Concrete curing apparatus and concrete curing method

Abstract

To intend to recover and use effectively carbon dioxide released into air, the carbon dioxide is problematic as a green house gas.SOLUTION: A concrete curing apparatus includes a curing tank where the concrete to be cured is placed, and a carbon dioxide separation and recovery cartridge in which a carbon dioxide adsorption-release agent is housed, this agent is placed in the curing tank, adsorbs carbon dioxide, and releases carbon dioxide at a temperature higher than that at which it was adsorbed. It is preferable that the curing tank has an insulating structure. The curing tank may also be equipped with a heating means to heat the concrete. The curing tank may have a first tank where the concrete is placed and a second tank adjacent to the first tank where the carbon dioxide adsorption-release agent is placed. A vacuum pump that depressurizes the first tank and a valve between the first and second tanks may also be provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a concrete curing apparatus and method that allows for carbonation during curing of concrete. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique for curing concrete by supplying carbon dioxide is known. For example, a carbonation curing system has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1), which forms a shielded space that contains a hardened cement body and shields it from the external atmospheric environment, has a gas inlet that supplies carbon dioxide to the shielded space via a gas flow rate adjustment mechanism, a gas outlet that connects to the outside via a gas inflow prevention mechanism, and a temperature regulator that controls the temperature of the gas in the shielded space, and the gas flow rate adjustment mechanism and the gas inflow prevention mechanism are switchable to set the control mode of the internal atmosphere to at least one of a "gas replacement mode" and a "steady mode." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-149456 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional technology requires the use of gas cylinders filled with carbon dioxide to supply carbon dioxide to the concrete curing space, which poses a problem of the cost of purchasing and installing the gas cylinders. Furthermore, concrete curing takes about a week, which requires energy consumption for heating and storage costs. To address these issues, there is a need for the capture and effective use of carbon dioxide, which is emitted into the atmosphere and is considered a problematic greenhouse gas, as well as energy conservation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A concrete curing device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a curing tank in which concrete to be cured is placed, and a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge that is placed in the curing tank and contains a carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent that adsorbs carbon dioxide and releases the carbon dioxide at a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature at which the carbon dioxide was adsorbed.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curing tank preferably has a heat insulating structure. The curing tank may be provided with a heating means for heating the concrete.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curing tank may include a first tank in which concrete is placed and a second tank adjacent to the first tank in which a carbon dioxide absorbing / releasing agent is placed. A vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the first tank and an on-off valve may be provided between the first tank and the second tank.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide adsorbing and releasing agent may be housed in a cartridge and removably disposed in the curing tank.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include a cartridge storage container that stores the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge, and suction means that draws gas remaining in the curing tank into the storage container.

[0010] A method for curing concrete according to one embodiment of the present invention includes placing concrete to be cured in a curing tank, placing a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge in the curing tank, the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge containing a carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent that adsorbs carbon dioxide and releases the carbon dioxide at a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature at which the carbon dioxide was adsorbed, and performing carbon dioxide curing of the concrete.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge may be placed in an unheated state in an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide to adsorb the carbon dioxide, and the concrete and the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge may be placed in an insulated curing tank, where the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent may be heated by the reaction heat generated when the concrete hardens, causing the carbon dioxide to be released.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge may be placed in an unheated state in an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide to adsorb the carbon dioxide, and the concrete and the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge may be heated in a curing tank to release the carbon dioxide.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curing tank may have a first tank and a second tank adjacent to the first tank, and carbon dioxide curing of the concrete may be performed by placing concrete in the first tank and placing a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge in the second tank.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the concrete may be carbon dioxide cured by having a vacuum pump that reduces the pressure in the first tank and an on-off valve between the first tank and the second tank, and with the on-off valve closed, the first tank may be reduced in pressure using the vacuum pump, the carbon dioxide adsorbing / releasing agent may be heated in the second tank to release carbon dioxide, and then the on-off valve may be opened to introduce the released carbon dioxide from the second tank into the first tank.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon dioxide remaining in the curing tank after carbon dioxide curing may be adsorbed by a carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent. Alternatively, the carbon dioxide separation / capture cartridge may be housed in a storage container, and the gas remaining in the curing tank may be drawn into the storage container, causing the carbon dioxide remaining in the curing tank to be adsorbed by the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to a concrete curing apparatus and curing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, energy consumption for supplying carbon dioxide during carbonation curing is eliminated or reduced. The carbon dioxide consumed in carbonation is recovered from the atmosphere and carbon dioxide emitted from internal combustion engines and combustion furnaces, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions and allows carbon dioxide to be fixed in the concrete structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a concrete curing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge installed in a concrete curing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a concrete curing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a concrete curing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a concrete curing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a concrete curing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a concrete curing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a concrete curing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below. For clarity of explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual form, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those previously described with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the letters "first" and "second" attached to each element are convenient labels used to distinguish each element and have no further meaning unless otherwise specified.

