Major Concrete Cooling Considerations

Every industrial large-pour concrete project has its own unique specifications. Local geography, climate, and architectural design are a few factors that may impact your project. If you have a large-pour concrete project coming up, you’re likely thinking of what you can do for the best chance of success, not just for the duration of construction, but for the long term. One of the most important things you can do is properly cool your concrete. Consider these following major factors.

The Need for Concrete Cooling

Concrete has been used industrially since Roman times, and many such structures are still standing, thanks to careful calculations and clever project management. You can’t argue with the fact that the hydration process produces an immense amount of energy. A 6 feet wide, 80 feet deep concrete shaft releases more energy than two bolts of lightning, and such excess heat, if unmanaged, can result in a product with reduced strength and increased tendency of cracking.

New Technology Can Help

A relatively new development is the measuring of concrete’s heat output during the curing process. Before a pour, wires can be installed to read the soil’s temperature. After the material is in place, the current reading from the same probes can be used to calculate the initial heat output of the fresh concrete. Engineers can use this data to predict the long-term reliability of the slab. While this may not be necessary for most concrete projects it is emblematic of the advances in technology that allow projects to run more smoothly and yield better results than ever before. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we keep up with the latest technological developments, and will work with whatever project specs you have.

Manage Costs

When it comes to questions like how low should you go in regards to water temperature, which components of concrete should be cooled, and how long should a post-pour cooling program last, a definite consideration is its cost. Here is a look at a couple of your options in terms of what we can do to meet your cooling needs:

  • Water Chilling – During the mixing process, water can be chilled to as low as just a couple of degrees Fahrenheit above freezing. In most cases, the lower the temperature drop, the more costly.
  • Aggregate Chilling – Cooling down the gravel or other small stones to be used in your mix can help in certain applications. There are at least two different methods: flooded silo or air chilling. Lowering the temperature of aggregates is not required for all projects, so check with your engineers to decide if it’s worth the additional investment.
  • Post-Pour Cooling – Post-pour cooling methods are typically among the most costly cooling methods and are generally only used in large-scale projects.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Provides Industry-Leading Concrete Cooling Systems

Concrete cooling is a great way to ensure a safe, durable end product. Contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to learn what we can do to help you meet not just the building code, but deadlines, and budget requirements as well. All of our systems are fully customizable and can be designed with your particular specs in mind.

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Simple Ways to Increase Concrete Cooling Efficiency

Cooling is an important part of large-pour concrete projects. The process of mixing cement aggregates with water actually causes a chemical reaction to occur. This is a primarily exothermic reaction, which means that the reaction gives off heat. For small-pour projects this isn’t much of an issue because the reaction is smaller — however, even with small-pour projects, the quality of the concrete can often be improved with concrete cooling — but for large-pour projects in which temperature can easily exceed 200°F efficient concrete cooling is a must. When concrete is poured at such a high temperature the end product is going to be of a low quality.

Many construction companies are looking for an efficient concrete cooling system because they want to be able to provide their clients with top notch services and products. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we want to help you provide your clients with the quality concrete they deserve. Customization is a great way to increase concrete cooling efficiency.

Aspects of Concrete Cooling Systems

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers fully customizable concrete cooling systems. There are many different methods of concrete cooling which may include some or all of the following components:

  • Aggregate Cooling – There are two main types of aggregate cooling, either by water or by air. Aggregate cooling helps keeps the temperatures extremely low. Because you’re looking for efficiency, you should turn to the aggregate cooling with air because it allows you to continuously cool the aggregate with less space whereas the water has to be cooled and takes up a large amount of space.
  • Cold Water Tank and Water Chilling Plant – It helps to use cold water in your mixing process. The cold water tank can keep the water from your water chilling plant cold. The experts at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC will tell you that you need to have an insulated cold water tank to increase the efficiency of your concrete cooling system even more.
  • Ice Delivery and Weighing – Having the right system here can really increase the overall efficiency. This system delivers a predetermined amount of ice to the mixing drum. It makes the system more efficient because it can deliver ice in a consistent and reliable way.
  • Ice Plant – If your ice plant can make flake ice, you will have a more efficient cooling. Flake ice has the largest surface area, which allows it to cool the best, but it also melts quickly to keep the cooling uniform.
  • Ice Storage Bin – Having an insulated storage bin for your ice will allow you to make large quantities of ice at a time.

