Curetec has commissioned a customized Curecomplete temperature- and humidity-controlled curing system for Mengtai Group in Inner Mongolia.
MengTai operates an integrated coal, power and aluminium business in Ordos. Its new production line uses fly ash from its industrial operations to manufacture cement-based products such as paving blocks, coloured pavers and decorative concrete products.
A key requirement was to cure both dry-cast and wet-cast products with different mix designs using one integrated system.
The curing chamber measures 25 metres in length and 10 metres in height, making it considerably larger than a conventional chamber. In a space of this size, uneven air distribution can produce significant temperature and humidity gradients. This can lead to inconsistent hydration, variations in strength, cracking and higher reject rates.
Curetec developed a system combining steam-to-air heat exchange with more than 200 metres of custom air-distribution ductwork.
Uniform conditions throughout a large curing chamber
The restricted site layout made the duct installation particularly demanding. Ten-metre duct sections were assembled and insulated on site, then moved along a monorail into access passages only 75–80 centimetres wide for final connection.
The custom ductwork provides controlled air circulation throughout the chamber, reducing temperature and humidity differences between upper and lower levels and between areas close to and far from the air supply.
One system for dry-cast and wet-cast products
The system supports different curing requirements for both production methods. Each curing chamber has independent controls, allowing different temperature and humidity profiles to run simultaneously for multiple product types and mix designs.
Reliable operation at temperatures down to –31°C
Winter temperatures at the site can fall to –31°C. Heat loss through the chamber enclosure is therefore a major design consideration.
The steam-to-air heat-exchange system compensates for the low ambient temperature and maintains the required curing conditions throughout the year, helping prevent seasonal variations in product quality.
Designed for fly ash-based concrete products
Stable temperature and humidity support consistent cement hydration in products containing fly ash. This enables Mengtai to convert an industrial by-product into paving and decorative concrete products with consistent strength and appearance.
Improved quality and production efficiency
Controlled curing helps reduce cracking, surface dusting and strength variation. It also improves consistency between production batches.
A predictable curing cycle, combined with the chamber’s 22-level storage configuration, improves chamber utilization and supports higher production throughput.
This project demonstrates how controlled air distribution, independent process control and climate-specific engineering can support large-scale production under demanding conditions.
For both new production lines and curing chamber upgrades, temperature uniformity and year-round operating conditions should be assessed at the design stage.
Planning a new curing system or upgrading an existing chamber? Leave a comment or contact Curetec to discuss a configuration based on your products, process and local conditions.