[0019] In each embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "concrete" refers to a concrete structure that is cured, and includes concrete in a formwork state and concrete without the formwork. There are no particular limitations on the shape or size of the concrete, and it includes concrete with a specific shape such as a concrete block, as well as cast-in-place concrete such as columns, beams, and slabs, unless otherwise specified.

[0020] [First embodiment] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a concrete curing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The concrete curing apparatus 100 includes a curing tank 102 and a carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104. The curing tank 102 is a tank for curing concrete 200, and the carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 is detachably installed inside the curing tank 102. The carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 is a carbon dioxide supply source and is used for carbonation curing of concrete.

[0021] The curing tank 102 has a storage section 103 for storing concrete 200 therein. The curing tank 102 has a door (not shown) that allows the concrete 200 and the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 to be inserted into and removed from the storage section 103 by opening and closing the door. The size of the curing tank 102 is arbitrary, and the storage section 103 is large enough to store the target concrete 200. The curing tank 102 is also airtight to a degree that gases such as carbon dioxide do not leak from the storage section 103. The curing tank 102 can also be configured to place the storage section 103 in a reduced pressure state, in which case it is airtight enough to maintain the reduced pressure state. The curing tank 102 can also be configured to place the storage section 103 in a positive pressure state, in which case it is airtight enough to maintain the positive pressure state. It is also preferable that the curing tank 102 be thermally insulated.

[0022] A carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent (not shown) is stored in the carbon dioxide separation / capture cartridge 104. The shape and size of the carbon dioxide separation / capture cartridge 104 can be selected appropriately depending on the type of carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent and the volume of the storage section 103. There are no limitations on the structure of the carbon dioxide separation / capture cartridge 104, but it has a structure provided with an air vent so that carbon dioxide can be released to the outside from the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent stored inside. The air vent may be formed as a hole or slit formed in the main body of the cartridge, or may be formed from a breathable film that covers an opening provided in the cartridge.

[0023] 2(A) to 2(C) are cross-sectional views showing an example of the configuration of a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 that is applied to the concrete curing apparatus 100. The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 shown in FIG. 2(A) has a cartridge body 1041, a lid 1042 for inserting and removing the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent 150 from the cartridge body 1041, and an air hole 1043 provided in the cartridge body 1041. The shape of the air hole 1043 is arbitrary, and may be a slit, or a circular or rectangular hole. The shape of the cartridge body 1041 is arbitrary, and can be changed as appropriate to match the shape of the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent.

[0024] The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 shown in Figure 2(B) includes a cartridge body 1041 having an opening on its top surface, and a breathable lid 1044 that covers the opening. In the configuration shown in Figure 2(B), the cartridge body 1041 can contain a carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent 150 in liquid, semi-solid (gel) or solid form. The breathable lid 1044 can be made of a breathable paper material, fiber cloth, nonwoven fabric or the like. Alternatively, the breathable lid 1044 may have a structure in which pores are provided in a plastic or metal plate material.

[0025] 2(C) shows a configuration in which an aeration pipe 1045 is provided in the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 shown in Fig. 2(B). The aeration pipe 1045 allows the atmosphere and exhaust gas emitted from an internal combustion engine or a combustion furnace to be introduced, and carbon dioxide can be adsorbed by the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent 150. The atmosphere and exhaust gas introduced by the aeration pipe 1045 may be bubbled.

[0026] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the cartridge body 1041 may be provided with casters.

