Carbonized Granule Composition for Homogeneous CO2-Negative Aggregates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces challenges in efficiently incorporating carbonized products into building materials due to their heterogeneous composition and irregular properties, leading to high CO2 emissions and complex, uneconomical adaptations, with existing methods limiting the use of biochar to small amounts and requiring energy-intensive grinding and additional additives.
Innovation Solution
The production of granules comprising binders and carbonized products, with homogeneous distribution and adjustable properties, allowing for high carbonized product content and varied grain sizes, using methods like wet granulation, spray drying, or fluidized bed granulation, to create stable, CO2-negative aggregates suitable for construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If carbonized products are used in building materials to bind CO2, then CO2 emissions are reduced, but the heterogeneous composition and irregular properties lead to complex and uneconomical adaptations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of carbonized products through controlled pyrolysis parameters (temperature, atmosphere, residence time) to achieve consistent composition and properties. This standardization enables economical integration into building materials without complex adaptations while maintaining CO2 binding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses homogeneity by implementing standardized pyrolysis processes that produce carbonized products with uniform composition and properties. This homogenization eliminates the need for complex adaptations and enables direct, economical use in building materials, resolving the contradiction between CO2 binding and adaptation complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If biochar is ground after pyrolysis to increase surface area, then moisture adsorption increases, but energy consumption increases and CO2 emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing pyrolysis temperature and duration to achieve the desired moisture adsorption capacity without subsequent grinding. This direct approach eliminates the energy-intensive grinding step while maintaining effective moisture management properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the moisture adsorption function from the grinding process by achieving it through controlled pyrolysis parameters alone. This separation eliminates the need for energy-intensive mechanical processing while preserving the functional property of moisture adsorption.
3Ease of operation
If superplasticizers are added to compensate for workability issues, then mortar workability improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the physical and chemical properties of carbonized products through controlled pyrolysis to achieve compatible workability without additional additives. This eliminates the need for superplasticizers, reducing cost while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing carbonized products that inherently provide compatible workability properties through their controlled composition and surface characteristics. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for additional chemical additives like superplasticizers, reducing both cost and complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the exact water requirement of granules is unknown, then formulation flexibility is maintained, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by standardizing the composition and properties of carbonized products through controlled pyrolysis, which enables precise determination of water requirements. This standardization improves production efficiency while maintaining formulation flexibility through adjustable process parameters.
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 granules provide a cost-effective, scalable solution for using carbonized products in construction, reducing CO2 emissions by binding CO2, improving mechanical properties, and enhancing moisture regulation without energy-intensive processing or health hazards, while maintaining workability and strength.
Implementation Method 1
carbonized products from different sources or from different manufacturing methods also have different properties
Implementation Method 2
by mixing the binder and the carbonized product in a granular form, it is possible to easily provide homogeneous granular compositions
Implementation Method 3
The high specific surface area of the biochar is further increased by grinding, which allows it to adsorb more moisture
Data Source
AI summary
Granules are provided for building materials or as aggregates in building materials. Methods for producing the granules are also provided. The granules include a binder and a carbonized product, where the content of the carbonized product in each granule amounts to 30 wt.-% or more relative to the total weight of the binder and the carbonized product in the granule.