At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we can help you build the most efficient concrete cooling system for your needs.

Concrete Cooling System Customization from SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC

Every business has its own requirement, but every business also wants to be able to be the most efficient. With the customization offered at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, you will be able to create the concrete cooling system that will be the best for you. Not only will the system do what you need it to, but it will also allow you to provide your clients with what they need. Contact us today to learn more about how you can make your concrete cooling system more efficient.

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4 Problems Caused by Improper Concrete Cooling

In industries where concrete is used, it is important for workers to understand the extreme importance of properly concrete cooling. If proper cooling methods are not used, a number of problems can occur, including a weaker finished product that is irregular and more susceptible to cracks and other damage. In addition, temperatures that are too high can interfere with the chemical process involved when cement becomes concrete. In this article let’s explore 4 serious problems that can be caused by improperly cooled concrete.

Improper Concrete Cooling Is Often Weaker

Concrete that has been created under overly high heat conditions is not as strong as it could be. The process of hardening concrete is called curing, and generally when concrete is cured at temperature above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the strength and resilience of the concrete is greatly reduced. This is due to the chemical reaction that happens when concrete is formed. Temperatures that are too high can speed this process up, which does not allow for proper crystal formation within the material. This can be a disaster in many industries where durable, reliable materials are required.

Improperly Cooled Concrete Is often Irregular

When concrete is poured over a very large area and is prepared at temperatures that are too high, this can lead to an irregular material that is weaker in some places than it is in others. This is because of the temperature differentials caused by a concrete creation process that is too hot, and thus, goes too fast. In the same way that weak concrete is a hazard, uneven concrete poses similar risks, especially when the project is of the large-pour type. In these cases, central areas of the concrete may be a drastically different temperature than outer areas.

Improperly Cooled Concrete Is in More Danger of Cracking

Weak concrete is a very real problem. If concrete is less dense because of poor cooling practices, it can be more susceptible to cracking. Depending on the location of the concrete, this can possibly be catastrophic and could result in major accidents, injuries, costly property damage, and facility outages as the damage is repaired. Any industry where extremely strong, hardy concrete is required, a cracking hazard can be dangerous and costly.

Improperly Cooled Concrete May Not Undergo Full Hydration

To understand this negative outcome of improper cooling, one needs to understand first how concrete is formed. Concrete starts with a mixture called cement, which, when combined with water, undergoes a chemical transformation and becomes concrete. This process is called hydration. When temperatures are too high some of the water needed for the hydration process is in danger of evaporating, leaving some of the concrete un-hydrated.

There are a wide variety of ways that you can properly cool concrete to avoid any of these negative outcomes. Different concrete cooling methods involve different processes and equipment and may range in complexity from simply using colder water to full-scale post-pour cooling using a network of pipes inside the pour concrete – and many other techniques in between. The good news is that regardless of how large the project is, the concrete absolutely CAN be fully and adequately cooled, improving its quality and durability. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC designs and manufactures high quality, customizable concrete cooling systems. Contact us for more information and to discuss your concrete cooling needs.

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Facts and Statistics About Industrial Concrete

Concrete has been used industrially since Roman times. Although the technology was largely forgotten until the mid-18th century, concrete is now the most used man-made material in the world. This article will examine some facts and statistics regarding industrial concrete.

Where Does All of the Material for Industrial Concrete Come From?

The process of making industrial concrete starts with the quarrying of raw materials. Limestone, clay and on occasion shale are heated in a rotary kiln at a high temperature. This chemical reaction produces what is called a clinker, which is cooled, inspected and ground with another material, often gypsum. This product is packaged and shipped to be mixed with sand and aggregates to make a basic concrete. Where available, re-purposed waste materials from steel and electric production can be used to replace some of the cement components.

Composition and Properties of Industrial Concrete

By itself, industrial concrete handles compressive loads quite well. However, when it’s stretched in a tensile setting, the material easily ruptures. This is why in many industrial applications rebar or another reinforcement material is used.

