Alpha Olefin Grout Seals Frozen Soil Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for inhibiting subterranean groundwater flow through frozen soil, such as artificial ground freezing and permeation grouting, face challenges with high groundwater velocities, delayed grout setting at cold temperatures, and susceptibility to dilution and heat issues, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in sealing windows in frozen walls.

Innovation Solution

The use of a grout material comprising C-18 alpha olefin or a combination of C-16 and C-18 alpha olefin, which is introduced through conductors with discharge apertures to permeate into the soil without displacement, forming a barrier to inhibit groundwater flow by setting at temperatures between 4° C and 18° C, thus providing a more effective and efficient sealing solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional permeation grouting is used to seal windows in frozen walls, then the grout can penetrate into the soil, but the grout setting is delayed at cold temperatures and it is susceptible to dilution by groundwater flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrout setting reliabilityVSAvoidgrout setting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of grout composition by using a two-component system (water-soluble polymer and crosslinking agent) that undergoes rapid chemical crosslinking at low temperatures, transforming the setting mechanism from temperature-dependent physical processes to chemistry-driven rapid curing that thrives in cold conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite grout system combining water-soluble polymers with crosslinking agents, creating a material that leverages both components' properties: the polymer provides penetration and adhesion while the crosslinking agent enables rapid setting and dilution resistance through chemical bonding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If artificial ground freezing is used to create a frozen barrier, then groundwater flow is prevented, but additional refrigeration is needed to maintain the barrier and the process is energy-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegroundwater flow controlVSAvoidrefrigeration energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of groundwater flow (which undermines frozen barriers) into a beneficial curing mechanism, where the groundwater itself provides the water needed for the water-soluble polymer to dissolve and the cold temperature accelerates the crosslinking reaction, sealing the window without additional refrigeration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The grout system is self-curing through chemical crosslinking that occurs automatically upon injection, eliminating the need for external refrigeration to maintain the frozen barrier. The system uses the existing cold groundwater conditions to drive the curing reaction rather than requiring active cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If high velocity groundwater flow is present, then excavation can proceed deeper, but the frozen wall development is inhibited and windows form through which groundwater may pass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegroundwater flow velocityVSAvoidfrozen wall integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent rushes through the window sealing process by injecting the grout directly into the window opening, where it rapidly crosslinks to form an immediate seal. This bypasses the slow process of trying to freeze high-velocity groundwater, directly addressing the integrity problem caused by high flow velocities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 approach allows for effective remediation of windows in frozen soil, forming a continuous matrix that prevents groundwater flow, is resistant to dilution, and has a lower cooling demand compared to traditional grouts, reducing the need for additional refrigeration and extending the life of the frozen barrier.

Implementation Method 1

discharging a grout material including C-18 alpha olefin or a combination of C-16 alpha olefin and C-18 alpha olefin in a flowable state from the at least one conductor, wherein the grout material, upon being discharged, permeates into surrounding soil materials generally without displacement thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

forming a barrier to inhibit subterranean groundwater flow through the window by setting at temperatures between 4° C. and 18° C.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS9551126B1Methods of inhibiting subterranean groundwater flow through an opening in frozen soil

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 MORETRENCH AMERICAN CORP

AI summary

Methods are provided of inhibiting subterranean groundwater flow through a window in frozen soil including (i) introducing at least one conductor having at least one discharge aperture in proximity to the window; and (ii) discharging a grout material including C-18 alpha olefin or a combination of C-16 alpha olefin and C-18 alpha olefin in a flowable state from the at least one conductor, wherein the grout material, upon being discharged, permeates into surrounding soil materials generally without displacement thereof and wherein the grout forms a barrier to inhibit subterranean groundwater flow through the window.