JP7795161B2 - Concrete temperature control system and temperature control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a temperature control system and a temperature control method for concrete.

In the construction of mountain tunnels, after the specified length of excavation and excavation, a series of construction cycles are carried out, including the primary spraying of concrete onto the walls of the constructed tunnel, including the sides and face, erecting steel supports, the secondary spraying, and then driving rock bolts as necessary.At the mountain tunnel construction site, a concrete plant (batcher plant) is built to manufacture the sprayed concrete, and the concrete manufactured in the concrete plant is loaded onto a mixer truck, transported into the tunnel, and then sprayed onto the tunnel walls.
Temperature control is extremely important in the production of ready-mixed concrete, and has a significant impact on the quality of shotcrete. For example, if the temperature of ready-mixed concrete is too high, the hydration reaction will accelerate, leading to a decrease in long-term strength, and because the temperature during hardening is high, cracks will easily occur if the temperature drops suddenly due to the outside air.
Since mountain tunnel construction is generally carried out on an annual basis, shotcrete is applied under conditions where the outside air temperature varies greatly between summer and winter. At concrete plants for mountain tunnels, water used in the production of ready-mixed concrete is procured on-site. However, the temperature of the on-site water varies depending on the outside air temperature, ranging from 0°C to a few degrees Celsius in winter to around 50°C in summer, resulting in a large variation in water temperature depending on the season. Meanwhile, in the production of ready-mixed concrete, from the viewpoint of concrete quality as mentioned above, it is necessary to control the temperature of the mixed concrete to a fairly uniform temperature (for example, around 25°C) throughout the year.

Ready-mixed concrete is produced by mixing various materials such as coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, cement, water (mixing water), and admixtures in a mixer. Therefore, when controlling the temperature of the ready-mixed concrete, the temperature control of the mixing water, which is one of the materials, and other materials such as cement (materials other than mixing water) has a significant impact on the temperature of the concrete when it is mixed.
Regarding temperature control of aggregates such as coarse aggregate and fine aggregate, it is extremely difficult to install large-capacity aggregate bins that can maintain a constant aggregate temperature in concrete plants constructed at mountain tunnel sites, so it is common to use the aggregate that arrives daily as is in the production of ready-mix concrete. Furthermore, since the temperature of the aggregate is also greatly affected by the outside air temperature, high-temperature aggregate is used in the summer and low-temperature aggregate is used in the winter.

Therefore, a realistic solution is to adjust the temperature of the mixing water, which can be temperature-controlled even in mountain tunnel concrete plants, to adjust the temperature of the ready-mixed concrete to the desired level. For example, in winter, a measure is taken to heat the mixing water using a boiler to raise the temperature of the ready-mixed concrete to be produced, but adjusting the temperature of the mixing water using a boiler requires on-site fuel management because it uses petroleum fuel, and safety management is also required to run the boiler constantly to prevent freezing, and further, there is the problem of environmental impact because carbon dioxide is emitted when the boiler is running.
Furthermore, while in winter, it is possible to heat the mixing water using a boiler, despite the various issues mentioned above, in summer, there is no specific measure to lower the temperature of the mixing water, and there is a problem that the temperature of the mixing water cannot be adjusted in summer. Therefore, in summer, concrete is produced using mixing water and other materials at a high temperature, and the temperature of the concrete when mixed is inevitably high.

For these reasons, there is a need for a concrete temperature control system and method that can adjust the temperature of the mixed water to a target temperature by raising it as desired in winter and lowering it as desired in summer without using a boiler.

Patent Document 1 proposes a concrete mixing temperature control system. This concrete mixing temperature control system measures the temperatures of various concrete materials, calculates the heat capacity values of the various materials based on the measured material temperatures to set the concrete mixing temperature within a target range, and uses a formula to estimate the mixing temperature from the heat capacity values to set the heating or cooling temperatures of the mixing water and aggregate, thereby controlling the concrete mixing temperature by heating or cooling the materials.

Meanwhile, Non-Patent Document 1 proposes a concrete plant with temperature control functions. This concrete plant with temperature control functions is based on the idea that managing the temperature of cement will improve the accuracy of predicting the temperature of the finished concrete. By changing the measurement position of the sensors that measure the cement temperature or by increasing the number of sensors installed, the plant can grasp the appropriate temperature and improve the accuracy of predicting the temperature of the finished concrete. Furthermore, by implementing measures such as heat insulation for the cement silo and extraction conveyor, changes in the cement temperature are reduced.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-132164 A Study on Concrete Plants with Temperature Control Functions 74th Annual Academic Lecture at the 2019 National Convention of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers

The concrete mixing temperature control system described in Patent Document 1 requires the heating of aggregate, and as such, as mentioned above, presents the inherent problem of the difficulty of heating aggregate in concrete plants actually constructed at mountain tunnel sites. Furthermore, while it claims to control the concrete mixing temperature by heating or cooling the materials, it does not disclose specific means for cooling the mixing water, for example. Furthermore, the concrete plant with temperature control function described in Non-Patent Document 1 focuses on the measurement location and number of sensors that measure cement temperature, but does not disclose specific means for adjusting the temperature of the mixing water as desired in both winter and summer.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a concrete temperature control system and method that makes it possible to adjust the temperature of concrete during production to a target temperature by adjusting the temperature of mixing water to a desired temperature throughout the year, including winter and summer, without using a boiler.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the concrete temperature control system according to the present invention is to
A concrete temperature control system that measures the temperature of mixing water, which is a material used in producing concrete, measures the temperatures of other materials other than the mixing water, or assumes that the temperatures are similar to the nearby measured temperatures, and controls the temperature of the concrete to be produced to a target temperature.
a water tank A containing cold or hot water;
a water tank B containing room temperature water;
a water tank C containing heat source water;
a measuring tank into which the cold/hot water and the room temperature water are supplied from the water tank A and the water tank B to generate the mixing water;
a mixer that accommodates and kneads the mixing water and the other materials;
a heat exchanger and a heat pump interposed between the water tank A and the water tank C, which adjusts the temperature of the cold/hot water by exchanging heat between the cold/hot water and the heat source water;
a plurality of temperature sensors that directly or indirectly measure the temperatures of the cold/hot water, the room temperature water, the mixing water, and the manufactured concrete;
and a control device that stores the target temperature, takes in measurement data from the plurality of temperature sensors, and executes control to generate the mixing water having a target water temperature for realizing the target temperature based on the measurement data and the target temperature.