Admixtures are also becoming common in large construction projects. Retarders, which come in many forms, help to slow the curing process. These are useful in applications where engineers don’t want one portion of concrete to start curing before another. When a stronger, lighter product is desired, air entraining agents are used. This also results in a more suitable material for climates where numerous freeze and thaw cycles occur.

Industrial Concrete Hydration: Going From Wet to Dry

The curing process for industrial concrete is called hydration, and depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the composition of the materials used, it can take up to several weeks for a finished slab to reach its ultimate strength. To properly cure, poured concrete typically needs to be cooled. This is in large part because the hydration process creates a chemical reaction that releases heat and that could damage the strength of the concrete if it is not cooled. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we offer various concrete cooling solutions to meet the needs of your project.

How Long Will Industrial Concrete Last?

The Pantheon, the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome is still standing, almost exactly as it was when it was built some 2,000 years ago. The materials used in that structure are a bit different than those in common use today, so it’s good to take a look at a modern example as well. The Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct in Pennsylvania, completed in 1915, used some 167,000 cubic yards of cement, water and aggregates. Much of it was poured underground to create deep piers, and reinforcement materials were used throughout. The bridge is still standing today, more than 100 years later. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we understand the needs of projects of all scales and can provide a custom cooling solution to meet your needs.

Taking a Look at the Numbers

It seems as if the appetite for concrete is as strong as ever. In 2014, cement consumption increased by nearly 9.2 million metric tons in developed economies, of which North America was the primary constituent. In the USA, most recent figures show that cement and concrete contributed $10.2 billion to state revenue, and the industry as a whole employs some 490,691 persons. In 2014, the cost of Portland and masonry cement was approximately $98.50 per metric ton.

Concrete structures make for impressive works of architecture. Concrete is also the workhorse material of industrial, able to be used for a full spectrum of construction and industrial projects. After examining the above facts and figures, at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we hope that you will have a new appreciation for the hard, concrete surfaces that people rely on every day.

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How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Concrete Cooling System

If your industry involves concrete work, you are already aware of the importance of having concrete properly cooled before it hardens, or cures. Because the process of mixing cement with water to obtain concrete is a chemical process that releases heat, concrete will be very hot unless it is cooled through a specially designed system. Let’s take a look at some factors that could indicate it is time to upgrade or replace your current concrete cooling system, but first let’s also take a quick look at why concrete cooling is necessary.

Why Is Concrete Cooling Necessary?

Concrete that cures at higher temperatures will be less dense, since the heat will cause greater expansion; since heat distribution tend to be uneven, the concrete’s density will also be uneven. High temperatures also cause water to evaporate faster, leading to insufficient hydration of the concrete and a reduction in tensile strength. These two factors cause weaker, more brittle concrete; in industrial settings, where concrete strength is essential, this flaw can be disastrous. For this reason, companies engaging in concrete construction and other concrete projects use concrete cooling systems such as those manufactured by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to bring their concrete to an appropriate temperature.

Concrete Cooling Methods

There are several types of cooling systems and methods available today, each of which has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The simplest method is adding cold water and ice to the water that will be mixed with the cement. This method requires calculating the necessary temperatures based on the quantity of material. Using a cooling system to bring the water’s temperature down is quicker and more efficient, especially in the case of larger quantities. Water cooling is achieved by flooding the silos with cold water and draining them once the mixture is cooled, which uses a lot of space and is wasteful of water. Another effective method is the wet belt system, which uses small amounts of ice water transported by conveyor belts.

Another way of cooling the concrete components, or aggregate, is via cold air that is circulated throughout the materials. This method takes more time than cooling the water, but is optimal in small, enclosed spaces since it doesn’t require a separate system of removing the water.

Air and water cooling are often supplemented by sand cooling to ensure that the mixture’s temperature stays cool throughout the process. Sand cooling is particularly useful for large projects. Sand cooling systems may include rotary cooling drums or sand silos. This method has the advantage of achieving cooler temperatures for longer times, at lower energy costs; however, it involves expensive equipment and more time in order to cool the sand.

