Home - Support Services - Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's

CONTENTS

  1. General Questions
  2. Curing Systems
  3. Curing Control Systems
    • Full Feature Curing Control System
    • Micro Curing Control System
    • Mini Curing Control System
  4. Cylinder Molds
  5. Cylinder Capping Equipment
  6. Hydration Chamber

1. GENERAL QUESTIONS

I work with SURE CURE equipment; how can I troubleshoot my equipment?

We design our equipment to be trouble-free and easy to maintain. For simple troubleshooting procedures that will identify and solve most problems, click here. Otherwise, please call us at 303-679-9635.

2. CURING SYSTEMS

How can an electric curing system cost less to operate than a system powered by oil or natural gas?

Our electric curing system costs less to operate because it is more efficient. It is more efficient because the energy (i.e., heat) produced by our system is transferred directly into the form. The losses to the surrounding air are much less significant than any boiler-type curing system. Less than a 5% of the electrical power is lost between the power source and the bed. Because polyurethane foam is sprayed against the outside surface of the form, the electric curing system captures the heat of hydration produced from the curing concrete.

For maintenance, the electric system only requires tightening screws once a year (new electric curing systems are built with screw-less terminal blocks, thus reducing maintenance further). How much do you spend maintaining your boiler system? For further maintenance see the Electric Curing page.

3. COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEMS

Can I use your computer system to control my existing curing system?

Yes, the SURE CURE Full Feature Curing Control System will work with any type of curing system as will our smaller Micro Curing Control System and Mini Curing Control System.

4. CYLINDER MOLDS

Why isn't my Cylinder Mold working right?

If you are having problems with your cylinder molds, navigate to the How To page under Support and click on "Checking to See if my Cylinder Mold is Bad". Otherwise, please call us at 303-679-9635.

5. CYLINDER CAPPING EQUIPMENT

What is the hardness of your neoprene pads?

"Soft" pads have a hardness of 40 durometer. "Standard" pads are 50 durometer (per ASTM D 2000 M2BC514A14B14), and "hard" pads are 70 durometer.

Which pads do you recommend for different strength tests?

Soft pads generally work best for strength requirements of 3500 psi or less. Standard pads are recommended when testing for strengths of 3500-7000 psi. Hard pads are generally used for tests of 7,000 to 12,000 psi.

ASTM C1231-93, AASHTO T22

I'm having problems with the Neoprene Pads tearing up too fast. What can I do?

Products Engineering sells extended life pads which are tougher than our regular neoprene pads. Extended life neoprene pads come in 6" and 4" sizes in the 60 durometer and 70 durometer densities.

Also:

  1. Be sure the test specimen is center on the pad.
  2. Use a lubricant such as corn starch with the pad.
  3. Attempt to make test specimens with smooth tops.
  4. Consider using a harder durometer pad.

6. HYDRATION CHAMBER

 

What is hydration? Click here.
What is a hydration chamber? Click here.