According to this embodiment, by using a heat exchanger and a heat pump to adjust the temperature of the cold and hot water used to produce concrete whose temperature when mixed is the target temperature, it is possible to heat and even cool water procured at the construction site without using a boiler, making it possible to adjust the mixing water to a target water temperature to achieve the target concrete temperature throughout the year. Therefore, in the summer, cold mixing water can be produced using high-temperature local water, and in the winter, warm mixing water can be produced using low-temperature local water. In this specification, the water contained in water tank A and having a temperature range from cold to warm, approximately 5°C to 50°C, is referred to as "cold and hot water."
Furthermore, the temperatures of other materials other than the mixing water are merely assumed to be the same as measured or nearby measured temperatures, and the temperatures of other materials are not heated, so large-capacity aggregate bins, etc., are not required. As other materials are generally stored inside the concrete plant, the temperatures of other materials can be determined by measuring the indoor temperature inside the concrete plant, so direct measurement is acceptable, but even if direct measurement is not required, it is sufficient to "assume that the temperatures are the same as nearby measured temperatures."

Furthermore, "directly or indirectly measuring the temperatures of the cold/hot water, room temperature water, mixing water, and the produced concrete" means not only directly measuring each temperature with a temperature sensor, but also, for example, calculating the temperature of the mixing water based on the temperature of the cold/hot water or room temperature water without directly measuring the temperature of the mixing water (calculating instead of measuring, or identifying from other temperatures).
The inventors have demonstrated that there is almost no error between the temperature of the mixing water calculated by stabilizing the temperatures of both the cold/warm water and the room temperature water before supplying them to the metering tank and taking into account the amount of each water supplied, and the actual temperature of the mixing water; this includes a form in which the temperature of the mixing water is indirectly determined based on this rule of thumb. Furthermore, if the amounts (weights) of both the cold/warm water and the room temperature water to be supplied to the metering tank are calculated to bring the mixing water to a target water temperature, the mixing water produced in the metering tank will naturally be at or near the target water temperature, making it unnecessary to directly measure the temperature of the mixing water in the metering tank. In this way, the temperature sensor in the metering tank may be dispensed with, reducing the manufacturing costs of the system, or the temperature of the mixing water may actually be measured with a temperature sensor in the metering tank.

A heat pump is a device that transfers heat (quantity) by repeatedly compressing or expanding gas, making use of its properties of increasing temperature through compression and decreasing temperature through expansion. This makes it possible to transfer heat not only from high temperature to low temperature, but also from low temperature to high temperature. On the other hand, a heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat, and there are various types such as plate heat exchangers, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, and fin-and-tube heat exchangers.
In this embodiment, a heat exchanger and a heat pump are disposed between a water tank A containing hot and cold water and a water tank C containing heat source water. For example, two heat exchangers may be disposed on either side of one heat pump, or two heat exchangers may be disposed on either side of two heat pumps arranged in parallel. In other words, multiple heat pumps may be used depending on the amount of hot and cold water to be temperature-adjusted and the performance of the heat pumps.

The chilled/hot water and heat source water are, for example, river water or well water on-site, and the temperature of the chilled/hot water stored in Tank A fluctuates greatly, for example, within a range of approximately 5°C to 50°C, depending on the outdoor air temperature depending on the season. Therefore, by operating the heat pump, in the summer, heat is removed from the chilled/hot water stored in Tank A and transferred to the heat source water stored in Tank C, thereby lowering the temperature of the chilled/hot water. In the winter, heat is removed from the heat source water stored in Tank C and transferred to the chilled/hot water stored in Tank A, thereby raising the temperature of the chilled/hot water.

Water tank A, which contains temperature-adjusted cold/hot water, and water tank B, which contains room-temperature water, supply cold/hot water and room-temperature water to a metering tank, where mixed water consisting of cold/hot water and room-temperature water is produced. Here, the room-temperature water contained in water tank B is also local water, just like the cold/hot water and heat source water. In other words, even though it is called "room-temperature water," the temperature still fluctuates greatly, for example, within a range of around 5°C to 50°C, depending on the outside temperature depending on the season.

When producing mixed water in the metering tank, the temperature of the mixed water is determined, for example, by the respective temperatures and supply amounts of cold/hot water and room temperature water supplied. In this embodiment, when producing mixed water at a target water temperature by adjusting the supply amounts of both water, the temperature of the cold/hot water is set taking into account the temperature of the room temperature water, and heat is transferred between water tank A and water tank C to produce cold/hot water at the set water temperature.

In another aspect of the temperature control system for concrete according to the present invention,
The heat exchangers include a heat exchanger A specific to the water tank A and a heat exchanger C specific to the water tank C,
The water tank A and the heat exchanger A are connected to circulate the liquid through a pipe having a circulation pump therebetween,
The water tank C and the heat exchanger C are connected to circulate the liquid through a pipe having a circulation pump interposed therebetween,
The heat pump is interposed between the heat exchanger A and the heat exchanger C,
The heat exchanger A and the heat pump are connected to circulate a liquid through a pipe having a circulation pump interposed therebetween,
The heat exchanger C and the heat pump are connected to circulate the liquid through a pipe having a circulation pump interposed therebetween.

In this embodiment, circulation pumps are installed in the piping between water tank A and heat exchanger A, the piping between water tank C and heat exchanger C, the piping between heat exchanger A and the heat pump, and the piping between heat exchanger C and the heat pump. By circulating liquid within each piping, rapid heat transfer via the liquid can be achieved, allowing for efficient temperature adjustment of hot and cold water. The liquid can be local water (including treated water) or coolant liquid, etc.

In another aspect of the temperature control system for concrete according to the present invention,
An adjustment tank is provided above the measuring tank,
The water tank A and the adjusting tank are connected to circulate water through piping with a circulation pump interposed therebetween,
A circulation pump is interposed in the water tank B, and a pipe leading to the measuring tank is connected to the water tank B, so that water is circulated between the water tank B and the pipe.
The cold/hot water is circulated between the water tank A and the adjusting tank, and the temperature of the cold/hot water is stabilized before the cold/hot water is supplied to the metering tank.
The room temperature water is circulated between the water tank B and the piping, and the room temperature water is supplied to the measuring tank after the temperature of the room temperature water has been stabilized.

In this embodiment, an adjustment tank is provided above the metering tank, and cold/hot water at a stable temperature is supplied to the metering tank by circulating cold/hot water between water tank A and the adjustment tank, and room temperature water is circulated between water tank B and the piping leading to the metering tank to supply room temperature water at a stable temperature to the metering tank. This makes it possible to produce mixed water at a target water temperature with high precision. Furthermore, by locating the adjustment tank above the metering tank, cold/hot water can be supplied to the metering tank by its own weight, eliminating the need for a dedicated pump for supplying cold/hot water. Furthermore, since the amount of cold/hot water supplied to the metering tank is generally greater than that of room temperature water, the amount of cold/hot water supplied to the metering tank by its own weight can be increased by using a larger amount of cold/hot water than room temperature water when producing mixed water. By supplying cold/hot water to the metering tank by its own weight, an efficient supply of cold/hot water can be achieved without the need for power.

