A Closer Look at Concrete Cooling Systems: Post-Pour Cooling

The exothermic chemical reaction that takes place during the mixing of concrete can cause temperatures to exceed 200°F. When concrete is poured at such high temperatures this typically results in reduced tensile strength, tendency to crack, and non-uniformity. This means that high pouring temperatures can lead to low quality finished concrete.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants to help your business produce the best concrete possible. This means that you have to have a concrete cooling system. There are many different customizable aspects of a concrete cooling system. In order to get the best system for your projects it is important to understand all the various concrete cooling methods. Let’s take a look at one of the final lines of defense for cooling concrete: post-pour cooling.

About Post-Pour Concrete Cooling Systems

Post-pour cooling systems do exactly what the name suggests: these systems are used to cool concrete after it has been poured. Generally containerized water chillers are used to pump cold water through a piping system. When water is released from the containers it is normally at about 40°F. By the time it makes it through the pipes it is at about 50°F.

These chillers are similar to chillers used to cool the mixing water. The difference is that these are a bit more mobile. As the construction progresses, you have to be able to move the chilling containers so the newer parts can be chilled post-pour.

When Post-Pour Cooling Is Necessary

In huge concrete structures such as dams, foundations and some concrete highways concrete has to be cooled after it’s been poured. After the concrete is poured, but before it is completely solid, cooling helps shrink the concrete which reduces the possibilities of cracking. However, while post-pour cooling is useful and important for these very large concrete projects, it is not typically the primary concrete cooling system. For most concrete projects sufficient cooling can be accomplished by cooling mixing water and aggregates prior to pouring. However, in situations where the concrete won’t cool adequately using these traditional measures alone, a post-pour cooling system is extremely useful and important.

Options for Post-Pour Cooling

When you’re looking at putting some sort of post-pour cooling system in place, you have to consider your options.

  • Cooling Pipe Size – One thing you have to consider is the cooling pipe size. It is important that you work with a company like SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC who can help you choose the right pipe. If this system is not put together just right it can reduce the quality of your concrete.
  • Spacing – Another option you have to keep a close eye on is the spacing of the pipes. Each project may require different spacing to optimize the post-pour cooling technique.
  • Temperatures – The temperature of water that you use can also be an important option. If any of these details are off, it can cause irreparable damage to the concrete.
  • High Initial Costs – Another thing to consider as you look at these options is that post-pour cooling has a high initial investment cost.
  • High Operating Costs – It also has a high operating cost because the volume of water used is generally quite high.

There are many options that you have to consider in a post-pour cooling system.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Delivers Quality Post-Pour Cooling Systems

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants your business to be the most productive that it can be. That means that we want to help you customize the ideal concrete cooling system for your projects. If post-pour cooling is the right choice, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you get exactly what you need. Regardless, we will help you determine the best concrete cooling system, whether it involves post cooling or not.

/by

The Pros and Cons of Flake Ice for Fish Cooling

Anyone in the industry of transporting fish knows that you have to keep it cool. Otherwise you run the risk of selling bad products to your customers. Spoilage begins as soon as the fish dies, so it is important to take great care to keep the fish as fresh and cool as possible. Once they start going bad, spoilage cannot be undone.

When you are considering how best to keep fish cool, you have a few options to consider. There are several different types of ice that you can use—block ice, slush ice or flake ice—or even chilled seawater. However, this article is going to focus on helping you understand exactly what flake ice is, and then focus on the pros and cons of flake ice. Be sure to check out our series on the pros and cons of other types of ice.

What Is Flake Ice?

Flake ice, also sometimes referred to as scale ice, is large, flat, thin pieces of ice. It’s normally formed in a drum. It is made by contact freezing a film of water on the inner or outer surface of the drum. The ice is sub-cooled, so that it becomes extremely brittle. Once the ice is cracked it falls due to gravity into the ice store.

Flake ice has to be stored in freezers below freezing in order to keep it fresh and usable for the transportation of fish. Flake ice is commonly used to chill fish and other food products; however it is also used in an array of other industries that require effective cooling systems, such as the concrete industry for example. When transporting fish it can be stored at above freezing for moderate lengths of time without too many problems.

