Energy-efficient cooling and heating solutions for enhancing fresh concrete quality

Figure: KTI-Plersch

KTI-Plersch concrete cooling systems provide the capacity for producing a total of 2.6 million m³ of cooled concrete; the image shows units installed on the Dubai International Airport construction site

Figure: KTI-Plersch

Plate ice (top) and flake ice (bottom) are the two types of ice most frequently used for concrete cooling; the plate-ice production process is about 30 to 45% more energy-efficient compared to that of flake ice

Figure: KTI-Plersch

Section of a KTI-Plersch plate-ice plant positioned on top of an automatic ice storage system

Figure: KTI-Plersch

Model of an aggregate cooling unit connected to a linear storage bin with permanently installed air nozzles through a cold-air line

Figure: KTI-Plersch

A KTI plate-ice plant with integrated cold-water generation on top of an ice storage

Figure: KTI-Plersch

KTI-Sauter hot-air systems (left) and a KTI cold-air unit (right, background) ensure perfect temperature control of aggregates

Figure: KTI-Plersch

Schematic representation of a complete concrete cooling system comprising units for cold-water generation, ice production, ice storage and aggregate cooling using cold air

Figure: KTI-Plersch

Solid concrete components are used both in cast-in-place applications and in the precast industry. Such elements can develop a high amount of hydration heat and internal stresses resulting in cracking. This is why the temperature of the concrete needs to be controlled efficiently already during the mixing process in order to prevent severe damage to the building or structure.

Solid concrete components are used for the construction of airports, dams, tunnels, bridges and other infrastructural projects. Owing to their thickness, such elements can develop a high amount of hydration heat and thus internal stresses resulting in cracking even months after their installation. In addition, exceedingly high or low ambient temperature levels can obstruct the controlled curing of concrete in regions with extreme climatic conditions. This is why the temperature of the concrete needs to be controlled efficiently already during the mixing process in order to prevent cracking...