In another aspect of the temperature control system for concrete according to the present invention,
The control device
Calculating the target water temperature of the mixing water to achieve the target temperature of the concrete to be produced based on the measurement data regarding the temperatures of the other materials;
The method is characterized in that the weights of the cold/warm water and the room temperature water to be supplied to the measuring tank are calculated based on measurement data regarding the temperature of the cold/warm water whose temperature has been adjusted and measurement data regarding the temperature of the room temperature water whose temperature has been adjusted, so that the temperature of the kneaded water to be generated becomes the target water temperature.

According to this aspect, the weights of the cold/hot water and room temperature water to be supplied to the measuring tank are calculated based on measurement data relating to the respective temperatures of the temperature-adjusted cold/hot water and room temperature water so that the temperature of the resulting mixing water will be the target water temperature for producing concrete at the target temperature. This makes it possible to produce mixing water at the target water temperature and produce concrete at the target temperature.

In another aspect of the temperature control system for concrete according to the present invention,
The control device
If the temperature of the produced first batch of concrete is higher than the target temperature, a temperature difference amount is identified, and a control is executed to produce concrete by setting the target temperature of the second batch or the third batch of concrete to be lower than the initial target temperature by the temperature difference amount;
If the temperature of the first batch of concrete produced is lower than the target temperature, the temperature difference amount is identified, and the target temperature of the second or third batch of concrete is set higher than the initial target temperature by the temperature difference amount, and control is executed to produce concrete.

According to this aspect, the temperature of the concrete to be produced is compared with the target temperature, and if there is a temperature difference, feedback control is performed to change the target temperature (set temperature) by the identified temperature difference, thereby making it possible to produce concrete at the original target temperature.

In another aspect of the temperature control system for concrete according to the present invention,
When the temperature of the heat source water stored in the water tank C changes by a predetermined temperature from the initial temperature during the process of using the heat source water, the heat source water is drained from the water tank C, new heat source water is supplied to the water tank C, and the drained heat source water is supplied to the mixer to wash the mixer.

In this embodiment, when the heat source water becomes too hot or too cold during use and can no longer function as heat source water, it can be replaced with new heat source water, allowing for continued production of mixing water. Furthermore, the used heat source water can be used to rinse the mixer without being drained, allowing for effective use of the heat source water.

Another aspect of the concrete temperature control system according to the present invention is
The apparatus is configured to be able to cope with a case where the amount of the cold or hot water supplied to the measuring tank is greater than the amount of the room temperature water,
Between the adjustment tank and the measuring tank, there are two systems of first and second piping,
A first metering valve for rough metering is interposed in the first piping,
A second metering valve for minute metering is interposed in the second pipe,
after the majority of the cold/hot water to be supplied to the metering tank is supplied through the first pipe, the remaining cold/hot water is supplied to the metering tank through the second pipe,
Between the water tank B and the measuring tank, there is a third piping system.
The third piping is provided with a third metering valve that performs both rough metering and fine metering, and the third metering valve supplies the remaining amount of room temperature water to the metering tank after the majority of the room temperature water has been supplied thereto.

This aspect of the system is designed to accommodate cases where the amount of chilled/hot water supplied to the metering tank exceeds the amount of room-temperature water. To accommodate such cases, the chilled/hot water, which has a relatively larger supply volume than room-temperature water, is supplied from the adjustment tank to the metering tank via two pipes: the first and second pipes. Furthermore, by installing a first metering valve for coarse metering in one of the first pipes and a second metering valve for fine metering in the other, the second pipe, a large amount of chilled/hot water can be efficiently supplied to the metering tank via the first pipe, while the remaining chilled/hot water up to the set supply volume can be accurately metered and supplied to the metering tank via the second pipe. This allows for precise and efficient supply of the set supply volume of chilled/hot water to the metering tank. Meanwhile, the supply of room-temperature water, which has a relatively smaller supply volume, from water tank B to the metering tank is performed via a single third pipe. Furthermore, by installing a third metering valve for both coarse and fine metering in the third pipe, it is possible to precisely supply the set supply volume of room-temperature water to the metering tank without increasing the number of pipes.

Further, one aspect of the concrete temperature control method according to the present invention is to
A method for controlling the temperature of concrete by measuring the temperatures of mixing water, which is made up of cold/hot water and room temperature water, and other materials other than the mixing water, which are materials used in producing concrete, and controlling the temperature of the concrete to be produced to a target temperature.
A process A includes adjusting the temperature of the cold or hot water by performing heat exchange between the cold or hot water contained in a water tank A and heat source water contained in a water tank C using a heat exchanger and a heat pump;
A process B includes measuring the temperatures of the other materials and calculating a target water temperature of the mixing water to achieve the target temperature of the concrete to be produced based on measurement data regarding the temperatures of the other materials;
a C process in which the weights of the cold/warm water and the room temperature water are calculated based on measurement data relating to the temperature of the cold/warm water whose temperature has been adjusted and measurement data relating to the temperature of the room temperature water whose temperature has been adjusted, and the calculated weights are supplied to a measuring tank so that the temperature of the mixed water to be produced becomes the target water temperature, and the mixed water is produced in the measuring tank;
The method is characterized by having a step D of supplying the mixing water and the other materials to a mixer to produce concrete and measuring the temperature of the concrete.

In this embodiment, the temperature of the cold and hot water used to produce concrete that has a target temperature when mixed is adjusted using a heat exchanger and a heat pump. This makes it possible to heat and even cool water procured at the construction site without using a boiler, making it possible to adjust the mixing water to a target water temperature to achieve the target concrete temperature all year round.

As can be understood from the above explanation, the concrete temperature control system and temperature control method of the present invention can adjust the temperature of the mixing water to the desired temperature throughout the year, including winter and summer, without using a boiler, thereby adjusting the temperature during concrete production to the target temperature.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an example of a concrete temperature control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of heat transfer between aquarium A and aquarium C, and the water temperatures in each aquarium and the measuring tank in summer. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of heat transfer between aquarium A and aquarium C, and the water temperatures in each aquarium and the measuring tank in winter. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a control device. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control flow in a control device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of heat quantity calculation.