[0027] In the concrete curing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 , there is no limitation on the structure for installing the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 in the curing tank 102. The storage unit 103 may be provided with grooves, rails, or pins so that the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 can be held stably in a fixed position. If there is no limitation on the installation location of the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 within the storage unit 103, a space may be provided so that it can be installed in any location. The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 may be equipped with casters to make it easy to take it in and out of the curing tank 102 and to transport it.

[0028] The structure of the storage unit 103 is not limited. As shown in FIG. 1 , the storage unit 103 may be provided with shelves 1026, each capable of storing a concrete block 200 on each shelf. The shelves 1026 may also provide a space for the carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 to be installed. For example, the carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 may be placed adjacent to the concrete block 200. The carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 may also be installed in a space partitioned by the shelves 1026. The shelves 1026 may be provided with through-holes 1027. There is no limit to the size or number of the through-holes 1027. Providing the through-holes 1027 in the shelves 1026 can improve the breathability of the space partitioned above and below. With this configuration, the carbon dioxide released from the carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 can be absorbed by the concrete block 200.

[0029] Generally, poured concrete undergoes a period known as curing to maintain the temperature and humidity required for hardening for a certain period of time and protect it from harmful influences in order to ensure the required qualities, such as strength, durability, and watertightness. Concrete develops its strength through the hydration reaction of cement. Because the hydration reaction is exothermic, placing the curing concrete in an insulated space increases the temperature of the space. It is known that the temperature rise caused by the cement hydration reaction can reach approximately 90°C. Therefore, by providing an insulated structure for the curing tank 102, the temperature of the container 103 can be increased. Furthermore, by providing an airtight curing tank 102, the water contained in the concrete can be prevented from escaping, allowing the hydration reaction to proceed appropriately.

[0030] The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 installed in the curing tank 102 can be taken out and put back in. The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 is installed in the storage section 103 together with the concrete 200. Once the curing of the concrete 200 is complete, the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 may be removed from the storage section 103, or may be left as is.

[0031] An example of how the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 is used is as follows: First, the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 is placed in the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide is adsorbed into the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent (not shown) in a state where it is not intentionally heated (for example, at room temperature). The carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent is installed in the curing tank 102. When the concrete 200 is cured in the curing tank 102, carbon dioxide is released from the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent, thereby supplying carbon dioxide to the concrete and promoting carbonation. The carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent has the property of releasing carbon dioxide when heated to a temperature above the temperature at which it adsorbed carbon dioxide. As described above, the concrete 200 generates heat due to the hydration reaction of cement. When the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent is heated by the heat of the reaction, carbon dioxide is released. As described above, the curing tank 102 is airtight, which prevents the released carbon dioxide from leaking to the outside. As a result, the carbon dioxide concentration in the storage section 103 increases, and the carbonation of the concrete 200 can be promoted.

[0032] The carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent is formed from a compound that adsorbs and releases carbon dioxide. An example of a compound having such properties is an amine compound. For example, the compounds described in the specification of International Publication No. 2022 / 085789 can be used as the amine compound. The amine compound has the property of adsorbing carbon dioxide at a temperature below 40°C and releasing carbon dioxide at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the carbon dioxide was adsorbed, for example, a temperature of 40°C or higher and lower than 100°C. When such an amine compound is used, carbon dioxide can be adsorbed at a temperature of about room temperature (for example, 25°C), in other words, at a temperature that is not intentionally heated, and carbon dioxide can be released at a temperature at which heat is generated by the hydration reaction of the concrete.

[0033] The carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent may have such an amine compound dispersed in a substrate (matrix). The substrate (matrix) may be a resin material capable of dispersing and retaining the amine compound. Examples of resin materials that may be used include polyolefin. Alternatively, a porous material may be used as the substrate (matrix). By using a porous material, the amine compound can be supported in the pores, thereby increasing the content of the amine compound in the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent. In yet another embodiment, the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent may be dispersed in a liquid.

[0034] In addition, carbon dioxide adsorption / release agents formed from such compounds may be evaluated as absorbing carbon dioxide (in some cases, they may absorb rather than adsorb), and the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent may also be called a carbon dioxide absorption / release agent.