A less frequent method is post-pouring cooling, which involves laying pipes before the concrete is poured, then sending cold water to circulate through the pipes after they are covered with the concrete. This method is very expensive and time-consuming. Typically, it is only employed for supersized projects like dams or highways.

No matter which concrete cooling system you have in place, it is highly important to ensure that it stays in good working order. It is crucial that it be repaired or replaced as necessary and that maintenance concerns are not ignored.

Risks of Inadequate Cooling

One of the clearest indicators that it could be time to replace your concrete cooling system is if the concrete is being inadequately cooled. A suboptimal system will produce inferior concrete, create potential safety concerns, and raise energy costs. If you find that your concrete quality is not up to standards, especially with what you expect from your cooling system, that is a clear indicator it’s time to make some changes.

Frequent Repairs

Going hand-in-hand with inadequate cooling as a key indicator of the need to upgrade your system, is frequent repairs. While regular maintenance is a must, and periodic repairs may be routine, an uptick in problems and rising maintenance costs can indicate that your system is nearing the end of its life. Eventually repairs or part replacements won’t be able to fully fix an issue or will be needed far too often to be cost effective. It is thus essential to know when it is time to replace your system entirely. Eventually the cost of repairs will outweigh the cost of purchasing a new system, especially if frequent breakdowns delay your projects’ schedules and overall productivity.

Outdated Technology

How long have you been using the same cooling system? With today’s rapid advances in technology, it may be time to see if a newer system will meet your needs better. Improvements in energy efficiency, precise temperature calibrations, and delivery mechanisms can make a new customized SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC system a worthwhile investment.

Rising Energy Costs

Take a look at your energy. If your system is using increasingly more water and energy to obtain the same results, it is a sign that it is deteriorating. Not only will increasing utility costs soon outweigh the expense of a new system, but continuing to use a decreasingly functional system will inevitably compromise the quality and integrity of the concrete. A system with poor energy efficiency can also be a major black eye for a company that wants to market itself as energy or eco-friendly.

Subpar Performance

Always monitor your system’s performance, carefully checking that your concrete has been cooled to its appropriate temperature. Consistent failures to achieve goal temperatures, or taking increasingly longer to achieve them, are indications that your system is no longer coping with its workload. Whether your system has deteriorated, or its workload has changed or increased, this is a clear sign that it is no longer the right system for you.

Changing Needs

Finally, if your company has dramatically changed the quantity or nature of its concrete projects, it may be time to reconsider whether your existing equipment is still the most appropriate. Do not let inertia carry you along into continuing to use older equipment just because it still works. If the direction of your company is changing, it may be time to look into a new SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC concrete system that will be fully customized to your current needs.

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Company Profiles for Companies who Need Concrete Cooling Systems

Do you need a concrete cooling system from SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC? If you are familiar with concrete, you know that as the cement mixture hardens it actually gives off heat because it is an exothermic chemical reaction. The extra heat can cause the hardened concrete to be a less than desirable product. When concrete gets too hot during the curing process it results in lower tensile strength and a higher likelihood of cracking due to expansion.

How do you know what sort of cooling your company needs? In some cases it is enough to add cold water and ice to the cement, but when do you need an actual cooling system? There are many different situations that may call for a cooling system. You can talk to a SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC representative to find out if your company would benefit from an innovative aggregate cooling system. Otherwise, here are three common company profiles that may benefit from the use of a concrete cooling system.

1. Company with Large-Pour Projects

Is your business working on a project that requires a lot of concrete? This project would be called a large-pour project. The more cement that you pour the more heat that will be given off. In the case of a large-pour project, it may not be enough to just add cold water and ice.

If your company is planning a large-pour project, you need to talk with a SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC representative in order to find out what sort of cooling system is right for you. No matter if there is only one large-pour project in your company’s near future, you still will need some sort of cooling system. You do not want to end up with concrete that is going to crack and expand.

If you’re going to be mixing a lot of cement and water, you need a cooling system.

2. Company that Requires High Quality and Durable

Some industrial companies put their concrete through a lot. Because of the weight and traffic that the concrete is going to go through, a SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC cooling system may be needed. If you own an industrial company that needs a concrete that is high quality and durable, you need a cooling system.