The concrete temperature control system and temperature control method according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification and drawings, substantially identical components may be designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

[Concrete temperature control system and temperature control method according to the embodiment]
An example of a concrete temperature control system and a temperature control method according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Here, Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an example of a concrete temperature control system according to an embodiment. Also, Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of heat transfer between water tank A and water tank C, and water temperatures in each water tank and measuring tank in summer and winter, respectively.

The concrete temperature control system 200 is a temperature control system implemented in a concrete plant constructed on-site to produce ready-mix concrete for use in shotcrete in mountain tunnels.

The temperature management system 200 comprises a water tank A (10A) that contains cold or hot water, a water tank B (10B) that contains room temperature water, a water tank C (10C) that contains heat source water, a measuring tank 50 into which the cold or hot water and room temperature water are supplied from water tank A (10A) and water tank B (10B) to produce mixing water, a mixer 70 that contains and mixes the mixing water and other materials, and a control device 100. Here, each water tank may be housed within the concrete plant, or, depending on the storage space of the concrete plant, water tank B (10B) that contains room temperature water may be installed outside the concrete plant.

"Other materials," which refers to the manufacturing materials for ready-mix concrete, includes coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, cement, and various admixtures, which are materials for manufacturing concrete other than mixing water.

The hot and cold water, room temperature water, and heat source water are all local water such as river water or well water that is supplied to each tank from the site, and therefore the temperature of each water fluctuates greatly, for example, within a range of 5°C to 50°C depending on the outside air temperature depending on the season.

The temperature control system 200 does not use boilers that burn fossil fuels and have an environmental impact, and furthermore, by adjusting the temperature of the mixing water to the desired temperature throughout the year, including winter and summer, the temperature of the cold and hot water used to produce the mixing water is adjusted to the desired temperature in order to adjust the temperature during concrete production (when the concrete is mixed) to the target temperature. As a means for adjusting the temperature of this cold and hot water, two heat exchangers A (30A) and C (30C) and a heat pump 20 are interposed between water tank A (10A) and water tank C (10C), and heat exchange between the cold and hot water and the heat source water is carried out.

Specifically, by operating the heat pump 20, in the summer, heat is removed from the chilled/hot water stored in water tank A (10A) and transferred to the heat-source water stored in water tank C (10C), thereby lowering the temperature of the chilled/hot water. On the other hand, in the winter, heat is removed from the heat-source water stored in water tank C (10C) and transferred to the chilled/hot water stored in water tank A (10A), thereby raising the temperature of the chilled/hot water.

The illustrated example shows two heat exchangers, A (30A) and C (30C), arranged on the left and right sides of a single heat pump 20, but depending on the amount of hot and cold water to be temperature-adjusted and the performance of the heat pump, other configurations may be used, such as two heat exchangers arranged on the left and right sides of multiple heat pumps arranged in parallel.

Water tank A (10A) and heat exchanger A (30A) are connected to circulate liquid via piping 81, which has a circulation pump 95a in between. Water tank C (10C) and heat exchanger C (30C) are connected to circulate liquid via piping 82, which has a circulation pump 95b in between. Heat exchanger A (30A) and heat pump 20 are connected to circulate liquid via piping 83, which has a circulation pump 95c in between, and heat exchanger C (30C) and heat pump 20 are connected to circulate liquid via piping 84, which has a circulation pump 95d in between.

If local water is used to transfer heat between Water Tank A (10A), Water Tank C (10C) and Heat Exchanger A (30A), Heat Exchanger C (30C), there is a good chance that fine sand or other particles will be mixed in, even if the local water is treated to make it muddy. This sand could get into the heat exchanger inside the heat pump 20 and cause clogging, reducing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump 20. Furthermore, given the high cost of maintaining the heat pump 20, as a countermeasure, heat exchangers A (30A) and C (30C) are installed in the pipes 81 and 83 between Water Tank A (10A) and the heat pump 20, and in the pipes 82 and 84 between the heat pump 20 and Water Tank C (10C), respectively.

Here, in order to prevent clogging of heat exchanger A (30A) and heat exchanger C (30C), a dust separator such as a multi-cyclone (not shown) may be installed in the piping 81 between water tank A (10A) and heat exchanger A (30A) and in the piping 82 between water tank C (10C) and heat exchanger C (30C).

The liquid contained in each pipe 81, 82, 83, 84 can be local water (including treated water), coolant, etc. For example, by circulating coolant in the pipes 83, 84 between heat exchanger A (30A) and heat exchanger C (30C) and the heat pump 20, it is possible to prevent the cooling side of the heat pump 20 from freezing, prevent the heating side of the heat pump 20 from changing into a gas state due to a temperature rise, and prevent rust from forming in the pipes 83, 84.

An adjustment tank 40 is provided above the measuring tank 50, where the mixing water is produced. The cold/hot water is heat exchanged with the heat source water and adjusted to the desired temperature, and is supplied to the adjustment tank 40 via piping 85. More specifically, a circulation pump 95e is installed in the piping 85 between water tank A (10A) and the adjustment tank 40, and the cold/hot water is circulated between water tank A (10A) and the adjustment tank 40 via the piping 85.

As the cold/hot water circulates between water tank A (10A) and the adjustment tank 40 in the X3 direction, the temperature of the cold/hot water stabilizes, and the temperature-stabilized cold/hot water is supplied from the adjustment tank 40 to the metering tank 50.

Meanwhile, water tank B (10B), which contains room temperature water, and metering tank 50 are connected by piping 86, which has a circulation pump 95f interposed between it. As the room temperature water is circulated between water tank B (10B) and piping 86 in the X4 direction, the temperature of the room temperature water stabilizes, and the stabilized room temperature water is supplied from piping 86 to metering tank 50.

A temperature sensor 96a is installed in the adjustment tank 40, which constantly measures the temperature of the hot and cold water. Meanwhile, a temperature sensor 96b is installed midway along the pipe 86, which constantly measures the temperature of the room temperature water.

The amount of cold/hot water supplied to the metering tank 50 is set to be greater than the amount of room-temperature water. Therefore, the piping system supplying cold/hot water from the adjustment tank 40 to the metering tank 50 and the piping system supplying room-temperature water from the piping 86 to the metering tank 50 are configured differently. In addition to the illustrated example, the amounts of cold/hot water and room-temperature water may be set to be equal, or the amount of room-temperature water may be set to be greater than the amount of cold/hot water. For example, the illustrated example is preferable in summer and winter because the amount of cold/hot water used is relatively greater. In spring and autumn, the amount of room-temperature water used may also be relatively greater. In such cases, it is better to set the amount of room-temperature water to be relatively greater. The illustrated example is particularly suitable for summer and winter, when it is difficult to adjust the temperature of the mixing water.

