Concrete does not simply dry out and harden, it cures, and that depends on holding the right moisture and temperature while the cement hydrates. CDS Group designs the heating side of that process, and low pressure hot water, often shortened to LPHW, is one of the most dependable ways to do it.
A boiler heats water, which is then circulated through pipework to heat exchangers or radiators placed in the curing chamber. The heat passes into the air around your products, and the cooled water returns to the boiler to be reheated. Because the system runs at a lower pressure than steam, the equipment is simpler to operate, and the temperatures it delivers are gentle and steady.
LPHW provides heat, not moisture. Concrete still needs a humid environment as it cures, so hot water heating usually works alongside humidification and atomisation systems that add moisture to the chamber air. Think of one as the warmth and the other as the damp.
It tends to suit plants that want even, controllable background heat across a large curing area. It is also a natural choice where a boiler is already on site or where the team prefers a lower pressure system for day to day operation. Where a faster, more intense heat and moisture input is needed, a steam generator may be the better answer, and some plants use both.
Chamber size and insulation have a big effect on how quickly a space reaches temperature. Racking layout matters too, since blocked airflow around products leads to uneven curing. A good air circulation design spreads that heat evenly so every pallet gets the same treatment.
Monitoring is the final piece. Sensors and maturity and quality control tools show you whether the concrete is actually gaining strength on schedule, which is far more useful than assuming the heating is doing its job.
Not sure whether LPHW, steam or a mix of both suits your plant? The curing specialists at CDS Group are happy to talk it through. Ring 01782 336666 or email info@cds-group.co.uk and we will help you find the right setup, or take a look at our full range of concrete curing systems.