Without a cooling system your concrete could be of a lesser quality because of the exothermic chemical reaction. Even though you may not be pouring a large quantity, if you want a superior quality, you still need a cooling system.

Industrial companies that need high quality concrete also need a cooling system.

3. Construction Company that Pours Often

Many construction companies pour a high quantity of concrete. Maybe they do small jobs and large jobs, but if your business is built on the concrete that you offer, you want to make sure that you offer the best product around.

Construction companies that pour a lot of concrete would benefit from a SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC cooling system because they would be able to guarantee their customer’s satisfaction. If your company doesn’t use a cooling system, there may be times when the tensile strength of the concrete you pour is very low.

Construction companies that pour concrete often would benefit from a cooling system.

To put it simply, if your business deals with concrete often, needs a large amount of concrete or requires that all the concrete is of the highest quality, a concrete cooling system may be just what you need.

Getting the Best

Now that you know you need a concrete cooling system, you want to get the system that is best for your business. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants every company in search of a concrete cooling system to get exactly what they need. That’s why we make custom cooling systems to fit the needs of our clients. Not only are our systems custom built, but they use dependable and industry-leading technology to ensure you have the best cooling system possible.

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Concrete Aggregate Cooling with Flooded Silos

There are many different ways that concrete can be cooled. In some cases it is enough to add ice and chilled water, but in others you actually have to cool the aggregates using special technology from manufacturers like SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC. There are different methods of cooling aggregates, but let’s take a look at one popular and effective method in today’s article: concrete aggregate cooling with flooded silos.

Effectiveness of Aggregate Cooling

Pouring concrete, especially for large batches, has its risks. Because the hardening of concrete is actually an exothermic chemical reaction, it gives off excess heat. This can cause the concrete to expand, crack and lose tensile strength. That is why it is necessary to cool cement in the first place. Simply using ice water to mix with the cement is not always enough, especially for large-pour projects.

Aggregate cooling is effective because it cools the granular materials that are mixed in with the cement mix and water. When these materials are cooled before the mixing process, it actually reduces the issues that can arise due to the heat. The mixture starts off cooler, so it doesn’t get as hot. You want to make sure that your cement is very cool.

Benefits of Flooded Silos

When you use aggregate cooling by water, it typically takes a lot of space and equipment. You have to have a conveyor belt to flood, so that the aggregates can get cooled. You then have to have a water removal process and a settling tank. That can take up a lot of space, and depending on your situation, you may not have that amount of space for cooling.

The flooded silo method is beneficial because it doesn’t require as much space. You have silos that your aggregate is stored in anyway, and then you just flood the silo. Typically you want to have at least two silos, so that one can be flooded while another is being drained. Everything happens in that silo from the flooding to the water removal to the settling. It doesn’t take up a lot of space.

How Does It Work?

When you do a lot of large-pour projects, you have to have an effective way to cool your aggregates. Aggregate cooling with SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC flooded silos allows you to pre-cool a large quantity of aggregates. Your aggregates start in silos, which are then flooded with ice cold water. The water is recirculated through the silos after it goes through a sediment basin. This basin catches mud, and gets the water ready to be reintroduced to the aggregates.

Once the aggregates have been completely removed from the water, they are ready to be added to the cement mixture. Now the aggregates are cooler, which means that the overall mixture is going to give off less heat.

Getting the Technology

Finding a reliable, durable and innovative cooling system is important. You don’t want to spend money on something that isn’t going to work. Thankfully SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC is committed to helping our clients get exactly the technology that they need. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and quality means that we only provide systems that are industry-leading and dependable. Talk with a representative today to find out what system would be best for your company.

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Concrete Aggregate Cooling with Wet Belts

Aggregate cooling is a type of cooling system that cools aggregates in concrete mixture. There are different types of aggregate cooling. One common method is the wet belt system. This method is so popular because it is a cost-effective alternative to sand cooling and other higher costs methods. Using the wet belts allows the concrete to travel along a conveyor belt while being chilled by water. This allows the concrete to be cooled without filling silos full of water, saving space and money. It’s important to know all the options when it comes to aggregate cooling. Every method has its own benefits and drawbacks and some methods are best accompanied by other companion methods.

