Perlite and vermiculite concrete aggregates combined with portland cement and water produce a lightweight insulating concrete used for vinyl liner swimming pool bottoms, lightweight roof decks, floor fills, lightweight structural decks, insulation for steam and coolant lines, bases of cryogenic storage tanks, oven insulation, interstitial spaces in reconditioned water and sewer lines, interstitial floors in hospitals, lightweight pre-cast forms and blocks, statuary, basic fills, and many other applications where a lightweight permanent concrete is desired.

PADDLE MIXERS Perlite and vermiculite concretes mix better with paddle (and ribbon) mixers than "drum" or "barrel" mixers. Because the aggregates are so light, and the mixing times are so short, paddle mixers are usually recommended. Some possible paddle mixer manufacturers are: Muller Mixers Muller Mixer, owned by Terex, has been making paddle mixers for years. Blastcrete Equipment Co. (800-235-4867) Blastcrete makes machines which both mix, pump and spray. Gilson Mortar Mixers (Paddle Mixer) (800-253-3676 in Missouri) Gilson Mixers can often be purchased at local masonry centers such as Clayton's in New Jersey 1-800-300-1860. Strong Manufacturing Company in Pine Bluff, AK (501-535-4753) Continuous Mixers Please note: These companies and products have been used by contractors during the last few years. There are others being used, and probably many reputable companies whose names should be here. If you know of one, please let us know. Some possible paddle mixer distributors or dealers are: Clayton Masonry Centers (in New Jersey) at 800-300-1860 Trowel Trades (1-877-660-0077 ext. 178)

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