Consistent moisture control is an important part of efficient refractory gunning. When dry gunning materials are properly predampened before reaching the nozzle, contractors can improve material preparation, support proper hydration, and help minimize rebound. A refractory moisture control system such as the Blastcrete Predampener provides controlled moisture addition and material output for demanding refractory applications.
The Predampener is designed to add up to 5% moisture to gunning materials. Its completely hydrostatic design enables precise material predampening while providing control over material output. Two solenoid-activated water bars allow operators to make simple adjustments to water volume according to application requirements.
What Is a Refractory Moisture Control System?
A refractory moisture control system is designed to regulate the amount of moisture introduced into dry refractory or gunning materials before application. Consistent moisture addition can help prepare material for proper hydration at the nozzle and improve control during the gunning process.
The Predampener combines material feeding, mixing, and controlled water addition in one system. Its hydrostatic predampening auger works with the water bars to provide controlled moisture distribution throughout the material.
This approach gives operators greater control over material preparation while helping maintain consistent production.
Precise Material Predampening for Refractory Applications
Precise material predampening is one of the primary functions of the Predampener. The unit can add up to 5% moisture to gunning materials, while its hydrostatic system allows operators to control both moisture addition and material output.
The two solenoid water bars provide adjustable water volume, making it possible to adapt the predampening process to different operating requirements.
Controlled predampening can help support:
More consistent material preparation
Proper hydration at the nozzle
Reduced rebound
Controlled material output
Efficient high-volume processing
How the Predampener Controls Moisture
The Predampener uses a 9-inch hydrostatic predampening auger to move and process the gunning material. During this process, water is introduced through two solenoid-activated water bars.
The water volume can be adjusted easily, allowing operators to control the amount of moisture added to the material. This hydrostatic configuration provides a practical method for maintaining consistent predampening during continuous operation.
The result is a controlled material preparation process designed for demanding refractory applications.
Key Features of the Predampener
The Predampener is built with components designed to provide dependable material handling and moisture control.
9-Inch Hydrostatic Predampening Auger
The 9-inch hydrostatic auger provides controlled movement and predampening of gunning materials. Its design supports consistent material processing throughout the system.
Mixing Auger With Removable Rubber Enclosure
The mixing auger helps blend moisture throughout the material. The removable rubber enclosure also provides convenient access for maintenance and inspection.
Up to 3,000-Pound Hopper
A large hopper with a capacity of up to 3,000 pounds provides substantial material storage for continuous operation. A material feed screw helps deliver material into the predampening system.
Two Solenoid Water Bars
The two solenoid-activated water bars provide controlled water delivery. Simple water-volume adjustment allows operators to fine-tune the moisture level for the application.
20 HP Electric Motor
The Predampener is equipped with a 20 HP electric motor, disconnect, and electrical enclosure. It is available for 240V or 480V, 3-phase power systems.
Skid Mount With Forklift Tubing
The skid-mounted design incorporates forklift tubing for convenient handling and positioning. This can make equipment relocation easier in industrial environments.
Predampener Specifications
Specification Details
Output 0-12 tons per hour
Mounting Skid mount with forklift pickup
Dimensions 156" x 60" x 72"
Weight 2,800 lbs.
Predampening Auger 9-inch hydrostatic
Hopper Capacity Up to 3,000 lbs.
Motor 20 HP electric
Power 240V or 480V, 3-phase
Water System Two solenoid water bars
Optional Configuration Trailer mounted
High-Output Moisture Control for Continuous Operations
With an output capacity of 0-12 tons per hour, the Predampener is designed for applications requiring continuous material processing.
The combination of its high-capacity hopper, material feed screw, hydrostatic predampening auger, mixing auger, and adjustable water system provides an integrated solution for refractory material preparation.
By controlling both moisture addition and material output, operators can maintain a more consistent predampening process during high-volume operations.
Supporting Proper Hydration at the Nozzle
Moisture control can play an important role in achieving proper hydration during refractory gunning. The Predampener is specifically designed to add controlled moisture before the material reaches the nozzle.
By adding up to 5% moisture and providing adjustable water volume, the system helps operators manage the predampening process according to application needs.
The equipment is therefore suited to operations where consistent material preparation, controlled moisture, and reduced rebound are important considerations.
Trailer-Mounted Option
For applications where mobility is required, the Predampener can also be configured with an optional trailer mount.
The trailer-mounted option provides additional flexibility for transporting the equipment between work areas or job sites, while the standard skid-mounted configuration provides forklift handling capability.
Why Choose a Predampener?
A dedicated refractory moisture control system can provide greater consistency and control than manually adding moisture to refractory materials. The Predampener is designed to integrate moisture addition with material feeding and mixing.
Key advantages include:
Controlled moisture addition
Precise material predampening
Adjustable water volume
Hydrostatic material processing
Up to 12 tons-per-hour output
Large material hopper
Integrated mixing auger
Forklift-friendly skid mounting
Optional trailer mounting
Flexible 3-phase electrical configurations
Predampener: Refractory Moisture Control System for Precise Material Predampening
