Adjustable Cryogenic Lance for Concrete Mixer Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cooling concrete, such as using cooled water or ice, are costly, labor-intensive, and pose safety risks, while traditional cryogenic liquid injection systems are cumbersome and expensive, and may damage concrete mixer drums.
Innovation Solution
A portable and adjustable apparatus with a lance system for injecting a cooling fluid into a concrete mixer, allowing for remote operation and adjustable positioning to prevent damage, using a support structure with legs and a lance capable of axial travel and angular adjustment, coupled with a controller for automated fluid injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional cryogenic liquid injection systems are used, then concrete cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is divided into modular components: a portable support structure with adjustable legs, a separate lance assembly with injection nozzle, and an independent cryogenic fluid supply system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy deployment and relocation without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable leg assemblies that can be dynamically repositioned to accommodate different mixer sizes and positions. The lance assembly can be extended or retracted as needed, providing dynamic adaptability that eliminates the need for multiple fixed injection systems for different concrete mixer configurations.
2Reliability
If stationary injectors are used, then fluid injection capability is improved, but adaptability to different mixer sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure features adjustable leg assemblies with multiple positioning options, allowing the injection system to be dynamically reconfigured for different concrete mixer sizes and positions. This dynamic adjustability maintains reliable fluid injection capability across various mixer configurations without requiring multiple specialized injectors.
3Temperature
If conventional injection systems are used, then cooling performance is improved, but potential damage to mixer drum increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lance assembly serves as an intermediary component that delivers cryogenic fluid directly into the concrete mixture through a controlled injection nozzle. This design allows the cooling function to be performed remotely through the lance, preventing direct contact between the cryogenic fluid supply system and the mixer drum, thereby eliminating the risk of thermal damage to the drum while maintaining effective cooling performance.
4Temperature
If ice is used for cooling, then cooling effect is improved, but labor intensity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of handling, crushing, and distributing ice is replaced with an automated cryogenic fluid injection system. The liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic fluid is pumped through hoses and injected directly into the concrete mixer through the lance assembly, eliminating the need for manual ice handling operations and associated safety risks while providing consistent cooling效果.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently cools concrete, reducing labor and equipment costs, enhancing safety, and minimizing damage to mixer drums, while allowing for precise temperature control and quick adaptation to different mixer sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling fluid is injected into the concrete mixing container through the injection nozzle... efficiently cools concrete
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for cooling a mixture with an injection system. The injection system is adjustable to accommodate the relative position and particular specifications of a given container (e.g., concrete mixer). In one embodiment, the injection system is operable to inject a coolant directly into the mixture while in the mixing process.