[0035] In the concrete curing apparatus 100, if a carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent that adsorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or carbon dioxide contained in exhaust gas emitted from equipment, devices, or facilities that involve combustion (for example, internal combustion engines, combustion furnaces such as boilers) is placed in the carbon dioxide separation / recovery cartridge 104 and used, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can be fixed in the concrete, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, although not shown, if a gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide separated and recovered from exhaust gas or the like is connected to the curing tank 102 and the pressure in the storage section 103 is made positive, the carbonation of the concrete 200 can be further promoted.

[0036] The concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is capable of carbon dioxide curing of the concrete 200 without the need to supply energy such as electricity or thermal power. During carbon dioxide curing, carbon dioxide can be supplied from the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 to promote carbonation of the concrete 200. As a result, the strength of the concrete 200 can be increased, the curing period can be shortened, and the concrete 200 can be demolded early.

[0037] [Second embodiment] 3 shows the configuration of a concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the internal configuration of the storage section 103. In the following explanation, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and explanations of common parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0038] 3(A) is a front view of the concrete curing apparatus 100, and (B) is a side view, each showing a schematic diagram of the internal structure. The curing tank 102 includes a main body 1022 that forms the storage section 103, and a door 1024 that opens and closes the storage section 103. The main body 1022 and the door 1024 have a heat-insulating structure. The storage section 103 is open to the atmosphere when the door 1024 is open, and is isolated from the atmosphere when it is closed. The main body 1022 or the door 1024 may be provided with a packing 1023 so that the storage section 103 is sealed when the door 1024 is closed.

[0039] The storage section 103 is provided with shelf boards 1026 and standing boards 1028 that support the shelf boards 1026. The standing boards 1028 are erected on a surface other than the surface facing the door 1024, and are installed so as to surround the concrete 200. The standing boards 1028 are also installed away from the inner wall surface of the main body 1022. A gap is formed between the inner wall surface of the main body 1022 and the standing boards 1028. This gap forms a flow path for air to flow. The shelf boards 1026 are installed in multiple tiers, and a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 is installed on each tier, and the concrete 200 is placed on it. The space surrounded by the shelf boards 1026 and the standing boards 1028 is connected by through holes 1027 provided in the shelf boards 1026.

[0040] The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 releases carbon dioxide using the same principle as in the first embodiment. Because carbon dioxide is heavier than air, it accumulates in the lower part of the storage unit 103 when there is no airflow. Of course, even in this state, carbon dioxide is continuously released from the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104, allowing the concrete 200 to be carbonated. However, to uniformly distribute the carbon dioxide concentration within the storage unit 103, a blower 105 may be provided to circulate air. The blower 105 may be placed below the storage unit 103 and create an air flow from bottom to top through the through-holes 1027 in the shelf 1026. The air that flows to the upper part of the storage unit 103 may flow downward through the gap between the inner wall surface of the main body 1022 and the upright plate 1028 and then be blown upward again by the blower 105. This configuration prevents uneven distribution of the carbon dioxide concentration within the storage unit 103, allowing uniform carbonation of the concrete 200 placed on each shelf.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4 , the curing tank 102 may be provided with a heating means 107. For example, by using a coil heater as the heating means 107 and arranging it in the air flow path between the inner wall surface of the main body 1022 and the standing plate 1028, the circulating air can be heated, thereby raising the temperature of the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent and the concrete 200. A radiant heater may be used as the heating means 107 to heat the standing plate 1028, thereby raising the temperature of the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent and the concrete 200. Active heating by the heating means 107 can increase the amount of carbon dioxide released from the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent, promote carbonation of the concrete 200, and allow the concrete 200 to develop strength earlier and shorten the curing period. Furthermore, by providing a steam supplying means for supplying steam instead of the heating means 107, steam curing can be performed in addition to carbonation of the concrete 200, allowing the concrete 200 to develop strength earlier and shorten the curing period.

[0042] The concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment not only achieves the same effects as the first embodiment, but also controls the airflow in the container 103, thereby enabling the carbon dioxide curing of the concrete 200 to proceed uniformly.