The Advantages of Flake Ice

Just as with other types of ice, there are some advantages to using flake ice to transport fish. Understanding these pros will help you ascertain if flake ice is the ice you need to help you keep your fish cool and fresh.

  • Easy to Use – Compared to crushed ice, flake ice is easy to use because it does not require you to crush it.
  • Efficiently Fits Around Fish – Flake ice can also be packed well around the fish, which makes it a very efficient cooling agent.
  • Moisture Retention – As the flake ice melts, it moistens the fish which helps them not lose weight. The initial melting also forms a thin skin which helps slow down the melting of the remaining ice.
  • Safety – Ice that is made from clean sources does not introduce bacteria or additives that other methods of refrigeration might introduce.
  • Convenience – Flake ice is easily manufactured, stored, and transported.
  • No Extra Equipment – Unlike with crushed ice, you do not need any extra equipment to use flake ice. This in turn helps save valuable space on-board ships.
  • More Surface Area – Flake ice has more surface area than many other types of ice. This allows it to cool faster than other ice.

Flake ice can be quite advantageous in the transportation of fish. It may be just the ice that your business needs.

The Disadvantages of Flake Ice

While there are many pros to using flake ice to cool fish, there are a few cons that must be discussed as well. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants to make sure that you have all of the information necessary to make the best decision for your business.

  • More Surface Area – While the surface area is a plus due to its increased cooling potential, it is also a disadvantage because that means it is more likely to melt.
  • Space Efficiency – Flake ice tends to take up more room than crushed or slush ice, and considerably more room pound-for-pound than solid block ice.
  • Requires Large Capacity – Because it takes up more room, a larger capacity is needed to do the same amount of cooling.
  • Possible Caking at Sides or Bottom – One of the drawbacks of using flake ice is that it can result in caking at the sides and bottom of the transportation area.

Knowing the pros and cons of different fish cooling agents will help you understand what is best suited for your business’s needs.

How Can SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Help?

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you figure out what type of fish cooling strategy is best for your business. If you already know what is best, we can also help you get the customized machinery and equipment that you need. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers completely customizable equipment. We strive to give you the best products and services available, so that you can pass on that quality in the form of fresher, delicious fish to your customers. Don’t use a product that isn’t right for your business. Talk to SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC today to get a better understanding of your ice-related needs.

/by

Methods for Cooling Papayas After Harvest

Due to the increase in demand for the tropical papaya fruit, the number of farmers growing this delectable food has increased. With that demand comes the need for knowledge of the best methods for cooling papayas after harvest along with the safest ways to store the fruit. For those working in the field of papaya production, here is an informative guide to harvesting, cooling, and preparing papaya for hungry consumers around the globe.

A Brief History of the Papaya

Originating in Mexico and Central America, the exotic, tropical, and delicious papaya is a fruit with an incredible history. Before it was grown in the United States, India, and parts of Africa, the native peoples of Latin America cultivated this large, orangey-pink fruit. Used for soups or stews and eaten raw, the fruit was a staple in the diets of the native tribes. The seeds were even used to treat parasites, ringworm, and general stomach aches. The flesh of the fruit was eaten to decrease constipation and revitalize health. Today people all around the world still enjoy this fruit and its amazing flavors and benefits to the human body. It’s no wonder that Christopher Columbus dubbed it the “Fruit of Angels.”

When to Pick Papayas

Before a papaya can be cooled and readied for shipment, it has to be picked at the correct time. When papayas are just beginning to grow, their skin is green and hard. As the fruit matures, the skin will transform into a golden yellow color. When about 20% to 33% of the skin has turned yellow, the fruit will be ready to pick. However, if a papaya is left on the tree even after part of the skin has turned yellow, the fruit will become sweeter due to the increase of sugars. This means a more pleasant and rich flavor for the consumer.

Decrease Respiration Rates

One of the most important aspects of post-harvest cooling and storage is keeping the rates of respiration in the papayas quite low. If the respiration rate increases, the fruit will lose flavor, density, and nutritional value. Therefore, papayas must be stored at cool temperatures immediately after harvesting them from the plant. Here are some guidelines for controlled atmosphere temperatures based on the ripeness of the papayas.

