GB126813A - Curing Concrete Products. - Google Patents

Abstract

126,813. Bellonby, L. A. May 21, 1918. Concrete, hardening. - A concrete mixture is rapidly hardened while in its mould by treatment in an apparatus in which it is successively subjected to the action of dry steam, hot water, and heated air. The apparatus consists of a series of chambers, une of which is shown in Fig. 3. Shelves 13 support the moulds or trays containing the plastic material, a hole in each shelf being disposed alternately at opposite ends of the chamber so that fluid delivered through the perforated plate 10 traverses the series of moulds. The chamber is drained by the gutter 7, the pipes 20 serving for the removal and re-admission of water. The rib 8, running the length of the chamber, keeps a shallow layer of water in the chamber, the steam coil 9 being placed with about half its thickness above the water. The apparatus is used by first admitting steam to the half-immersed coil, whereby the surrounding water is vaporized and passes over the shelves, after partial drying by the part of the coil above the water. Hot water is next pumped into the chamber, is further heated by the steam coil, and circulates through the side passage 16. The water is then completely drained off and hot air delivered to the shelves by the continued operation of the coil.