Specifically, two systems of first and second pipes 87 and 88 are provided between the adjustment tank 40 and the metering tank 50, with the first pipe 87 having a first metering valve 87a for rough metering and the second pipe 88 having a second metering valve 88a for fine metering. Meanwhile, a single system of third pipe 89 is provided between the metering tank 50 and the pipe 86 leading to water tank B (10B), with the third pipe 89 having a third metering valve 89a for both rough and fine metering.

The first metering valve 87a for coarse metering is, for example, a butterfly valve, while the second metering valve 88a for fine metering and the third metering valve 89a, which performs both coarse and fine metering, are, for example, ball valves.

First, chilled/hot water is supplied to metering tank 50 in the X5 direction via first pipe 87 while being measured using first metering valve 87a for rough metering. When the measured value reaches the value obtained by subtracting a preset 90% dynamic load from the target weight, first metering valve 87a is closed. Next, second metering valve 88a is opened, and the remaining chilled/hot water is supplied to metering tank 50 in the X6 direction via second pipe 88 while being measured using second metering valve 88a for fine metering. When the measured value reaches the value obtained by subtracting 100% dynamic load from the target weight, second metering valve 88a is closed, and the chilled/hot water present between second metering valve 88a and metering tank 50 falls into metering tank 50, thereby supplying the target weight of chilled/hot water to metering tank 50.

Next, the third metering valve 89a is opened, and room-temperature water is supplied to the metering tank 50 in the X7 direction via the third pipe 89 while the third metering valve 89a performs coarse metering. When the measured value reaches the value obtained by subtracting the preset 90% dynamic load value from the target weight, the third metering valve 89a is switched to fine metering, and the supply of room-temperature water continues. When the measured value reaches the value obtained by subtracting the 100% dynamic load value from the target weight, the third metering valve 89a is closed. The room-temperature water present between the third metering valve 89a and the metering tank 50 falls into the metering tank 50, and the target weight of room-temperature water is supplied to the metering tank 50.

By providing an adjustment tank 40 above the metering tank 50 and circulating cold/hot water between water tank A (10A) and the adjustment tank 40 to supply cold/hot water at a stable temperature to the metering tank 50, and by circulating room temperature water between water tank B (10B) and the piping 86 leading to the metering tank 50 to supply room temperature water at a stable temperature to the metering tank 50, mixing water at the target water temperature for producing ready-mixed concrete with a target mixing temperature can be produced with high precision.

In addition, because the adjustment tank 40 is located above the metering tank 50, cold and hot water can be supplied to the metering tank 50 by the water falling under its own weight, eliminating the need for a dedicated pump for supplying cold and hot water. Furthermore, since a larger amount of cold and hot water is supplied than room temperature water when producing mixing water in the metering tank 50, supplying cold and hot water to the metering tank 50 by the water falling under its own weight enables efficient supply of cold and hot water without the need for power.

Furthermore, by efficiently supplying a large amount of chilled or hot water to the metering tank 50 via the first pipe 87, while accurately metering the remaining chilled or hot water up to the set supply amount and supplying it to the metering tank 50 via the second pipe 88, the set supply amount of chilled or hot water can be supplied precisely and efficiently to the metering tank. On the other hand, by supplying a relatively small amount of room temperature water to the metering tank 50 via a single system of third pipe 89 and incorporating a third metering valve 89a that performs both rough and fine metering in the third pipe 89, the set supply amount of room temperature water can be supplied to the metering tank precisely without increasing the number of pipes.

The illustrated example shows one metering tank 50, but it is also possible to use, for example, two metering tanks, with the first through third pipes connected to each metering tank.

When two measuring tanks are used, for example, the mixing water required to produce one batch of ready-mixed concrete is divided into two at a predetermined ratio, and the mixing water is supplied first from one of the measuring tanks to the mixer 70, where it is mixed, for example, for a predetermined proportion of the batch, along with the other materials supplied to the mixer 70, for a set period of time. The remaining mixing water and other materials are then supplied to the mixer 70 and mixed to produce one batch of ready-mixed concrete. This manufacturing method makes it possible to produce higher quality concrete than when mixing water and other materials are supplied to the mixer 70 all at once and mixed. Note that the illustrated example shows a system equipped with one measuring tank 50 to make the system easier to understand.

The measuring tank 50 and mixer 70 are connected by piping 91, and mixing water at the target temperature and in the specified amount required to produce, for example, one batch of ready-mixed concrete is supplied to the mixer 70 via piping 91 in the X8 direction.

Meanwhile, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, cement, etc. stored in the other material storage tank 60 within the concrete plant are supplied to the mixer 70 in the X9 direction, for example, via piping 92. A temperature sensor 96c is installed in the other material storage tank 60, but this temperature sensor 96c may also be installed near the other material storage tank 60 within the concrete plant.

Other material storage tanks 60 are divided into tanks for each material, and each material is supplied from its own tank in the specified amount required to produce, for example, one batch of ready-mix concrete, at the temperature within the concrete plant.

Here, some or all of the weighed materials may be manually added to the mixer 70 by the ready-mix concrete manufacturer, instead of being sent through the pipe 92.

A temperature sensor 96d is installed in the mixer 70, and the temperature of the mixed mixture is measured by the temperature sensor 96d.

Water tank C (10C) and mixer 70 are connected by piping 93, and when the temperature of the heat source water changes from its initial temperature by a predetermined temperature (for example, approximately ±20°C) during the process of using the heat source water, heat source water is supplied from water tank C (10C) to mixer 70 via piping 93 in the direction X10 and used to rinse mixer 70. Meanwhile, new heat source water is supplied to water tank C (10C) from which the heat source water has been drained.

In this way, by replacing heat source water that has become too hot or too cold during use and can no longer function as heat source water with new heat source water, it is possible to continue producing mixing water. Furthermore, by using used heat source water to wash the mixer without having to drain it, the heat source water can be used more efficiently.

The control device 100 controls the operation of the various devices that make up the system (heat pump 20, circulation pump 95a, etc., first metering valve 87a, etc.), receives measurement data from each temperature sensor 96a, etc., and performs tasks such as setting the target water temperature for cold/hot water and calculating the amount (weight) of cold/hot water and room temperature water to be supplied to the metering tank 50 so that the concrete reaches the set target temperature. Furthermore, although the operation of the mixer 70 is controlled by the mixer 70 alone, the control device 100 may also control the operation of the mixer 70. The heat pump 20 and circulation pumps 95a to 95d may be controlled by a control device that is separate from the control device 100, etc.