  • Ripe, more than ½ of the fruit is yellow: 45° F; 7° C
  • Partially ripe, ½ to ¼ of the fruit is yellow: 50° F; 10° C
  • Immature green, less than ¼ yellow: 55° F; 13° C

A higher controlled atmosphere temperature will result in higher respiration rates. Thus, anyone harvesting papayas should maintain a constant cooling temperature for post-harvest storage to increase the lifespan of the fruits. It is also imperative to store the papayas under 90% to 95% humidity rates. This highly moisturized air will be similar to the tropical atmosphere the papaya was grown in and will result in more uniform ripening as well.

Be Aware of Ethylene

Another factor to keep in mind when cooling papayas is the fruit’s production of ethylene. A compound produced by certain fruits as they ripen, ethylene can be harmful to a farmer’s crop. When a fruit, like a papaya, is stored next to other fruits in tight quarters, the ethylene produced by the papaya will begin to ripen the other fruit as well. Unfortunately, this can lead to the growth of disease and rot in the produce. Therefore, to help ensure the best taste and quality, most fruits, including papayas, and vegetables, should be stored separately and away from other produce and meat products.

Shelf Life

After papayas have been picked and cooled, their shelf life ranges from 3 days to a month. This wide range depends upon the ripeness of the fruit. Papayas that are fully ripe and sent to market will have a stable shelf life of 2 to 3 days. However, fruit that is mostly green can be stored in a refrigerator between 39 °F and 40°F for close to 30 days. Papayas that are about halfway ripe will have a shelf life of 5 to 7 days.

Building a Cooling System

Farmers looking to increase their crop loads and provide the healthiest, tastiest, and highest quality produce should invest in a cooling system for their harvesting productions. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC provides industrial cooling systems based on customer specifications for the types of produce clients need to prepare their produce for shipping and selling. While the best methods for cooling papaya after harvest are listed above, a farmer cannot be successful without the proper equipment. Therefore, investing in an industrial cooling system will be a great benefit to the farmer and the customer wanting fresh, nutritious and delicious produce.

/by

The Pros and Cons of Chilling Fish With Slush Ice

Within the commercial fishing industry, proper storage techniques are of paramount importance. If the freshly caught fish are not kept at the proper temperature, they deteriorate, and the entire shipment is ruined. Of the many cooling methods supplied by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, a system bolstered by slush ice is one of the most beneficial. In using this method, commercial fishing businesses ensure the protection of their stock.

The Origins of Slush Ice

When trying to preserve fish, low temperatures are essential to preventing the development of bacteria as well as spoiling. Over the years people have devised numerous cooling methods. One of the most popular is slush ice, which is produced simply by mixing water and ice together. Though slush ice does not chill fish as quickly as other cooling methods, there are still several important advantages associated with this cooling system.

Slush Ice Is an Effective Cooling Agent

Due to its composition, slush ice easily reduces the temperature of fish to zero degrees. The ice is usually placed within small, insulated tubs that promote a low-temperature environment. Once placed within the tubs, the fish quickly cool and remain fresh throughout the length of their shipment. As a result of its impressive cooling abilities, slush ice is becoming popular within many sectors of the fishing industry, particular shrimping companies.

Slush Ice Is Easy to Produce and Transport

Convenience is another huge advantage to using slush ice. Unlike other cooling systems, it is not difficult to transport and can be fashioned to fit into the confines of almost any container. Furthermore, ice is a resource that people can attain in almost any location. As long as they have access to clean water and a cooling agent, they can produce as much ice as they need. When a clean water source is not readily available, workers can treat their available water supply with a purification technique.

Slush Ice Keeps Fish Well-Preserved

Without ice, it is likely the entire fishing industry would collapse. Few other resources are capable of preserving food for such long periods of time. After fish are caught, the ice maintains their freshness through each stage of the transportation process. It is only through slush ice and other cooling systems that customers are able to indulge in fresh, tasty seafood. Without such resources, fish would no longer be a viable commodity.

Slush Ice Helps Fish Retain Moisture

Slush ice is composed of essentially two elements: ice and water. Whereas the former functions as a cooling system, the latter preserves the moisture of the fish. When fish are refrigerated, they have a tendency to dehydrate and diminish in weight. Not only does water retain moisture, but it also assists in the cooling process. As the water evaporates, it promotes increased heat transport and cools the fish more quickly. This reduces the chance of spoiling and keeps the fish as fresh as the day they were caught.

