Carbonate Aggregate Compositions for CO2 Sequestration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The cement production industry is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to global warming and ocean acidification, and existing methods do not effectively mitigate these environmental impacts while maintaining the high load-bearing capacity and ease of placement of conventional concrete.

Innovation Solution

The development of carbonate aggregates produced through a method involving the preparation of a carbonate slurry subjected to rotational action, combined with an aggregate substrate, to form carbonate-coated aggregates that sequester CO2, thereby reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and creating a more environmentally friendly concrete composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional cement production methods are used, then high load-bearing capacity concrete is achieved, but carbon dioxide emissions increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidcarbon dioxide emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention captures CO2 emissions from cement production and converts them into carbonate aggregates through chemical reaction with alkaline materials. This transforms the harmful CO2 byproduct into a useful construction material that can replace traditional aggregates, thereby reducing emissions while maintaining concrete performance

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition of aggregates by using carbonate materials (such as calcium carbonate) produced from CO2 capture processes. These carbonate aggregates maintain the mechanical properties needed for load-bearing concrete while having a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional limestone or gravel aggregates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional aggregates are used in concrete, then structural integrity is maintained, but environmental footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidenvironmental footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates composite aggregate materials by combining carbonate particles with binding agents to form spherical or irregular-shaped aggregates. These composite structures provide the necessary mechanical strength and durability for structural concrete applications while being composed of environmentally friendly carbonate materials rather than traditional stone or sand

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively sequesters CO2, reducing the environmental footprint of concrete production while maintaining its structural integrity and performance, offering a potential solution to mitigate climate change impacts associated with cement production.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting the carbonate slurry to rotational action, e.g., by introducing the carbonate slurry (optionally with an aggregate substrate) into a revolving drum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational action:

Data Source

PatentUS20210403336A1Carbonate Aggregate Compositions and Methods of Making and Using the Same

Publication Date: 2021.12.30 BLUE PLANET SYST CORP

AI summary

Methods of making carbonate aggregates are provided. Aspects of the methods include: preparing a carbonate slurry, subjecting the carbonate slurry to rotational action, e.g., by introducing the carbonate slurry (optionally with an aggregate substrate) into a revolving drum under conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate aggregate, e.g., made up of a spherical coating on a substrate and/or agglomeration particles. Also provided are aggregate compositions produced by the methods, as well as compositions that includes the carbonate coated aggregates, e.g., concretes, and uses thereof.