As shown in the example in Figure 2, in the summer, the hot and cold water in tank A (10A) reaches a high temperature of 35°C or higher depending on the outside air temperature. Therefore, by operating the heat pump 20 using the control device 100, heat is removed from the hot and cold water in tank A (10A) whose temperature is approximately 35°C, and the heat is transferred in the X1 direction, adjusting the temperature of the hot and cold water to approximately 7°C as shown in the example.

The adjustment tank 40, which stores chilled or hot water at a stabilized temperature via piping 85, stores chilled or hot water at approximately 7°C, similar to water tank A (10A), and supplies it to the metering tank 50.

Meanwhile, the room temperature water contained in water tank B (10B) has a temperature of approximately 31 to 35°C and is supplied to the metering tank 50 via pipe 86.

By supplying predetermined amounts of cold/hot water at approximately 7°C and room temperature water at approximately 31-35°C to the metering tank 50, the amount of mixing water required for mixing one batch at, for example, approximately 10°C is produced in the metering tank 50.

The temperature of other materials stored within the concrete plant is around 31 to 33°C.

Mixing water at approximately 10°C and other ingredients at approximately 31-33°C are supplied to the mixer 70, which then mixes them to produce ready-mix concrete with a target mixing temperature of 25°C.

In other words, in the summer, high-temperature water supplied from the site is cooled to produce cold water, producing mixing water at a target temperature that is significantly lower than the local water, while still producing ready-mixed concrete that is at the target temperature when mixed.

Also, as shown in the example in Figure 3, in winter, the cold/hot water in tank A (10A) is at a low temperature of around 5°C depending on the outside air temperature. Therefore, by operating the heat pump 20 with the control device 100, heat is removed from the heat source water in tank C (10C) which has a temperature of around 5°C, and the heat is transferred to the cold/hot water in the X2 direction, adjusting the temperature of the cold/hot water to around 55°C as shown in the example.

The adjustment tank 40, which stores chilled or hot water at a stabilized temperature via piping 85, stores chilled or hot water at approximately 55°C, similar to water tank A (10A), and supplies it to the metering tank 50.

Meanwhile, the room temperature water contained in water tank B (10B) has a temperature of approximately 5 to 15°C and is supplied to the metering tank 50 via pipe 86.

By supplying predetermined amounts of cold/hot water at approximately 55°C and room temperature water at approximately 5 to 15°C to the metering tank 50, the metering tank 50 produces the amount of mixing water required for one batch at, for example, approximately 50°C.

The temperature of other materials stored within the concrete plant is around 10 to 15°C.

Mixing water at approximately 50°C and other ingredients at approximately 10 to 15°C are supplied to the mixer 70, and by mixing them in the mixer, ready-mixed concrete is produced with a target mixing temperature of 25°C.

In other words, in winter, low-temperature water supplied from the site is heated to produce cold or hot water, and mixing water at a target temperature that is significantly higher than the local water is produced without using a boiler, thereby producing ready-mixed concrete that is at the target temperature when mixed.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 4, and an example of the functional configuration of the control device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 5.

As shown in Figure 4, the control device 100 is composed of an information processing device (computer) such as a personal computer (PC) or microcomputer, and is installed, for example, as a control panel within a concrete plant.

The computer that constitutes the control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a main memory device 102, an auxiliary memory device 103, a communication IF 104, and an input/output IF (interface) 105, all of which are interconnected via a connection bus 106. The main memory device 102 and the auxiliary memory device 103 are computer-readable recording media. Note that the above components may be provided separately, or some components may not be provided at all.

CPU 101 is also called an MPU (Microprocessor) or processor, and may be a single processor or a multiprocessor. CPU 101 is a central processing unit that performs overall control of control device 100, which is made up of a computer. CPU 101, for example, deploys programs stored in auxiliary storage device 103 in an executable form in the working area of main storage device 102, and controls peripheral devices through program execution, thereby providing functions that meet specific purposes.

The main memory device 102 stores computer programs executed by the CPU 101, data processed by the CPU 101, and the like. The main memory device 102 includes, for example, flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary memory device 103 stores various programs and data on a readable and writable recording medium, and is also referred to as an external memory device. The auxiliary memory device 103 stores, for example, an OS (Operating System), various programs, various tables, and the like. The OS includes, for example, a communication interface program that exchanges data with external devices connected via the communication IF 104. External devices connected to the control device 100 include the temperature sensors 96a to 96d, the heat pump 20, the circulation pumps 95a to 95f, and the communication units provided in the metering tank 50, etc.

The auxiliary storage device 103 is used, for example, as a storage area supporting the main storage device 102, and stores computer programs executed by the CPU 101, data processed by the CPU 101, etc. The auxiliary storage device 103 may be a silicon disk including non-volatile semiconductor memory (flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM)), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive, etc. Examples of the auxiliary storage device 103 include drives for removable recording media such as CD drives, DVD drives, and BD drives, and examples of removable recording media include CDs, DVDs, BDs, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and SD (Secure Digital) memory cards.

The input/output IF 105 is an interface that inputs and outputs data to and from devices connected to the control device 100. Input devices such as a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, or other pointing device, and a microphone are connected to the input/output IF 105. The control device 100 receives operational instructions from an operator who operates the input device via the input/output IF 105.

In addition, the input/output IF 105 is connected to display devices such as liquid crystal panels (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) and organic electroluminescence (EL: Electroluminescence) panels, as well as output devices such as printers and speakers.

The communication IF 104 is an interface with the network to which the control device 100 is connected. The communication IF 104 receives measurement data from the temperature sensors 96a to 96d via various networks, such as public networks such as the Internet, wireless networks such as mobile phone networks, dedicated networks such as VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and LANs (Local Area Networks), and similarly performs metering using the first metering valve 87a, second metering valve 88a, and third metering valve 89a based on supply amount data calculated by the control device 100 via the network. Here, the control device 100 and some or all of the devices may be connected by wire, in which case there is no need to exchange data via a network.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 100 provides various functions, including at least a communication unit 110, an equipment control unit 112, a measuring tank control unit 114, a feedback control unit 116, a display unit 118, and a storage unit 120, through the execution of a program by the CPU 101. Here, at least some of the above processing functions may be provided by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like. Similarly, at least some of the above processing functions may be provided by dedicated LSIs (large scale integration) such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), numerical calculation processors, image processing processors, or other digital circuits.

The communication unit 110 receives measurement data sent from the temperature sensors 96a to 96d as needed, and stores the data in the storage unit 120 as needed. The storage unit 120 stores the target temperature of the ready-mix concrete when it is mixed.

The equipment control unit 112 calculates the target temperature of the mixing water to achieve the target temperature of the concrete to be produced based on measurement data related to other materials, and operates the heat pump 20 to produce mixing water at the target temperature by referring to measurement data related to the current cold and hot water.