Drawbacks to Using Slush Ice

While slush ice is an overwhelmingly effective cooling method, it does have a few drawbacks. For instance, when there is too much water in the slush ice, it may melt and leave the fish exposed to higher temperatures. By simply having workers monitor the liquidity of the ice, however, this problem can be avoided. Another limitation of slush ice is that it may cause pigments and micronutrients within the fish to drain out. Drier types of cooling systems are usually more adept at retaining such substances.

In spite of its few disadvantages, slush ice remains an effective and efficient cooling solution. The moment fish leave the water, they start to breakdown and lose their freshness. The cooling systems offered by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC successfully preserve fish throughout the transportation process. Please contact us to discuss your needs so that we can determine if slush ice is the right cooling method for you.

/by

A Closer Look at Concrete Cooling Systems: Sand Cooling

Concrete cooling systems are extremely important for companies and businesses that work with concrete, especially large-pour projects. During the hydration process, a chemical reaction occurs that is highly exothermic. That means that it releases heat. The temperature can exceed 200°F. When concrete is poured at such a high temperature this can cause major problems. The concrete tends to be less durable, more prone to cracking. Such concrete is also weaker and non-uniform. That’s why it is extremely important to use a concrete cooling system to offset these temperature rises.

Concrete cooling systems are not all the same and sometimes the temperature requirements may vary depending on the project. When the temperature needs to be extremely low, you can’t use a run of the mill cooling system. Instead a more extreme option such as a sand cooling system may be used. This article will help you understand what sand cooling is and when this type of concrete cooling system is necessary.

About Sand Cooling Systems

Sand cooling is one of the least common forms of concrete cooling systems. This is in part because it is often unnecessary, especially for typical concrete projects, and it is also a more expensive option than many other concrete cooling systems. It requires a highly customized, sophisticated set-up. The sand is usually cooled in either a rotary cooling drum or sand silos.

It is also important to note that even in systems that do utilize sand cooling, it is still used with other methods of cooling. Many times ice or cold water is used to help cool down the sand. The sand helps keep the concrete thoroughly cooled during the entire process.

When Sand Cooling Systems Are Used

A sand cooling system is used when chilled water, ice, or aggregate cooling just won’t be enough. Since sand cooling is used in conjunction with other cooling methods, it is important to note how these methods are completed and when sand cooling comes in.

  • Water Cooling – Water chilling plants can lower water temperatures from 113°F to 32°F. There are normally three or four stages in this cooling process.
  • Ice Cooling – Flake ice or plate ice can be used in ice cooling systems. Plate ice is better for cooling larger areas. Flake ice tends to be a more efficient cooling agent because it has a higher surface area per ton of ice.
  • Aggregate Cooling – Aggregate cooling can be done with air or water. Air is better for sites with limited space. A water system needs a wet belt and dewatering systems, but air can use existing silos./li>

When these cooling systems can’t keep the temperature lower enough or provide a thorough enough cooling, sand cooling systems may be necessary.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Delivers Quality Sand Cooling Systems

Sand cooling systems are highly customized, and it can be expensive. However, at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we take pride in providing the best systems and options at the best price possible. If sand cooling is going to be your best option, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC will be able to let you know and help you through the process. Contact us to discuss the particulars of your business and your concerns and we will be able to work out a solution that fits your requirements.

/by

Best Practices Checklist for Fish Icing

Fish consumption has been rapidly increasing throughout the world, contributing to a growing market for fresh seafood. The freshness of your catch is crucial in delivering an optimal product to your consumer. However, seafood requires particularly careful handling because it begins to spoil the moment it is killed. Gill nets are particularly susceptible to spoiling, and the heat of the boat deck can further contribute to the initial spoiling of fish.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the initial spoiling of fish before it even reaches the consumer, and this may result in substantial loss of product and profit. Therefore, ice is an important factor in mitigating this loss. However, ice alone does not guarantee preservation. It is essential to make sure that you are using the best ice and icing method for your boat and situation. As you craft your icing system, consult this best practices checklist for fish icing.