[0043] [Third embodiment] 5(A) and (B) and 6(A) and (C) show the configuration and operation of a concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment has a curing tank 102, a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104, and a vacuum pump 108 that reduces the pressure inside the curing tank 102. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and explanations of common parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0044] The curing tank 102 is composed of at least two tanks: a first tank 102A and a second tank 102B. The first tank 102A is a tank in which concrete 200 is placed. The first tank 102A may be provided with shelves 1026 so that the concrete 200 can be placed in multiple stages, as shown in the first and second embodiments. The second tank 102B is a tank in which the carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 is installed.

[0045] The first tank 102A and the second tank 102B are separated by an inner wall 1021, forming an independent internal space. An on-off valve 110 is provided on the inner wall 1021. When the on-off valve 110 is closed, the first tank 102A and the second tank 102B form two independent closed spaces. When the on-off valve 110 is opened, the internal spaces of the first tank 102A and the second tank 102B are connected.

[0046] The vacuum pump 108 is connected to the first tank 102A. When the vacuum pump 108 operates and the exhaust valve 112 opens, the air in the first tank 102A is exhausted, creating a reduced pressure. The first tank 102A is also provided with a leak valve 111. When the leak valve 111 opens while the first tank 102A is in a reduced pressure state, air is sucked into the first tank 102A, returning it to atmospheric pressure. Note that the second tank 102B can also be reduced pressure by evacuating with the on-off valve 110 open.

[0047] The second tank 102B may be provided with a heater 114. The heater 114 heats the carbon dioxide adsorbing and releasing agent housed in the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104, thereby making it possible to control the timing of carbon dioxide release.

[0048] Next, the operation of the concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5(A) shows the stage in which the vacuum pump 108 is operated to reduce the pressure in the first tank 102A. When the vacuum pump 108 is operated and the exhaust valve 112 is opened, the air in the first tank 102A is exhausted, resulting in a reduced pressure. If the on-off valve 110 is closed at this time, as shown in Figure 5(A), the second tank 102B is not evacuated and remains at atmospheric pressure. The on-off valve 110 may be open during the evacuation stage, in which case the second tank 102B will also be reduced pressure.

[0049] The curing tank 102 is airtight so that it can maintain a reduced pressure state. Therefore, when the pressure is reduced to a predetermined level and the exhaust valve 112 is closed, the vacuum evacuation ends and the reduced pressure state is maintained inside the first tank 102A.

[0050] FIG. 5(B) shows the stage in which the heater 114 heats the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 to release carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent. The heating temperature by the heater 114 is set appropriately depending on the characteristics of the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent. At this time, the on-off valve 110 is closed. This causes carbon dioxide to fill the second tank 102B. As described above, evacuating the second tank 102B promotes the release of carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent, and can increase the purity of carbon dioxide in the second tank 102B.

[0051] 5(A) and the carbon dioxide release step shown in FIG. 5(B) may be performed simultaneously. That is, while the vacuum pump 108 is evacuating the first tank 102A, the heater 114 may heat the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104, thereby filling the second tank 102B with carbon dioxide.

[0052] 6(A) shows the stage of supplying carbon dioxide to concrete 200. First tank 102A is maintained under reduced pressure, and with second tank 102B filled with carbon dioxide, on-off valve 110 is opened, and the carbon dioxide in second tank 102B flows into first tank 102A due to the pressure difference. Since air has been removed from first tank 102A by vacuum evacuation, highly pure carbon dioxide is supplied to concrete 200. As a result, carbonation curing of concrete 200 can be promoted.

[0053] 6(B) shows the stage of recovering carbon dioxide remaining inside the first tank 102A and the second tank 102B. When the curing of the concrete 200 is completed and the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 is cooled to room temperature, the carbon dioxide remaining in the tanks can be adsorbed and captured due to the properties of the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent. At this time, if the on-off valve 110 is left open, the carbon dioxide remaining in both the first tank 102A and the second tank 102B can be captured. As a result, the carbon dioxide captured by the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent can be prevented from being released back into the atmosphere.

[0054] 5(A) and (B) and 6(A) and (B), the process of evacuating the first tank 102A, releasing carbon dioxide into the second tank 102B, and carbonating the concrete 200 by opening the on-off valve 110 may be repeated during curing. During this process, the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 may be replaced as appropriate.