Why Aggregate Cooling is Effective

Aggregate cooling is effective because it eliminates potential problems that arise during the concrete-making process. Aggregates are mixed together to make concrete, including gravel, sand and crushed stone. The granular minerals need to be cooled so the concrete remains strong and doesn’t crack. The reason that they need to be constantly cooled is because without aggregate cooling, the particles heat up. As the cement mixture combines with water, a chemical reaction causes the granules to give off heat. The aggregate cooling will keep the temperature down and create strong concrete.

Why Aggregate Cooling is Beneficial

As previously mentioned, there is more than one type of aggregate cooling. The two most common types are cooling by air and cooling by water.

Cooling by Air – Cooling by air is done in silos. The concrete is positioned on a belt with nozzles in place below them. The nozzles give off heavy streams of air to blow at the concrete like a strong wind. The air cooling is beneficial because it provides necessary moisture without providing excess moisture. Excess moisture slows down the process because it prevents the concrete from solidifying. The air cooling system is also easy to install. Nozzle attachments just need to be installed to silos that are already in place. They also need little-to-no maintenance over time

Water Cooling – There are two different ways to cool the aggregate mixture by water. These included flooded silos and wet belt applications. With the flooded silo method, the silos are flooded to precool the aggregates. Once they are cooled to the proper temperature, the silo is drained. This method isn’t optimal for a few reason. For one, it takes up more space because larger silos are needed. This also has much larger operational costs. A much larger amount of water is needed and wasted. The wet belt method is the most cost-effective and popular method for cooling aggregates. It’s beneficial because you will use much less water without having to flood the entire silo. Smaller amounts of ice water is splashed onto the conveyor belts and the aggregates are still cooled properly. The flooding method can also cause the concrete to not harden properly. The small amount of water with the wet belt method will keep excess moisture off of the aggregates so the concrete will form properly.

Other Methods of Concrete Cooling

There are other ways to cool concrete. For example sometimes concrete is cooled while it is being mixed on a mixing truck. This is called agitator or drum cooling. However, the concrete is cooled in much smaller quantities since only a small amount can fit in the drum at one time. Post cooling is done when the concrete is already mixed and poured. However, the concrete still needs to be cooled during the mixing process. However, by far the most popular and widely used method of cooling concrete is by cooling the water itself that will be used in the hydration process. Regardless of which concrete method is required, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC designs and manufacturers high quality, industry-leading concrete cooling systems. Please contact us to discuss the best system for your needs.

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Facts about Concrete Cooling Systems

Concrete is utilized for a number of different things. From buildings, to residents, to monuments and to various trafficked surfaces, concrete is a strong component and a versatile material. In order for concrete to be created and worked into its various shapes and forms, it must endure specific processes. Take a look at how concrete is made and some of the most commonly used cooling systems.

Creating Concrete

Concrete is created through a combination of aggregate materials and a unique paste mixture. The paste mixture, which is composed of portland cement and water, is combined with the aggregate material. The aggregate material may be either course or fine, which contributes to the different cement textures. As all of the materials mix together, the complete mixture undergoes a cooling process called hydration that causes it to harden. During this process, the material heats up and must be cooled down to be utilized. There are a few different cooling techniques that may be used.

Aggregate Cooling

One way to help make sure that the cement will be able to cool down properly is to ensure that it does not get too hot to begin with. To achieve this, there are two distinctive types of aggregate cooling techniques that may be applied.

Air – For this process, air is continuously blown through the aggregate material to keep it cool during the mixing process and afterwards. In order for the air that is circulating to be most effective, the aggregates must be moist, however they cannot be too damp. To achieve this balance, the air also helps to circulate warm air to dry the materials out a bit so that they may still stick together.

Water – Simply stated, cool water is added to the aggregate mixture to harden the concoction. The water must be at a specific temperature to activate the process, and the right temperature may vary dependent upon the amount of aggregate material. If the water is not naturally cold enough, a cooling system may be needed.

The two methods have their specific uses and advantages. Cooling by water tends to be much quicker than cooling by air, but air cooling is an efficient means of cooling in tight spaces.

