In Ohio as with many areas of the country, we’re used to seeing orange barrels on the highway marking the coming of summer only to see the numbers decrease during mid-fall. They’re as predictable as spring flowers and fall harvest. In cold weather, less and less concrete is poured because the recommended temperature for pouring is 50°F and 70°F. Below that temperature, the chemical reaction related for curing is very slow or non-existent. Above those temperatures, reactions may be too fast causing weaknesses in the material as well.
There are industries that cast refractory year-round. Refractory is a ceramic material like cement that is designed to withstand very high temperatures. Industry uses refractory for processes requiring high temperatures. Examples are industrial furnaces for drying chemicals, incinerating waste, or heating metals for making alloys or melting for castings. Like concrete, the material needs to be above 50°F for casting and curing starts at about 70°F. Companies that mix and cast large quantities of refractory materials often store bulk material in unheated warehouses with bags holding 30 to 50 cubic feet of material. When temperatures dip, warm water is one method used to warm cold refractory to a temperature suitable for casting.
BriskHeat’s TTI IBC/Tote Tank Immersion Heater provides an easy-to-use solution. Pre-measure water needed for mixing is poured into a tote tank. Determine the water temperature required to raise the refractory material from the current temperature to about 50°F. The water temperature should not be higher than the curing temperature or material may start to cure prematurely. Set the programmable temperature control on the TTI to the appropriate temperature and check the digital display as the water warms. Be sure to mix the water occasionally to ensure uniformity.
Water is only one of the liquids that can be heated with a TTI Immersion Heater. Other liquids such as grease, oil, solvents, resins, and other non-flammable chemicals can be heated up to 167°F (75°C). The TTI is available in 3 different models: TTI120 for 120 volt use includes a 3-prong plug, TTI240 for 240 volt applications with a Fahrenheit display, and TTI240C for 240 volt applications with a Celsius display. BriskHeat has all 3 models in stock. Order by 2:00 pm and your product ships the same day!