[0055] According to the concrete curing apparatus 100 of this embodiment, in addition to achieving the same effects as those of the first embodiment, by evacuating the inside of the curing tank 102, highly pure carbon dioxide can be supplied to the concrete 200, thereby promoting carbonation.

[0056] [Fourth embodiment] 7(A) and (B) show the configuration and operation of a concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment has a curing tank 102, a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104, and a cartridge storage container 116. The following explanation will focus on the parts that differ from the first embodiment, and explanations of common parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0057] The concrete curing apparatus 100 has a configuration in which a curing tank 102 and a cartridge storage container 116 are connected by a connecting pipe 117 with a suction means 118 sandwiched therebetween. The suction means 118 operates to draw air from the curing tank 102 and send it to the cartridge storage container 116. Opening and closing valves 119A and 119B may be provided before and after the suction means 118. An air pump can be used as the suction means 118, and a sirocco fan or a propeller fan may also be applied.

[0058] The curing tank 102 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 is installed and concrete 200 is stored in it. The cartridge storage container 116 has a sealed structure and stores the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104. The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 stored in the cartridge storage container 116 corresponds to a used cartridge that has released carbon dioxide, or a used cartridge that is to adsorb carbon dioxide.

[0059] 7(A) shows the stage of carbonation curing of concrete 200 in curing tank 102. Carbonation is performed using carbon dioxide released from carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104, and the operation is the same as in the first embodiment. At this time, the operation of suction means 118 is stopped, and open / close valves 119A and 119B are closed. Also, at this stage, the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 does not have to be stored in cartridge storage container 116.

[0060] 7(B) shows the stage in which the carbon dioxide remaining in the curing tank 102 is sent to the cartridge storage container 116, and the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104, which is kept at room temperature in the cartridge storage container 116, adsorbs the carbon dioxide. At this time, the suction means 118 is operating, and the on-off valves 119A and 119B are open. In the curing tank 102, the release of carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 has finished, and the concentration of carbon dioxide can be increased by sending the air within the tank to the cartridge storage container 116 by the suction means 118. The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 is stored in the cartridge storage container 116, which is kept at room temperature, so that the carbon dioxide can be adsorbed by the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent. With this configuration, the carbon dioxide remaining in the curing tank 102 can be re-adsorbed and effectively utilized.

[0061] Although not shown, a gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide separated and recovered from exhaust gas or the like may be connected to the cartridge storage container 116. The cartridge storage container 116 may also be provided with a valve for drawing in air, and may have a configuration in which carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is adsorbed into the carbon dioxide separation and recovery cartridge.

[0062] The concrete curing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment not only achieves the same effects as the first embodiment, but also makes it possible to recover and reuse carbon dioxide remaining in the curing tank 102. It also makes it possible to prevent carbon dioxide released from the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge 104 from escaping into the atmosphere.

[0063] In this embodiment, the configuration of the curing tank 102 is not limited to the structure shown in FIGS. 7(A) and (B), and the configurations shown in the second embodiment and the third embodiment can also be applied.

[0064] [Fifth embodiment] 8(A) and (B) show an example of a concrete curing apparatus 100 that is used when curing cast-in-place concrete.

[0065] FIG. 8(A) shows an embodiment in which concrete curing equipment 100 is composed of a tent 120 and a carbon dioxide capture cartridge. Tent 120 is stretched to cover cast-in-place concrete 200, and a carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 is installed inside tent 120. Carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 may be fixed to a frame 121 that supports tent 120, or may be attached to casters and placed so that it can be moved in and out anywhere inside tent 120. In order to improve the airtightness inside tent 120, fixing jigs 122 are preferably provided at the bottom of tent 120 to prevent outside air from easily flowing in and to prevent carbon dioxide inside tent 120 from flowing out.

[0066] 8(B) shows an embodiment in which the concrete curing apparatus 100 is composed of a sheet 124 and a carbon dioxide capture cartridge. The sheet 124 is stretched over the cast-in-place concrete 200, and the carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 is installed inside the sheet 124. In this case as well, it is preferable that a fixing jig 122 be provided to fix the bottom of the sheet 124 in place in order to improve the airtightness of the inside of the sheet 124.

