Kraft Energy™ provides energy efficient curing systems and insulated curing enclosures for concrete block, paving and segmental retaining wall (SRW) products. All of Kraft Energy's systems meet the functional needs of the semi-dry mix, and its vapor curing systems reduce energy and material costs while improving the product quality and visual appeal.

Benefits of Vapor Curing Concrete Block, Paving and SRW Units

Vapor curing SAVES MONEY by providing:

1. High early strengths for quick turnaround times (10 hours) or in-line processing (12 hours)
2. Cement reduction of 10% to 15%
3. Expanded production capacity without expanding the racking system by allowing for quicker hardening times
4. The ability to extend one-shift production to two or three shifts
5. For the integration of a secondary process, such as splitting or tumbling, into the dry-side production which eliminates duplication of strapping, transport and yard logistics for stock waiting to harden

Vapor curing improves QUALITY by:

1. Greatly improving colour uniformity
2. Reducing efflorescence
3. Reducing the moisture absorption of the installed product
4. Increasing surface density

Single-Atmosphere Chamber versus Individual Curing Chambers

Manufactured concrete producers must choose whether to cure product in a continuous process using a single-atmosphere chamber or to cure in a batch process using individual curing chambers. Single-Atmosphere Chambers The single-atmosphere chamber is one large, open room in which the temperature and humidity are maintained at an elevated level and circulation provides for consistency 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Concrete products enter and exit the chamber through a door or small opening. Transport equipment operates in the curing environment. Benefits of Single-Atmosphere Curing: Features lower energy costs than individual curing chambers Results in unparalleled concrete product consistency

Individual Curing Chambers

Individual curing chambers provide multiple independent curing rooms that are filled and emptied at ambient temperature. Once a chamber has been filled, the door is closed and the temperature and humidity are increased. Once curing is completed, the temperature and humidity are exhausted either to the atmosphere or to another chamber. The door is opened so that the chamber may be emptied. Transport equipment does not operate in the curing environment.

Benefits of Individual Curing Chambers:

1. Do not require transport equipment in the chamber
2. Feature-increased life expectancy of racks and transport equipment
3. Offer greater flexibility from chamber to chamber
4. Provide the ability to cure at high temperatures for secondary processing in one chamber and low temperatures for brighter colors in another
5. Maintain reduced rack and pallet costs

Each chamber system has its merits and place in the concrete industry. The unavoidable question is: Which method of curing best meets the needs of the manufactured concrete producers and their local sales market? Kraft Energy™ is able to consult with the customer and the production equipment supplier to determine which system is most practical, which curing system is best suited and how the two components are best integrated and implemented.

Available Curing Systems
Concrete block and paving products can be cured with these systems:

1. All Kraft Energy™ Vapor Curing Systems, including the Quadrix™
2. Kraft Energy™ Air Circulation Systems
3. Kraft Energy™ Exhaust Systems