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The SURE CURE Full Feature Curing Control System

Computer-controlled curing reduces costs dramatically. Labor costs diminish because production delays are minimized. Material costs decline because optimized curing reduces the materials used to develop high strengths. Energy costs decrease because curing temperatures are controlled. With electric curing systems, the computer cuts costs further by limiting electrical demand.

The SURE CURE system generates real-time information for every form and test cylinder. User-friendly software allows you to identify and correct problems as they occur. Costly production delays are virtually eliminated. Cure cycles are easily programmed and can be tailored to any mix. All time, temperature, and maturity data is recorded and stored on the computer. The Full Feature Curing Control System can be used in conjunction with all other SURE CURE curing control systems.

 

 

FEATURES

• Temperature Control -
• The Full Feature Curing Control System provides up to two hundred and fifty-two channels for controlling or monitoring curing temperatures.
• The operator enters a time/temperature program by specifying a set of time/temperature coordinates and can plot the actual time/temperature curve for any channel at any time.
• Saving and reusing data reduces daily programming time.
• The system controls temperature by simply turning heating circuits "on" or "off".

 

• Maturity -
• The controller continuously provides maturity values for all channels on the system.
• These values can be used as a guide to determine the best times to break test specimens.

• Energy Consumption -
  • With electric curing systems, the controller indicates the number of kilowatt-hours consumed by each heating circuit during the curing cycle.
  • The controller compiles valve times for boiler-type curing systems

• Demand -
  • Demand costs make up a significant part of a plant's electric bill.
  • For electric curing systems, the computer limits peak demand to a preset level established by the operator.
    • If power output reaches the preset demand level, the computer shuts off heating circuits beginning with the least important.
    • The savings generated by this feature alone can quickly pay for the computer system.

• Records -
  • Daily printable records are provided for each form and its companion test specimens.
  • Many record-keeping programs come with the Full Feature Curing Control System:
    • Time Vs. Temperature - (for a picture, see the Software page)
      • Can plot multiple temperatures on the same graph.
      • Time and temperature scales can be changed.
      • Historical data is kept and can be accessed at any time.
    • Relay History - (for a picture, see the Software page)
      • Is used for troubleshooting and keeping track of how often a specific relay(s) is(are) on.
      • Can plot multiple relay channels on the same bar graph.
      • Historical data is kept and can be accessed at any time.
    • Electrical Demand (if applicable, used with electrical curing systems) -
    • Plot Plant Demand - for the whole plant.
    • Plot Heat Demand - the demand for the heaters used in the electrical curing system.
    • Cast Record and Concrete Analysis- (for a picture, see the Software page)
      • Keeps cylinder break data and other data organized.
      • Provides a one page report of the product's curing.
      • Historical data can be easily accessed.
      • Provides a summary of breaks for a given job.

• Operation -
  • No computer or programming skills are necessary to operate our computer control system; however, a good understanding of accelerated concrete curing is important.
  • Beds can be programmed in a minute or less.
  • Software is user-friendly, intuitive, and cuts down on operating time.

• Quality Assurance -
  • Checking the quality of materials coming into the plant can become a reality with SURE CURE Cylinder Molds.
    • The SURE CURE Cylinder Mold enables the precaster to make, cure, and test cylinders in 6 hours or less.

• Research -
  • Use a SURE CURE Cylinder Mold with the system to:
    • Determine the correct time to start applying heat.
    • Determine the difference in strength caused by varying the maximum temperature.
    • Determine if the strength of the cylinder can be hurt by applying heat too soon.
    • Determine how different mixes perform with the same cure cycle
  • Use a SURE CURE Hydration Chamber to:
    • Determine the preset time for each mix.
    • Determine how the placing temperature effects the present time.
    • Determine when the hydration process is over.
    • Evaluate the magnitude of hydration.
    • Experiment with admixtures and fly ash.
• Circuit Analysis -
  • For electric curing systems, the controller measures amperage for each electric heating circuit, allowing the operator to compare the indicated current with a known value.
    • If the figures correlate, the system is ready for operation, if not, the operator can identify and correct the problem before the curing cycle commences.

• Troubleshooting -
  • The controller continuously generates data that is extremely useful in troubleshooting curing systems.
  • The computer can also make a phone call or activate an alarm to alert the operator if temperatures fall outside a preprogrammed range.
  • Products Engineering can be called for assistance with troubleshooting.

• Maintenance -
  • Reliability of the system is excellent.
  • No regular maintenance is required on the computer other than periodic cleaning.
  • Self-diagnostic programs enable the computer to analyze and identify most problems.
  • The modular construction of the system facilitates easy replacement of most components, and replacement parts can usually be flown in overnight.
  • Down time and repair costs are minimal, and the use of back-up control units ensures uninterrupted production.

• Multitasking -
  • While the computer monitors and controls the plant curing systems, it can continue to run other Windows-compatible programs used by your business.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• The System Includes -
  • a Personal Computer (with monitor, CD-ROM drive, and printer) running Microsoft Windows Operating System XP or higher;
  • up to two hundred and fifty-two thermocouple inputs and 120-volt AC outputs;
  • software to set cure cycles, plot time-temperature curves, generate records, monitor energy consumption and more;
  • installation in precast plant; and instruction of personnel in operation.

Additional custom software packages are available to increase the system's capabilities.

BENEFITS

• Information -
  • The controller generates real-time information that allows the precast plant to operate more effectively and efficiently.
  • The status of every form and test specimen is readily available in an organized, user-friendly format, allowing the operator to identify and correct problems almost before they occur.
  • Production delays are virtually eliminated.

• Control -
  • The temperature is controlled over a set period of time using the curing controller.
    • Time-temperature coordinates are keyed into the computer to create a programmed curve.
  • The computer can limit the plant's electrical demand to a preprogrammed level (only if a SURE CURE Electric Curing System is used)

• Savings -
  • Computer-controlled curing systems reduce labor, material, and energy costs.
    • Labor costs diminish because production delays are minimized.
    • Material costs decline because curing cycles are optimized, and cylinders are controlled to follow actual concrete temperatures.
    • Energy costs decrease because peak demand is limited to a predetermined level and curing is optimized for efficiency.

COST

The Full Feature SURE CURE Curing Control System starts at approximately $15,000.00 depending on options and installation location. (See our Pricing Page for more info.)

For a pdf brochure of the Full Feature Curing Control System, click here.