety
The datasheets list 20-litre containers, 220-litre drums, and 1,000-litre IBC or bulk supply by arrangement. The minimum stated shelf life is one year when stored dry in the original sealed packaging at 5–35 °C. Read the safety data sheet and packaging instructions before use.
Project information for a grade recommendation and quotation
- Concrete type, strength grade, target slump or slump flow, and placement method
- Cement type and content, supplementary cementitious materials, and other admixtures
- Concrete temperature, transport and waiting times, discharge time and setting requirements
- Concrete volume, order quantity, packaging and delivery location
Prepare the project details and trial batch results for the Parsman Chemical technical team.
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