The metering tank control unit 114 calculates the weight of each of the cold/hot water and room temperature water to be supplied to the metering tank 50 so that the temperature of the resulting kneaded water becomes the target water temperature, and controls the first metering valve 87a, second metering valve 88a, and third metering valve 89a to measure the weight of each of the cold/hot water and room temperature water.

The control flow for the above-mentioned equipment control unit 112 and measuring tank control unit 114 is as shown in Figure 6. That is, when automatic measuring begins, the weight of the mixing water is calculated from the formulation data, the mixing amount for one batch, the sand surface water ratio, and the gravel surface water ratio (step S10).

Next, the target mixing water temperature is calculated from the target mixing temperature (the midpoint between the upper and lower allowable limits), aggregate temperature (air temperature within the plant ± a corrected value), cement temperature (air temperature within the plant ± a corrected value), admixture temperature (air temperature within the plant ± a corrected value), and the mixing temperature for the next batch and beyond (Step S12). For example, by entering the minimum (lower allowable limit) and maximum (upper allowable limit) temperatures at the time of mixing of the ready-mixed concrete on the settings screen of the display unit 118, the midpoint (midpoint) between the entered minimum and maximum temperatures at the time of mixing is automatically set as the target mixing temperature. To cite a specific numerical example, for example, by entering a minimum temperature of 20°C and a maximum temperature of 25°C, the target mixing temperature is set to 22.5°C, with a temperature range of ±2.5°C. In other words, in this method of entering the upper and lower allowable limits and setting the midpoint between them as the target mixing temperature, the allowable temperature range also changes when the input values are changed.

Next, the mixing ratio of cold/warm water to room temperature water is calculated from the target water temperature for mixing, the weight of the mixing water, the temperature of the cold/warm water, and the temperature of the room temperature water, and the weight of the cold/warm water and room temperature water is determined from the calculated mixing ratio (step S14).

Next, cumulative measurements are performed in the measuring tank in the order of cold/hot water and room temperature water (step S16).

Finally, after the mixing water has been released, the process moves on to weighing the next mix (next batch) (step S18).

When the specified number of kneading cycles has been completed, the kneading process will end and the machine will wait until the next automatic weighing begins.

In addition, the feedback control unit 116 reads measurement data regarding the temperature of the concrete produced by the mixer 70 from the storage unit 120 and compares it with the target temperature, and if there is a certain temperature difference between the two, performs feedback control to change the target temperature (set temperature) by the specified temperature difference.

Specifically, if the temperature of the first batch of concrete produced is higher than the target temperature, the temperature difference is identified, and the target temperature for the second or third batch of concrete is set lower than the original target temperature by the temperature difference, and control is exercised to produce the concrete.

On the other hand, if the temperature of the first batch of concrete produced is lower than the target temperature, the temperature difference is identified, and the target temperature for the second or third batch of concrete is set higher than the original target temperature by the temperature difference amount, and control is performed to produce the concrete.

Here, an example of feedback control when the metering tank 50 has a pre-metering function is shown below.

For example, let's assume that the advance metering function in the metering tank 50 is ON, the target temperature is 25°C ± 2°C (23°C to 27°C), and the mixing temperature of the first batch is 22°C (lower than the target temperature).

In this case, the target temperature for the second batch will be 25°C, the same as the first batch, and the weight of the mixed water will be calculated with a target temperature for calculation of 25°C. The target temperature for the third batch will be 26°C, with 1°C added as the correction value for the first batch, and the weight of the mixed water will be calculated with a target temperature for calculation of 26°C.

On the other hand, let's assume that the advance metering function in the metering tank 50 is ON, the target temperature is 25°C ± 2°C (23°C to 27°C), and the mixing temperature of the first batch is 28°C (higher than the target temperature).

In this case, the target temperature for the second batch will be 25°C, the same as the first batch, and the weight of the mixed water will be calculated with a target temperature for calculation of 25°C. The target temperature for the third batch will be 24°C, with -1°C added, the correction value for the first batch, and the weight of the mixed water will be calculated with a target temperature for calculation of 24°C.

On the other hand, let's assume that the advance metering function in the metering tank 50 is turned OFF, the target temperature is 25°C, and the mixed temperature of the first batch is 22°C.

In this case, the target temperature for the second batch is 26°C, which is the correction value for the first batch plus 1°C, and the weight of the mixing water with a target temperature for calculation of 26°C is calculated.

On the other hand, let's assume that the advance metering function in the metering tank 50 is turned OFF, the target temperature is 25°C, and the mixed temperature of the first batch is 28°C.

In this case, the target temperature for the second batch is 24°C, which is the correction value for the first batch, plus -1°C, and the weight of the mixing water with a target temperature for calculation of 24°C is calculated.

In this way, if the mixing temperature is out of range when the advance metering function is ON, the temperature error will be fed back in the next batch, and if the mixing temperature is out of range when the advance metering function is OFF, the temperature error will be fed back in the next batch.

Returning to Figure 5, the display unit 118 displays the measured values of each temperature sensor, the target temperature at the time of mixing, the temperature of the cold and hot water, etc., and further displays the temperature difference between the mixed temperature of the first batch and the target temperature, as described above.

Figure 7 is a sheet showing an example of the process for calculating the target mixing water temperature to achieve a target mixing temperature of 25°C when the ambient temperature is 15°C, taking into account the temperatures of other materials, the ambient temperature, the specific heat of other materials, mechanical heat, etc. Under the conditions shown in the example, the target mixing water temperature is calculated to be approximately 36°C.

The temperature control system 200 uses heat exchanger A (30A), heat exchanger C (30C), and heat pump 20 to adjust the temperature of the cold and hot water used to produce concrete that has a target temperature when mixed. This makes it possible to heat and even cool water procured at the construction site without using a boiler, making it possible to adjust the mixing water to a target water temperature to achieve the target concrete temperature all year round.

Furthermore, the concrete temperature control method according to the embodiment includes the following steps A to D.

In Process A, the temperature of the cold or hot water stored in Tank A (10A) is adjusted by heat exchange using Heat Exchanger A (30A) and Heat Exchanger C (30C) and Heat Pump 20 between the cold or hot water and the heat source water stored in Tank C (10C).

In process B, the temperatures of other materials are measured, and based on the measurement data regarding the temperatures of other materials, the target temperature of the mixing water is calculated to achieve the target temperature of the concrete to be produced.

