Biowaste Ash Cement Compositions for Subterranean Cost Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Cement compositions used in subterranean applications are costly due to the high price of Portland cement, and there is a need for alternative, environmentally friendly methods to dispose of large amounts of biowaste generated annually.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating biowaste ash into cement compositions, which can include hydraulic cement, water, and additives such as cement kiln dust, fly ash, or natural pozzolans, to create more economical and environmentally sustainable cementing solutions for subterranean formations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If Portland cement is used as the main component of cement compositions, then the cement composition provides adequate mechanical strength and setting properties, but the cost of the cement composition increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining biowaste ash with hydraulic cement and other additives to create a cement composition that maintains mechanical strength while reducing dependence on expensive Portland cement. The composite formulation leverages the pozzolanic activity of biowaste ash to contribute to strength development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the compositional parameters of the cement by incorporating biowaste ash at specific proportions (e.g., 10-50% by weight of total cementitious materials) and adjusting water-cement ratios, setting times, and curing conditions to optimize both strength and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If biowaste ash is incorporated into cement compositions to reduce cost, then the cost of cement composition decreases and waste disposal is improved, but the mechanical strength and performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates a composite cement system where biowaste ash is combined with hydraulic cement, fly ash, slag, and other pozzolanic materials in optimized proportions. This composite approach ensures that the mechanical strength requirements are met while utilizing the cost benefits and waste reduction advantages of biowaste ash.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes biowaste ash, which is a low-cost or zero-cost material derived from waste, to replace a portion of the expensive Portland cement. The ash is processed and incorporated into the cement matrix where it contributes to strength development over time through pozzolanic reactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If biowaste ash is used as a cement component, then waste disposal methods are expanded and environmental sustainability is improved, but the complexity of cement composition formulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by using biowaste ash that simultaneously serves as a waste disposal solution, a cost-effective cementitious material, and a contributor to mechanical strength. The formulation is designed to accommodate variations in biowaste ash composition from different sources while maintaining consistent performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages formulation complexity by establishing specific parameter ranges for biowaste ash incorporation (e.g., particle size distribution, chemical composition, proportion in mix) and optimizing these parameters to ensure consistent performance across different biowaste sources and applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 use of biowaste ash reduces the need for expensive Portland cement, provides an additional method for waste disposal, and enhances the mechanical properties of cement compositions, such as compressive strength, while maintaining suitable density for subterranean applications.

Implementation Method 1

biowaste ash, which can include agricultural waste ash, municipal waste ash, waste-water treatment waste ash, animal waste ash, non-human-non-animal industrial waste ash, and combinations thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPozzolanic reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic cement, water, and biowaste ash... allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydration: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS8641818B2Well cement compositions comprising biowaste ash and methods of use
Publication Date: 2014.02.04

AI summary

Cement compositions containing biowaste ash and methods of cementing in subterranean formations using such cement compositions. Examples of suitable biowaste ash include agricultural waste ash, municipal waste ash, waste-water treatment waste ash, animal waste ash, non-human-non-animal industrial waste ash, and combinations thereof.