Environment

Fish are highly susceptible to heat and sun. Particularly in warm and humid climates, fish can be quickly affected even after packed in ice, and fish should absolutely not be left open on deck. While some boats install a covered container, a large canopy, made of reflective material, most effectively reduces on deck heat. In addition, installing an insulated tub for immediate storage increases cooling and greatly reduces spoilage.

Type of Ice

When selecting ice, you will want to consider the size of your vessel and the length of the expedition. Some of the most popular ice choices for fishing expeditions include the following:

  • Block – Blocks are frozen in large containers, creating big chunks of ice. This form is effective and beneficial because it lasts for long periods of time and can be easily stored. However, in order to be effective, the blocks must be broken down into smaller pieces, which can be inefficient since it requires either extra equipment, manual labor, or both.
  • Flake – Flakes or shells are frozen into small flat pieces. This method is more ideal than blocks because it has substantial direct contact with the fish, keeping it substantially cooler. However, because of its surface area, it takes up a large amount of space and melts quickly.
  • Slush – Slush is used to store seafood in closed containers and possesses a large liquid ratio. This method is highly effective in cooling, but if not used correctly can leave fish exposed.

For more detailed information about ice types and their respective pros or cons be sure to check out our article series on fish cooling with various types of ice.

Amount of Ice

It is essential to have the correct amount of ice to ensure that you will have enough to last the entire voyage. You will want to consider a number of factors in ensuring that you have the appropriate amount of ice including:

  • The length of your trip
  • Your average amount of catch
  • The type and size fish you will be catching
  • Available space on your vessel
  • Potential ice loss
  • Local ambient temperatures

Storage

Ensuring the optimal condition of your ice is important for ensuring that fish remains fresh. The condition of ice and its hold can greatly impact the freshness of the fish.

  • Insulation – You want to install the best insulation possible, usually plastic foam but this could vary depending on your circumstances. Strong insulation will substantially prevent bacterial absorption in the containers and will eliminate exposure to vermin.
  • Lining – Lining is important in ensuring the cleanliness of the hold’s surface, and appropriate materials can be easily cleaned and disinfected. While wood and metal linings can be used, they possess a number of disadvantages. Instead, newer fiberglass laminates are inexpensive to install and easy to maintain.
  • Drainage – The contaminants in the ice and melt can greatly affect the freshness of the seafood. Melt and fish slime become breeding grounds for microbes and other bacteria, which can destroy your catch. Therefore, it is essential to install an effective drainage system that efficiently discards all run off. In addition, all old ice should be drained and absolutely never reused.

As a leading cooling and storage industry expert, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you ensure that you are following best practices in seafood storage. We are interested in working with customers to fulfill their storage needs through customized systems.

/by

Cooling Methods for Pears Post-Harvest

There’s no flavor quite like the sweet, delicate taste of a pear. Pears are popular snacks and recipe ingredients, and are eaten around the world—but in order to reach consumers’ tables and fruit bowls in the best possible condition, pears must be carefully treated and properly stored. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, we know that it’s important to keep pears cool after harvest, and there are many different ways this can be done.

Pear Overview

Over 3,000 varities of pears are grown around the world, although the plant was originally native to Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. Pears have been consumed as food since prehistoric times, and they are one of the oldest cultivated fruits. Various cultivars are created specifically for cooking, eating raw, or creating drinks like pear cider; pears also have great cultural significance in many parts of the world.

Pair Storage

When properly cared for, pears can last from 60 to 90 days in storage, giving them some of the longest shelf lives of any fruit. Generally, they should be stored at a relative humidity of 90% to 95% in order to prevent water loss—which can lead to shriveling, drying, and loss of salable weight. In addition, pears both produce, and are sensitive to, ethylene, a ripening hormone given off as the fruit matures. This means that pears should not be stored either with produce that is sensitive to ethylene (such as berries, carrots, or avocados) or with produce that gives off ethylene (such as apples, bananas, or peaches). In addition, overripe pears should be immediately separated from unripe ones.

Pair Cooling

Pears should also be kept cool in order to retain their freshness. Cooling helps to slow ripening, retard metabolic changes, reduce moisture loss, and prevent spoilage due to bacteria, fungus, or pests. Pears are best stored at a temperature that is close to freezing. Although they are often fairly warm when they’re on the tree due to sunlight and the ambient temperature of the air, they should be cooled as soon as possible after picking.

