Page 108 - Demo

CONCRETE PRODUCTS & CAST STONE106 CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 5 | 2025 www.cpi-worldwide.comand long-term durability%u2014while operating with the highest standards of efficiency and safety.The Kraft Curing SolutionFollowing their visit to bauma 2022, IBF invited Kraft Curing Systems to develop a complete, future-ready solution for the curing process in their redesigned roof tile production facility. Kraft responded with a sophisticated, fully automated system capable of curing concrete roof tiles within a tightly controlled environment of 70% to 95% relative humidity and temperatures of up to 45 %u00b0C. The engineering package included the complete design of the air supply, circulation, and exhaust ductwork for all thirteen curing chambers.At the heart of IBF%u2019s curing solution is Kraft%u2019s Quadrix-Ultra Air Heating & Circulation System, designed to accelerate the curing process through the controlled addition of heat and humidity. Unlike conventional systems, Quadrix delivers high air volumes at low flow rates, ensuring a continually uniform environment throughout the chambers. This optimized airflow prevents temperature or humidity stratification, guaranteeing that every roof tile cures under identical conditions.The benefits at a glance%u2022 Significantly reduced hardening duration, enabling faster turnaround and improved production efficiency.%u2022 Less breakage, as controlled curing minimizes internal stresses and microcracking.%u2022 Consistent surface color and substantially reduced risk of efflorescence, as hydration occurs evenly with no dry spots or rapid evaporation areas.%u2022 No condensation on chamber surfaces, even at high humidity levels of up to 90% and temperatures of 35%u201345 %u00b0C (100%u2013113 %u00b0F). This prevents corrosion of steelwork and avoids disruptions to safety beams or laser controls within the curing environment.%u2022 Approximate 10% cement reduction is achievable, as optimized curing enhances early strength development, allowing formulations with lower cement content without sacrificing final product quality. This also reduces the need for additional racks and production pallets, streamlining logistics and operational costsQuadrix%u2019s curing climate is fully controllable per production requirements, providing IBF with unmatched flexibility to adjust temperature and humidity for specific tile formats, mix designs, or seasonal conditions. The result is an improved, smoother surface finish on each tile%u2014a critical factor for both aesthetic and functional performance in roofing applications.Thirteen heavy-duty axial circulation ventilators, each with electrically actuated dampers, ensure consistent airflow throughout the chambers. A central radial exhaust ventilator, together with a network of dampers, removes warm, moist air at the end of the curing cycle to maintain optimal climate conditions. To precisely regulate humidity, KRAFT integrated the AutoFog%u00ae misting system, which uses UV-disinfected, atomized water for consistent moisture distribution. The compact steam humidifier combats misting nozzle issues, including the clogging of nozzles, dripping and hard mist. One of the three Kraft Curing bauma stands in 2022, where Kraft presented the fully functional Quadrix and the Kraft Racks climate chamber.The Quadrix concrete curing system accelerates the curing process through the controlled addition of heat and moisture.