Cement Works - 16 - Post-mix Building

Discussion in 'Industrial & Commercial' started by Jim Freight, Jun 6, 2021.

  1. Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

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    This post kiln structure (23) performs the grinding to powder of the clinker and the mixing in of gypsum to create the final cement product, hence 'post-mix'.

    Note. In the original site map the post-mix structure (23) and the gypsum silos (24) were shown separate, they are now one structure. The fluidising equipment will now be in a separate hut or shelter, design of which is to be determined.

    The Process

    Clinker is delivered to post-mix (23) via a conveyor from the clinker store (20).

    Gypsum is an essential ingredient in Portland cement, it regulates the extreme setting reaction which occurs in the presence of water, gypsum is the retarding agent of cement.

    Deliveries of gypsum are made in PRESFLO wagons providing further rail traffic to the cement works. It is unloaded at the trackside using air to fluidise the gypsum powder and propel it through a sub-surface pipe, and then up to the top of the silos. The sub-surface pipe is covered by metal panels to allow maintenance access whilst keeping a site access path across the front of the silos.
    As required the gypsum stored in the silos flows down to the pump and valve unit under the silos. The pump motor drives an Archimedean screw to push the gypsum up to the mixing chamber within the building.

    The clinker is ground to powder and mixed with a small percentage of gypsum, although this is a much simplified process compared to reality it is an important one and worth including when expanding your cement works model.

    The finished cement product is taken via conveyor to the bulk storage silos (25) ready for supplying the bagging plant (32) or the bulk wagon loading silos (27) as required.

    Construction

    The basis of this building is the Walthers VGA Grain Elevator, the main structure is modified to accept a conveyor from the clinker store, which is part of building 20 which delivers the clinker. A second conveyor delivers the finished product to the main cement silos (25).

    The original shed over the grain delivery grid has been moved to the side as a machinery building, and has been lowered for ground level access, the roller shutter door was fitted during a recent upgrade of the works but the original sliding door rails were left in place.

    The silo barrels are from the Bachmann Scenecraft model, minus the original framework which was too crude to merge with the detail of the Walthers based buildings. One was converted to make left and right handed versions and so combine the walkway access to one ladder and direct the silo vents away from each other.

    Structural components are a mixture of Knightwing International and Plastruct. Pipework is from Walthers kit sprues, the pipe flanges and valves are from Knightwing.

    I have standardised on using Wills Chequerplate with Plastruct handrails for platforms and walkways on the cement site which is constructed from HO scale buildings, the bottom edge of the Plastruct handrails glue well to the thick chequer plate.

    Images show the finished building and initial placement before bedding in on site.

    Jim

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    Last edited: Jun 18, 2023
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  2. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

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    That is impressive :tophat::tophat:

    Ian vt
     
  3. Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

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    Thanks Ian :)
     
  4. Chris Doroszenko

    Chris Doroszenko Lost in the spare room Full Member

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    Nice model mate...very well done...I figure if I look at enough good model work I might get better at it myself...who am I kidding, practice makes perfect.:thumbs:
    Cheers for sharing.
     
  5. Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

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    Thanks Chris, I study many works of others who I am in awe of, but ultimately you have to set a realistic target for yourself and try and maintain it across your railway, mind you after a few buildings the urge starts to upgrade ones earlier efforts, so be it.

    But if you set an unrealistic one you create nothing but despair, always remember it's a hobby, not a 9-5 you put up with. Jim :)
     
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