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Is Post-Pour Cooling Always Necessary in Concrete Cooling Systems?

If you often work with concrete you probably already understand the importance of having a reliable concrete cooling system in place. Otherwise, the high temperatures caused by the exothermic chemical reaction during the production of concrete can cause the final product to be less durable, more susceptible to cracking, non-uniform, and not as strong. However, there are many different options available for concrete cooling and you may be unsure exactly what you need.

One such component of some concrete cooling systems is a post-pour cooling system. In order to understand if you need this type of cooling, you first have to know what post-pour cooling is and then you can ascertain if you need it or not.

What is Post-Pour Cooling?

Post-pour cooling is a system that cools concrete after it has been poured. This type of system is generally used with extremely high volumes of concrete such as with big dams, large foundations, and some concrete highways. The system uses containerized water chillers and a piping system to cool concrete from the inside.

Pipes are laid in the area where the concrete is going to be poured. After the concrete is poured, the pipes are inside. Water is released into the pipes from the containerized water chillers. The water normally begins at about 40°F and ends at about 50°F.

The chillers that are used are similar to chillers used to cool the mixing water. However, these containers are a bit more mobile. This mobility allows you to make sure that you get water to every part of the concrete. As the project progresses, you can move the water to the newer parts.

Why is Post-Pour Cooling Generally Not Needed?

There are a few reasons why post-pour cooling is generally not used:

  • High Start-up Cost – The initial investment for post-pour cooling is quite high. This tends to keep people from using it unless it is absolutely necessary.
  • High Operational Cost – Since water is continuously run through the pipes until the massive amounts of concrete are completely cooled, the operational costs is also quite high.
  • Delicate Process – One of the biggest reasons why post-pour cooling is generally not used is that the process is quite delicate. There are a number of factors—pipe size, spacing between pipes and temperature of water. If each of these factors is not just right, your concrete is more susceptible to cracking.

The bottom line, however, is that post-pour cooling is generally not used because it’s not necessary. For most concrete applications other, standard methods of concrete cooling, will be sufficient to properly cool the product. However, when more intensive cooling is needed, post-pour cooling is a great option.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Can Customize Your Concrete Cooling System

Whether you need post-pour cooling or not, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can customize your concrete cooling system. We realize that not every business is the same, so not every business needs the same cooling system. When you work with SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC you get the option to purchase exactly what you need. We strive to provide you with the best machinery, products, and service possible for your individual needs. If you believe you need a post-pour concrete cooling system, or any type of concrete cooling system, contact us and let us help you get the system that is right for your company.

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Fish Cooling and the Pros and Cons of Shell Ice

Keeping your fish properly stored and cooled is extremely important to your livelihood if you are a fisherman. If your catch isn’t kept at a proper temperature it can spoil, which results in wasted goods and loss of income. There are a number of cooling methods, and shell ice is one way to keep your catch accurately cooled. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you decide what storage solutions work best for your industrial cooling system.

Pros of Using Shell Ice

One of the biggest pros of using shell ice is that it lasts longer than many other forms, making it ideal for longer fishing trips or for boats that may encounter bad weather that can inadvertently lengthen the days at sea. Research has shown that shell ice can remain workable for seven days. As with all ice, shrinkage of shell ice occurs over time, but less so than with many other types.

Ice in general is the preferred cooling method on commercial boats, as it is cost-effective, versatile, and works to cool the fish right away. It also doesn’t bring in potentially toxic or foreign chemical agents, which keeps the fish safe for consumers.

Cons of Using Shell Ice

While shell ice can be beneficial in many situations, there are some cons to using it. Towards the end of seven days, the ice can be quite dirty. This can affect the quality of the fish and may even make it unusable if too much of the dirt and grime contacts the fish.

If fully surrounding the fish is necessary, other types of ice such as slush ice may be better in order to cool the product effectively and quickly. Shell ice, and any type of ice, is also not as effective with seafood that needs to stay alive, such as lobster and crab. Ice can help keep the product cool in an indirect way, but cool seawater is typically the most effective cooling method in that situation. There are a number of alternate cooling products that SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers for such occasions.

Planning for Your Trip is Crucial

A good fisherman knows that part of a successful fishing voyage is the planning process. Running out of ice part way through the trip can ruin the product and make the journey a waste. It is crucial that you take into consideration the amount of storage space that you will need for ice. Relevant factors include the length of the trip, the size of the boat, how much fish you plan on catching, and whether the boat has ice-making capabilities on board.

How much ice you take on the trip will also depend on what type of fish is being caught. Small, medium, and large fish all have different ice considerations and you should plan accordingly. You also want to take into account the local ambient temperatures so that you can anticipate ice loss due to heat gain in containers or hold. The fish market should also be a consideration. Fish that are of high value, such as bluefin or yellowfin tuna, swordfish, or mahi mahi, have stringent icing requirements compared to fish meant for local consumption.

The type of storage available will also determine how much ice is needed. The sizes of the hold space as well as the fact if it is insulated or not will make a big difference. One way to know if you have estimated the correct amount of ice is to measure it at the end of every trip. After all of the fish has been taken out, there should be some ice left over.

Make sure that your fishing expedition is successful by using the right cooling system. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC has a number of shell ice systems that can be designed and customized for your boat’s size and your fishing needs. Contact us for more information.