[0067] 8(A) and 8(B), the sizes of the tent 120 and the sheet 124 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the cast-in-place concrete 200. In the configuration shown in FIG. 8(A), the tent 120 may be replaced with a wooden, plastic, or metal wall or roof that covers the cast-in-place concrete 200. In addition, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8(B), the sheet 124 may be replaced with a plastic or metal plate.

[0068] According to this embodiment, by covering the carbon dioxide capture cartridge 104 with a tent 120 or a sheet 124, carbonation curing of the concrete 200 can be performed.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components based on the embodiments, such modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as there are no mutual contradictions, and technical matters common to the embodiments are included in each embodiment even if not explicitly stated.

[0070] Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 100: concrete curing device, 102: curing tank, 102A: first tank, 102B: second tank, 1021: inner wall, 1022: main body, 1023: packing, 1024: door, 1026: shelf, 1027: through hole, 1028: standing plate, 103: storage section, 104: carbon dioxide separation and recovery cartridge, 1041: cartridge main body, 1042: lid, 1043: ventilation hole, 1044: breathable lid, 1045: diffusion Trachea, 105: blower, 107: heating means, 108: vacuum pump, 110: on-off valve, 111: leak valve, 112: exhaust valve, 114: heater, 116: cartridge storage container, 117: connecting pipe, 118: suction means, 119A, 119B: on-off valve, 120: tent, 121: frame, 122: fixing jig, 124: sheet, 150: carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent, 200: concrete

Claims

1. a curing tank in which concrete to be cured is placed; a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge that is placed in the curing tank and contains a carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent that adsorbs carbon dioxide and releases the carbon dioxide at a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature at which the carbon dioxide was adsorbed. A concrete curing device characterized by:

2. The curing tank has a heating means for heating the concrete. The concrete curing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The curing tank has a first tank in which the concrete is placed, and a second tank adjacent to the first tank in which the carbon dioxide adsorbing and releasing agent is placed. The concrete curing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The apparatus further includes a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the first tank and an on-off valve between the first tank and the second tank. The concrete curing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge is detachably disposed in the curing tank. The concrete curing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The apparatus further includes a cartridge storage container that stores the carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge, and a suction means that draws gas remaining in the curing tank into the cartridge storage container. The concrete curing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The concrete to be cured is placed in the curing tank. a carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge containing a carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent that adsorbs carbon dioxide and releases the carbon dioxide at a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature at which the carbon dioxide was adsorbed is placed in the curing tank; The concrete is subjected to carbon dioxide curing. A method for curing concrete characterized by the above.

8. The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge is placed in an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide in an unheated state to adsorb the carbon dioxide; The concrete and the carbon dioxide capture cartridge are placed in an insulated curing tank, The carbon dioxide adsorbing and releasing agent is heated by reaction heat generated when the concrete hardens, thereby releasing carbon dioxide. The method for curing concrete according to claim 7.

9. The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge is placed in an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide in an unheated state to adsorb the carbon dioxide; heating the concrete and the carbon dioxide capture cartridge in the curing tank; The method for curing concrete according to claim 7.

10. The curing tank has a first tank and a second tank adjacent to the first tank, The concrete is placed in the first tank, and the carbon dioxide capture cartridge is placed in the second tank, and carbon dioxide curing of the concrete is performed. The method for curing concrete according to claim 9.

11. a vacuum pump that reduces the pressure in the first tank and an on-off valve between the first tank and the second tank, With the on-off valve closed, the first tank is decompressed by the vacuum pump; heating the carbon dioxide adsorbing / releasing agent in the second tank to release carbon dioxide; Thereafter, the on-off valve is opened to introduce the released carbon dioxide from the second tank into the first tank; Carbon dioxide curing of the concrete is performed. The method for curing concrete according to claim 10.

12. After the carbon dioxide curing is performed, the carbon dioxide remaining in the curing tank is adsorbed by the carbon dioxide adsorption / release agent. The method for curing concrete according to claim 7.

13. The carbon dioxide separation and capture cartridge is stored in a storage container, and the gas remaining in the curing tank is drawn into the storage container, so that the carbon dioxide remaining in the curing tank is adsorbed by the carbon dioxide adsorption and release agent. The method for curing concrete according to claim 7.

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