In process C, the weights of the cold/warm water and room temperature water are calculated based on the measurement data for the temperature of the temperature-adjusted cold/warm water and the measurement data for the temperature of the temperature-adjusted room temperature water, and are supplied to the measuring tank 50 so that the temperature of the mixed water to be produced reaches the target water temperature. The mixed water is then produced in the measuring tank 50.

In process D, mixing water and other materials are supplied to the mixer 70 to produce concrete, and the temperature of the concrete when mixed is measured and compared with the target temperature. If there is a temperature difference between the two, feedback control is performed to achieve the target temperature in the next batch or the batch after that.

Note that other embodiments may be possible in which other components are combined with the configurations described in the above embodiments, and the present invention is in no way limited to the configurations shown here. In this regard, changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be determined appropriately depending on the application form.

10A: Aquarium A
10B: Water tank B
10C: Water tank C
20: Heat pump 30A: Heat exchanger A (heat exchanger)
30C: Heat exchanger C (heat exchanger)
40: Adjustment tank 50: Metering tank 60: Other material storage tank 70: Mixer 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 91, 92, 93: Piping 87: First pipe 87a: First metering valve 88: Second pipe 88a: Second metering valve 89: Third pipe 89a: Third metering valve 95a, 95b, 95c, 95d, 95e, 95f: Circulation pump 96a, 96b, 96c, 96d: Temperature sensor 100: Control device 110: Communication unit 112: Equipment control unit 114: Metering tank control unit 116: Feedback control unit 118: Display unit 120: Storage unit 200: Concrete temperature control system (temperature control system)

Claims (7)

A concrete temperature control system that measures the temperature of mixing water, which is a material used in producing concrete, measures the temperatures of other materials other than the mixing water, or assumes that the temperatures are similar to the nearby measured temperatures, and controls the temperature of the concrete to be produced to a target temperature.
a water tank A containing cold or hot water;
a water tank B containing room temperature water;
a water tank C containing heat source water;
a measuring tank into which the cold/hot water and the room temperature water are supplied from the water tank A and the water tank B to generate the mixing water;
a mixer that accommodates and kneads the mixing water and the other materials;
a heat exchanger and a heat pump interposed between the water tank A and the water tank C, which adjusts the temperature of the cold/hot water by exchanging heat between the cold/hot water and the heat source water;
a plurality of temperature sensors that directly or indirectly measure the temperatures of the cold/hot water, the room temperature water, the mixing water, and the manufactured concrete;
a control device that stores the target temperature, inputs measurement data from the plurality of temperature sensors, and executes control to generate the mixing water having a target water temperature for achieving the target temperature based on the measurement data and the target temperature. The heat exchangers include a heat exchanger A specific to the water tank A and a heat exchanger C specific to the water tank C,
The water tank A and the heat exchanger A are connected to circulate the liquid through a pipe having a circulation pump therebetween,
The water tank C and the heat exchanger C are connected to circulate the liquid through a pipe having a circulation pump therebetween,
The heat pump is interposed between the heat exchanger A and the heat exchanger C,
The heat exchanger A and the heat pump are connected to circulate a liquid through a pipe having a circulation pump interposed therebetween,
2. The concrete temperature control system according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger C and the heat pump are connected to circulate liquid through piping with a circulation pump interposed therebetween. An adjustment tank is provided above the measuring tank,
The water tank A and the adjusting tank are connected to circulate water through piping with a circulation pump interposed therebetween,
A circulation pump is interposed in the water tank B, and a pipe leading to the measuring tank is connected to the water tank B, so that water is circulated between the water tank B and the pipe.
The cold/hot water is circulated between the water tank A and the adjusting tank, and the temperature of the cold/hot water is stabilized before the cold/hot water is supplied to the metering tank.
3. A concrete temperature control system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the room temperature water is circulated between the water tank B and the piping, and the room temperature water is supplied to the measuring tank after the temperature of the room temperature water has stabilized. The apparatus is configured to be able to cope with a case where the amount of the cold or hot water supplied to the measuring tank is greater than the amount of the room temperature water,
Between the adjustment tank and the measuring tank, there are two systems of first and second piping,
A first metering valve for rough metering is interposed in the first piping,
A second metering valve for minute metering is interposed in the second pipe,
after the majority of the cold/hot water to be supplied to the metering tank is supplied through the first pipe, the remaining cold/hot water is supplied to the metering tank through the second pipe,
Between the water tank B and the measuring tank, there is a third piping system.
A concrete temperature control system as described in claim 3, characterized in that a third metering valve that performs both rough metering and fine metering is interposed in the third piping, and the third metering valve supplies the remaining amount of room temperature water to the metering tank after the majority of the room temperature water has been supplied to the metering tank. The control device
Calculating the target water temperature of the mixing water to achieve the target temperature of the concrete to be produced based on the measurement data regarding the temperatures of the other materials;
5. A concrete temperature control system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the weights of the cold/warm water and the room temperature water to be supplied to the measuring tank are calculated based on measurement data relating to the temperature of the temperature-adjusted cold/warm water and measurement data relating to the temperature of the temperature-adjusted room temperature water so that the temperature of the mixing water to be generated becomes the target water temperature. The control device
If the temperature of the produced first batch of concrete is higher than the target temperature, a temperature difference amount is identified, and a control is executed to produce concrete by setting the target temperature of the second batch or the third batch of concrete to be lower than the initial target temperature by the temperature difference amount;
6. A concrete temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the temperature of the first batch of concrete produced is lower than the target temperature, a temperature difference amount is identified, and the target temperature of the second or third batch of concrete is set higher than the initial target temperature by the temperature difference amount to produce concrete. A method for controlling the temperature of concrete by measuring the temperatures of mixing water, which is made up of cold/hot water and room temperature water, and other materials other than the mixing water, which are materials used in producing concrete, and controlling the temperature of the concrete to be produced to a target temperature.
A process A includes adjusting the temperature of the cold or hot water by performing heat exchange between the cold or hot water contained in a water tank A and heat source water contained in a water tank C using a heat exchanger and a heat pump;
A process B includes measuring the temperatures of the other materials and calculating a target water temperature of the mixing water to achieve the target temperature of the concrete to be produced based on measurement data regarding the temperatures of the other materials;
a C process in which the weights of the cold/warm water and the room temperature water are calculated based on measurement data relating to the temperature of the temperature- adjusted cold/warm water and measurement data relating to the temperature of the room temperature water contained in a water tank B so that the water temperature of the mixed water to be produced becomes the target water temperature, and the calculated weights are supplied to a measuring tank, and the mixed water is produced in the measuring tank;
A method for controlling the temperature of concrete, comprising a step D of supplying the mixing water and the other materials to a mixer to produce concrete and measuring the temperature of the concrete.