Post-Pouring Cooling

Where aggregate cooling begins to cool items at the beginning of the process, post-pouring cooling systems cool the elements towards the end. Usually, piping is laid where the concrete will be poured beforehand. After the concrete has been poured in but before it is completely set, cold water is pumped through the pipes from containerized water chillers. The cold water then cools down the cement from the inside out. Usually, the water enters the pipes at 40⁰ and reaches around 50⁰ by the time it completes its cycle through the piping. This process is usually found to be most effective when used to cool larger cement features, such as dams, fountains and some highways. Despite its effectiveness, this process is usually not the most commonly used, consider the various elements that must be in place for it to work properly, which increases the time, labor and cost associate with the project.

Sand Cooling

Basically, sand is cooled and used to help keep the aggregate mixture cool throughout the hydration process. This form of cooling is often utilized in conjunction with another type of cooling method. The most common types of techniques that sand cooling is added to include: water, ice and aggregate cooling. Depending upon the size and extent of the cooling process, sometimes the aforementioned methods cannot achieve proper temperatures by themselves, at which point the sand cooling method is helpful. However, similar to post-pouring cooling, sand cooling does require specific equipment and procedures that impeded upon the process. For instance, sand cooling requires sand silos or rotary cooling drums, which are both expensive expenditures and require additional time to get the sand to the proper temperature to make the process effective. On the other hand, incorporating this process can help to lower the costs of the cooling methods that it is utilized with.

Depending upon your needs and desires, any of these cooling methods could be beneficial for you in creating viable concrete. Contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to receive customized cooling systems. They provide superior quality work with excellent customer service.

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A Closer Look at Concrete Cooling Systems: Flake Ice Delivery and Weighing

Because the production of concrete can cause temperatures in excess of 200°F it is very important to have a cooling system in place. Concrete cooling systems ensure that the concrete is strong, uniform and less likely to crack. Part of a concrete cooling system is the flake ice delivery and weighing system. In order to fully understand the cooling system, it is necessary to look at why the delivery and weighing systems are important, how they work, and the different accessories available.

Why the Flake Ice Delivery and Weighing System Are Important

You know that the concrete cooling system is important to help your company make high quality concrete. The way you deliver that ice is also very crucial. If the method used to transport the ice from the ice plant to the concrete itself is inefficient then there is a risk that the ice may melt or stick to the transportation unit. A quality flake ice delivery and weighing system ensures that the ice gets where it is needed at the right temperature and in the correct quantity.

How the Flake Ice Delivery and Weighing System Works

Once ice is produced and stored, it must be delivered to where it is needed. That is where the flake ice delivery and weighing system comes in to play. If the ice cannot be successfully delivered without melting, clumping, or sticking then the efficacy of the entire concrete cooling system suffers. When you use a flake ice delivery and weighing system together you have a higher chance of successfully delivering ice.

First is the delivery component. This is commonly called a screw conveyor. You can choose to use a trough or tube screw conveyor. Both choices have slide gates along the length of the delivery system. These gates can be automatic or manual. They help the ice move along the tube without melting, sticking, or clumping, ensuring that it still has maximum cooling potential when it reaches the concrete.

The next part of the delivery system is the weighing. The weighing hopper discharges ice in a predetermined, adjustable and controlled way. Without the weighing aspect the ice would continue to be transported until manually stopped it, leaving the chance of having either too much or too little ice. With the weighing system the screw conveyor delivers ice to the hopper. Once the chosen weight is reached the system goes through a shutdown sequence. This sequence helps clean out the conveyor, so ice does not remain behind to melt.

Accessories Associated with Flake Ice Delivery and Weighing

There are a few accessories you can think about getting with your delivery system. They include:

  • Cyclone Receiver
  • Diverter Valve
  • Heavy Duty Slide Gate

At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC you are able to customize your concrete cooling system which means you can get the parts you need, and you don’t have to get the parts you don’t need.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Delivers Quality Flake Ice Delivery and Weighing Systems

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC will help you figure out the best flake ice delivery and weighing systems for your particular concrete cooling system. Our goal is to ensure that all of our clients have the absolute best system for their particular businesses. A major part of that is ensuring that the flake ice delivery and weighing systems are optimal. Please contact us for more information about our concrete cooling systems.

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