If the temperature of the concrete is too high when it is applied to a structure or a certain area, its durability and strength are compromised. In most situations, the cooling process can be completed by adding ice and chilled water to the actual concrete mix. However, in some cases, this process is insufficient and the aggregates need to be cooled as well. This is where aggregate cooling by water comes in. The advantages of aggregate cooling by water are numerous, and this process is applicable to construction projects everywhere.
The Cooling Process
The most reliable and efficient way to cool concrete aggregates is to place them on a belt conveyor along with some ice water. Once this is done, the aggregates can generally reach a temperature of 5 degrees Celsius within just a few minutes. However, the rapidity of this process is largely affected by how big the aggregates are. For instance, an aggregate that is at least 150 millimeters in size may take up to 35 minutes to cool, while an aggregate less than 80 millimeters in size may only require one to eight minutes to reach an optimal temperature.
One of the advantages of aggregate cooling by water is that the process can be completed much quicker than if it needed to be done with a cold stream of air. However, in order for the aggregate cooling process to take place properly, the cooling belt must first be equipped with a dewatering system. Additionally, these belts require a setting tank to properly handle the cooling process.
After the belts of the cooling system have ice water added to them, the liquid eventually makes its way to a sediment basin. Here, the mud, or sand, is separated from the water. Eventually, this water is chilled to an extremely cold temperature.
Faster, Reliable Cooling
As mentioned above, cooling the aggregates before application using water can speed up the cooling process and ensure the durability of the concrete once it is used. However, there are many other benefits associated with this process. For example, the aggregate cooling process is not difficult to set up. This means that those working on a project that requires concrete can cool the aggregates shortly after the need to do so arises.
Additionally, the tools and equipment needed to cool aggregates by water do not require a significant investment. These systems also do not require a ton of space to store. This means that those who specialize in concrete cooling can complete the process without sacrificing valuable space in their work area to cool aggregates before application.
Customer Benefits
Although the advantage of aggregate cooling by water mainly benefit those working directly with the concrete, the process has several different benefits for those who initiated the project as well. First, those who need to have the concrete pouring process completed on a certain day are more likely to stay within their timeframe if they take advantage of aggregate cooling. This ensures that other people working on the project are able to complete their part quickly, instead of being delayed by problems with the concrete.
Second, when water is used during the aggregate cooling process, it ensures that the concrete does not develop significant problems in the future. Since proper cooling can help concrete set properly after it is placed in a predetermined area, those who needed the concrete will likely find that it is less likely to crack or deteriorate over time. This also ensures that other structures placed on top of the concrete are secure.
Finally, aggregate cooling by water is a cost-effective process. Not only does this save the company responsible for cooling the concrete money, but it also helps the client reduce its overall project budget. The savings of aggregate cooling by water often translate to the client. As a result, the client may be able to dedicate more funds to aspects of their project that could benefit from a greater amount of capital.
SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Provides Quality Concrete Cooling Systems
Aggregate cooling with water is simply one aspect of some concrete cooling systems. Other systems may utilize aggregate cooling with air or may not focus on aggregate cooling as a cooling method at all. Regardless of the concrete cooling system and method being used SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC provides quality concrete cooling systems that are suitable for a full array of different situations and applications.