Refrigeration Units

Refrigerated rooms and other facilities can be used to help hold temperatures down, but they usually are not a complete solution on their own. Most refrigerated rooms and cooling mechanisms are designed merely to hold fruit at a specific temperature after they have been pre-cooled, not to drop their current temperature. There are a number of precooling measures that can be used to lower the temperature of pears after harvest.

Hydro Cooling

One of the most common options is hydro cooling, which involves placing the pears in chilled or ice water. This not only helps the fruit to rapidly decrease in temperature, but can also help prewash it. Hydro cooling can involve simply placing the pears in containers of water, or it can involve more convenient and efficient hydro cooling machines.

Top Icing

There are also a number of techniques that can be used after the pears are packed. One popular technique is top icing, which involves placing a layer of ice across the top of the packaging. This is one of the most highly efficient cooling mechanisms, since a single pound of ice can cool three pounds of produce by more than forty degrees Fahrenheit.

Slush Cooling

Slush cooling is another excellent choice for pears. This method involves injecting a slushy mix of water and ice into a box of pears, and then allowing the water to drain away and leave behind a thin coating of snow around the fruit. This is an excellent way to remove as much heat as possible from the fruit and keep it cool in transit.

Fruit Protection at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC

Here at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, we know that our clients have worked hard to produce their crops, and we want to help them protect their quality. We offer a wide variety of cooling mechanisms, cold storage facilities, and ice production equipment that can help keep pears cool and fresh. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC equipment can help keep pears in great condition for consumers.

/by

Important Considerations When Choosing an Ice Crusher and Blower System

If you are in the entertainment or snow-making industries, you need an ice crusher and blower system. This equipment is heavy duty, and can be used over long periods of time. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC you are able to design the exact ice crusher and blower system that you need. If you need high capacity, fast output, or a certain fuel type, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you get exactly what you’re looking for. In order to know what you need, you first have to know what is out there and how it can serve your business.

What Ice Crushers and Blowers Are

Ice crushers and blowers are actually two separate machines. Your business may call for one, the other or a combination.

  • Ice Blower – Ice blowers are commonly used to make it look like it is snowing, such as for a video or photoshoot. A motorized fan propels crushed ice into the air. The blower’s design, fan, and motor can be adjusted to change the distance the ice is propelled and the output. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants to make sure that you get exactly the system that you need.
  • Ice Crusher – The ice crusher does exactly what the name suggests. It crushes ice. This machine tends to be large, but it is still quite simple. Ice is fed into the machine and pushed along towards the crushing mechanisms. The crusher has blades which a motor turns. These blades crush the ice and feed it back out of the machine. This gives you snow-like ice particles.
  • Crusher-Blower Combination – It’s fairly easy to see that these two machines would work great together. Ice blowers need a supply of crushed ice, and ice crushers can provide that supply. This will allow you to have a longer-lasting snowing effect. Having the blower also means you do not have to shovel the crushed ice up.

If you need an ice blower or an ice crusher, chances are you want a combination. It will give you a better use of your crushed ice, and it makes for some great effects.

Customizing Ice Crushers and Blowers

Because every business is not the same, it is important for ice crushers and blowers, like other machinery, to be versatile. Some of the many options that exist for ice crushers and blowers include the following:

  • Size and capacity – You can get a machine that can hold up to 300 pound blocks of ice or even 400 pounds.
  • Output speed – You can get a machine with an output as low as about 25 tons per hour all the way to speeds of 2000 pounds per minute.
  • Cost – With the different options you can choose to get or not get, there is a wide range of cost as well. This means that you can find something in your price range, no matter what that is.
  • Maintenance – You can choose what fuel type it is and what type of mounting is required.
  • Blowing Distance – As discussed earlier, these machines can be set to blow shorter or longer distances. Some machines can even propel ice to distances of 300 feet.
  • Ice Type – You can also get machines that crush different types of ice—cubes, blocks, fragments or tubes.

Contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC for Assistance

Contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to get the machine that’s right for you. We can help you build the perfect system for your business. Don’t settle for getting a cookie cutter machine; build your own customized ice crusher and/or blower today.

/by

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.

/by

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.

/by