Hot concrete production

Pri Principle of hot concrete production using low-pressure steam

The use of low-pressure steam for concrete production is used first and foremost to defrost the plant and enable it to produce.

The steam is used to heat aggregates and/or water to obtain hot concrete at an optimum temperature for better setting and strength, especially when temperatures are low in winter.

A minimum concrete temperature of 15°C may be imposed in the specifications for engineering structures.

Principle of aggregate reheating: this is used to thaw aggregates in receiving hoppers, above helmets or in storage areas, and to enable the concrete plant to operate at temperatures as low as -40°C.

Steam is supplied by :

• directly in the base of hoppers,
• by means of special lances planted in the aggregates, at their storage location,
• for thawing equipment.
• For heating mixing water

Low-pressure steam is also used to produce hot water, an essential element for better results in hot concrete production. Quality hot concrete is obtained with:

• heating of aggregates,
• with the addition of hot mixing water supplied by SIMOX hot water production units, enabling the production of large volumes of water at a constant temperature.

This system optimizes the heat transfer between the aggregates and the mixing water. The result is concrete with a temperature above 15°C, whatever the outside temperature. SIMOX hot water production units are easy to use thanks to their mobility. A heavy-duty system for everyday use.

Why use low-pressure steam to produce hot concrete?

• For pouring panels, floors, formwork of all kinds, heavy or light prefabrications, in the factory or on site: reduces the time between concrete pouring and form stripping (1/2 to 5/6)
• allows the concrete batching plant to thaw before production begins,
• respects the contractual obligation to pour concrete at a minimum temperature of 15°C for engineering structures,
• ensures that concrete sets faster,
• improves the visual appearance of concrete products (e.g. on walls)
• enables faster form removal.
• Low-pressure steam has a higher heat exchange capacity than hot air. It helps maintain a stable aggregate temperature.

Accessories for hot mix concrete production

• hot water production unit,
• lances and perforated tubes for steam diffusion in aggregates,
• steam unit heater for heating buildings/concrete plants,
• steam/water exchanger for underfloor heating, aggregate storage,
• perforated ramps,
• ready-to-use mobile boiler room including: steam generator, hot water tank, oil tank, auxiliary heating,
• water treatment equipment (softener, dosing pump) to improve the life and performance of the steam generator (generator not guaranteed without adequate water treatment and monitoring).
• Help with calculating your thermal requirements

Opt for a containerized mobile boiler room, a turnkey solution for construction site power plants, including low-pressure steam generator, diesel tank, hot water production unit and all external connections. Ask about our rental mobile boilers (designed primarily for site power plants, they can also be used for other applications).

In conclusion

Low-pressure steam generator solutions to meet the specific needs of construction professionals. Hot concrete production, aggregate reheating and hot water production with SIMOX solutions enable you to produce at all temperatures, deliver a better-quality product and optimize yields thanks to faster setting.