Title:
Trends in the Design of Manufacturing Facilities for Automated Production of Autoclaved Concrete Block in the United States and Canada
Author(s):
James C. Bailey and Ernest C. Clay
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
32
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
15-34
Keywords:
autoclaving; automation; concrete blocks; curing;
manufacturing; mixing; optimization; plant layout; plants.
DOI:
10.14359/6598
Date:
7/1/1972
Abstract:
Automation in the block industry is at a primitive stage compared to some other industries. Within the block manufacturing process, the greatest advancement of automation has developed in proportioning and mixing. Those plants constructed in recent years that have been the most automated have all utilized single-stage autoclaving in some form. The efficiency of autoclave production depends on using a maximum portion of each 24 hr for curing, and a minimum I for loading and unloading the autoclave. Thus, efficient and b rapid movement of block from one end of the flow diagram to the other is important. It may be accomplished either by using transfer cars in a shuttle system or by using trains that operate over curved tracks and switches. Disadvantages of these systems suggest the desirability of a completely circular system if technical difficulties could be surmounted.