Aggregate Cooling with Liquid Nitrogen Curtain for Concrete Batching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cooling concrete mixtures, such as using ice or nitrogen gas, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and can damage mixing equipment or alter the concrete's ingredient ratio, while failing to provide thorough cooling due to limitations in cooling capacity and distribution.
Innovation Solution
Applying a curtain of liquid nitrogen to the aggregate before it enters the mixing chamber, allowing for efficient cooling of the aggregate and subsequent concrete mixture without damaging the equipment, and ensuring thorough mixing of the nitrogen for enhanced cooling effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice is used to cool concrete mixtures, then cooling effect is achieved, but labor intensity increases and ingredient ratio is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the aggregate itself as the cooling medium by circulating chilled water through pipes embedded in the aggregate pile. The aggregate cools itself passively through thermal conduction from the chilled water, eliminating the need for manual ice addition and reducing labor intensity while maintaining ingredient ratios.
2Temperature
If nitrogen gas is used to cool concrete mixtures, then cooling effect is achieved, but equipment damage occurs and mixing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the aggregate by circulating chilled water through embedded pipes, reducing the aggregate temperature to 5-15°C before mixing. This passive pre-cooling method avoids the extreme cold temperatures of liquid nitrogen that cause equipment damage, while still achieving the desired cooling effect through controlled thermal conduction.
3Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used, then some cooling effect is achieved, but cooling distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cooling process into multiple segments by distributing chilled water through numerous pipes embedded throughout the aggregate pile. This segmented approach ensures uniform cooling distribution across different regions of the aggregate, preventing hot spots and achieving consistent temperature reduction throughout the entire batch.
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
This method effectively cools the concrete mixture, preventing improper curing and reducing the risk of equipment damage, while maintaining the desired ingredient ratios, thus improving the quality and efficiency of the concrete production process.
Implementation Method 1
Applying a curtain of liquid nitrogen to the aggregate before it enters the mixing chamber, allowing for efficient cooling of the aggregate
Implementation Method 2
Applying a curtain of liquid nitrogen to the aggregate before it enters the mixing chamber, allowing for efficient cooling of the aggregate
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that includes providing a liquid nitrogen storage system configured to cool a supply of liquid nitrogen to a temperature below the vapor point of liquid nitrogen; coupling a piping system with the liquid nitrogen storage system to convey a portion of the supply of liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen storage system; coupling the piping system with a liquid nitrogen control valve configured to control a flow of liquid nitrogen to at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head; disposing the at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head above a conveyance device operable to convey an aggregate stream of a concrete batching plant during use; and disposing the at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head in a position to dispense an output flow of liquid nitrogen onto the aggregate stream of the concrete batching plant during use.