ADOBE BLOCK PRESS DRAWINGS
click on drawing for full size
This Adobe Block Press can be set-up to operate in an auto mode or operated manually with hand control valves. Compressed Earth Block (CEB) have be around for at least 35 years and cost anywhere from $8,000 for a manual unit to $70,000 for a fully automated unit. The cost to fabricate this unit can be as high as $10,000 for all new materials, utilizing a used hydraulic power unit (motor and pump) and purchasing used steel components, the build cost can be as low as $2,000 excluding labor.
This unit, with a 70 HP engine and 25 GPM flow hydraulic pump, will produce 6 to 8 blocks per minute in auto mode, 2 to 3 per minute in manual mode. Figure D and Figure E show provisions for double compression. This feature provides for true edged rectangular and very dense blocks. When this feature is used, the ejection plate assembly MUST be allowed to float independently. The secondary compression is minimal, less than 1/2", and the compression takes place when the compression cylinders are within 500 PSI of the bypass set point (maximum compression). Depending on the soils used and clay content, this feature may not be required. The buck can be a welded component.
Soil mass is reduced by 40%-50% during compaction depending on soil composition, therefore the compression block and cavity from the hopper are more than twice as large as the 10" deep X 12" L block to be formed. For repetitive auto mode production, two adjustable limit switches (compression stroke and compression block stop on return) can be used. These can be adjusted as necessary to produce 4"-6"-8"-10" wide blocks or any depth from 2 to 10 inches. Dimensional differences will be within 1/4". Dimensional differences will be minimal if the moisture content and soil mix is consistent. For the auto mode function, 12 VDC hydraulic solenoids will be required on the flow control valves. This adds significant cost. Sources are dismantled excavators, asphalt rollers, combines, and military surplus.
For manual operation, after acceptable blocks have been produced, manual limit blocks can be drilled and set into the guide rails. Another option is to install a manual adjustable gate on the hopper to limit the amount of soil that enters the mold box and simply allow the compression cylinders to travel full stroke. Production will be slower with unnecessary cylinder travel.
Hydraulic ports in all cases should be as large as possible for maximum flow. On the retraction cycle of the compression block, only one cylinder needs to be powered. The other, the return can dump directly to the hydraulic tank.
Due to the extreme forces exerted, the sub frame and support structure for the entire assembly must be welded. The parallel members to the mold box must be 3/4" to 1" with ladder type cross members upper and lower to hold the rails together. If the unit is to be "down sized", the structural stability of the frame and mold will be dictated by the amount of force produced by the compression cylinder(s) used.
The side walls (angle of repose) of the hopper must be steep enough (greater than 45 degrees) to ensure that the material does not cone and cut down on the amount of soil that enters the mold box. Most of the commercial producers make very large hoppers with the intent that if you keep the hopper fully loaded, you create a vertical shaft for the soil to fall into the mold box. Sandy soils flow better than soils with high clay content. It is recommended that straw and other organic materials not be used as they adversely affect the quality of the CEB produced.
Contact Information
- Telephone
-
(505) 238-0426
- FAX
-
(505) 867-2876
- Postal address
-
PO Box 45741 Rio Rancho, NM 87174
- Electronic mail
Sales paul@sanco-bg.com
Web Master webmaster@sanco-bg.com
(Click here)