Photocatalytically Active Clinker via Calcium Titanate Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing photocatalytically active clinker and cement face challenges in utilizing titanium dioxide effectively, as they rely heavily on the anatase form, which is difficult to select and procure, and are limited by the origin and anatase content of the titanium dioxide used.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the reaction of TiO2-containing materials with clinker raw meal to form calcium titanates, such as CaTiO3, during the clinker production process, allowing for the use of titanium dioxide from various sources and converting it into photocatalytically active species like CaTiO3, which can be introduced directly or separately into the rotary kiln and burned at high temperatures, enabling the production of photocatalytically active clinker and cement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If titanium dioxide is used as photocatalytic material, then photocatalytic activity is achieved, but the selection and procurement of suitable titanium dioxide becomes problematic due to dependency on anatase form
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical form of titanium dioxide from anatase to calcium titanate (CaTiO3) through reaction with calcium oxide in the clinker production process. This parameter change eliminates the need to select specific anatase forms, as the calcium titanate form is automatically produced during clinker manufacturing regardless of the original titanium dioxide source.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses calcium oxide (lime) as an intermediary substance that reacts with titanium dioxide to form calcium titanate. This intermediary enables the conversion of various titanium dioxide forms into the photocatalytically active calcium titanate form, bridging the gap between raw material selection and final photocatalytic function.
2Reliability
If anatase proportion is increased to enhance photocatalytic effect, then photocatalytic activity improves, but the complexity of selecting and procuring titanium dioxide increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the target parameter from anatase proportion to calcium titanate content. By specifying calcium titanate content (e.g., 4-10 wt.%) in the clinker rather than requiring high anatase proportions in the input titanium dioxide, the selection and procurement process is simplified while maintaining photocatalytic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The clinker production process itself serves to convert the titanium dioxide into photocatalytically active calcium titanate. The existing thermal and chemical conditions in the clinker kiln automatically facilitate the formation of calcium titanate, eliminating the need for separate anatase selection or conversion processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If titanium dioxide is introduced directly into clinker production, then production cost decreases, but mixing difficulty increases when titanium dioxide is in powder form
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary kiln's existing mixing and heating functions serve dual purposes: mixing the titanium dioxide-containing materials with the raw meal and simultaneously converting the titanium dioxide into calcium titanate through thermal reaction. This eliminates the need for separate mixing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The titanium dioxide-containing materials are introduced into the rotary kiln where they will be converted to calcium titanate during the clinker burning process. This preliminary introduction allows the materials to be processed along with the raw meal through the existing kiln infrastructure, avoiding additional mixing equipment or steps.
4Reliability
If firing temperature is increased to convert titanium dioxide to calcium titanate, then photocatalytic activity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-temperature clinker production process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it produces the clinker cementitious material, converts titanium dioxide to calcium titanate, and provides the thermal energy needed for both processes. The same thermal field performs multiple purposes, avoiding additional energy input requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the titanium dioxide conversion process with the existing clinker production process. The calcium titanate formation reaction occurs within the same kiln system during the same heating cycle, combining two processes into one integrated operation rather than requiring separate treatment.
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 enables the production of cost-effective photocatalytically active clinker and cement with enhanced photocatalytic activity, using waste materials like paint sludge and spent catalysts, and maintains the physical integrity and setting properties of the clinker, allowing for the use of calcium titanates like CaTiO3, which demonstrates outstanding photocatalytic properties.
Implementation Method 1
materials containing TiO2 are reacted with clinker raw meal or raw mix to form calcium titanates, in particular CaTiO3
Implementation Method 2
firing takes place at temperatures above 1250°C, preferably at 1350°C and particularly preferably at 1450°C
Implementation Method 3
the TiO2-containing materials are fed into a rotary kiln together with the clinker raw mix and burned
Implementation Method 4
photocatalysis means reactions in which a catalyst is brought into an excited state under the action of light of a suitable wavelength, in which state the catalysis of various degradation reactions of different organic molecules can take place
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for producing photocatalytically active clinker, materials containing TiO2 are reacted with raw ground clinker or raw mixture to form calcium titanates, in particular CaTiO3.