Is the application for a curing chamber of a cast concrete plant? If it is I'll give some details about direct fired steam generator and the size of the curing chamber in about two weeks that I worked about ten years ago. I am out of town and I can not give you an answer.
Thanks chicopee. I am primarily interested in cast concrete (prestressed elements). Anyway if you have some hints to share about accelerated curing chambers you are more than welcome.
The type of cement used (typically Type III) will also reduce the energy required because of the heat of hydration that is created early and can be retained with insulation and/pr forms until the forms are stripped the the next day.
If it is in a cold climate heated water and possibly heated aggregates can also be used to accelerate the curing and generation of the heat of hydration and increase production.
Concrete block (zero slump concrete)are frequently cured on a 24 hour basis using mist in a the kilns and the heat of hydration provides the energy to raise of keep the temperature. ASTM spec block can be made on a 24 hour basis.
Much will depend on the type of cement and the temperature of the aggregates, since this can dramatically reduce the curing cost.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
I was making reference to heat curing by radiant tubes with condensing steam (not to live steaming) placed in the moulds. Moulds should be insulated, or at least the concrete element covered with tarpaulin. Let’s assume aggregate temperature is few degrees (Celsius) above 0 °C.
Further to your comment concerning the heat of hydration, I am aware about the fact the hydration reaction of cement is an exothermic one and it is thermally activated, so depending on type and amount of cement one should rely on this contribution. Anyway how to estimate this contribution (i.e. specific energy developed per weight unit of cement)?
