More than ever, manufacturers are developing and sending to market products and technologies to assist concrete producers in meeting their sustainable goals. Here is just a sample of some of these products.
Washout reclaimer
Requiring only a small footprint, the Concrete Washout Reclaimer is compact, fully automated, and can be customized to handle up to 100 ready-mix trucks per day. The high-pressure HPT Filter Press reduces concrete sludge by 80% to super-dry or dense cakes for easy handling, storing, or reselling. Reclaimed water can be reused by the system or discharged. Matec In America. 508-293-8400. www.matecinamerica.com
Earth-friendly release agents
Readily biodegradable release agents are VOC-compliant and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-certified. Multiple reactive technologies create a metallic soap that reduces bonding-adhesion, while promoting quick stripping at the same time, deterring build-up on forms and pallets. Hill & Griffith Co., 800-543-0425. www.hillandgriffith.com
Generator burns waste oil
The waste-oil Steam-Flo generator produces 345 lbs. of saturated steam per hour and burns 2.9 gallons per hour of waste oil. Steam-Flo generators are often used in ready-mix plants, including closed-loop heating systems, heating system jackets, and thawing pipes and valves. Sioux Corp. 888-763-8833. www.sioux.com
Unit reduces oil consumption
The Oil Conditioning Unit improves lubrication by serving as a low-pressure pump filtration unit that circulates the oil in a system. Benefits include reduced oil consumption and component wear, extended component and lubrication service life, and improved machine reliability and productivity. SKF USA. 800-440-4753. www.skfusa.com
Lights save energy
Energy-efficient LED recessed down lights are available with smaller apertures and high lumen output to accommodate a wide range of construction projects. The NHIC/NHRIC GU24 CFL housing series includes six down light models with 4-, 5-, and 6-in. apertures, all designed for construction. The 6-in. model is Energy Star-rated. Nora Lighting. 800-686-6672. www.noralighting.com
Cooler in summer, warmer in winter
The company's ICFs provide comfort and energy efficiency, allowing the HVAC system to keep the indoor temperature cooler in summer and warmer in winter. With high R-values, low air infiltration and high thermal mass, homes built with ICFs can use a smaller HVAC system, saving on heating and cooling costs. ARXX. 800-293-3210. www.arxx.com
Fuel-saving truck
The HyPower plug-in hybrid electric vehicle system allows utility truck operators to save up to 1.5 gallons of fuel per hour. The system runs the truck's aerial lift without running the engine to save fuel, reduce emissions, and eliminate noise. The system can reduce diesel fuel use by up to six gallons per day. Terex. 203-222-7170. www.terex.com
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