CO2 Curing Apparatus for Composite Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cement and concrete curing methods using hydration impose a time constraint, leading to inefficiencies and additional costs due to the need for rapid completion of positioning, compacting, and finishing steps, as delays can result in unwanted setting or waste.
Innovation Solution
A curing apparatus and process using a CO2-bearing reagent gas to cure composite materials, allowing control of gas flow, pressure, temperature, and humidity, enabling uniform carbonation reactions without time limitations, with the apparatus featuring a housing with ports for gas exchange and a gas delivery system to manage these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydration curing is used, then the curing process can be completed, but time constraints arise requiring rapid completion of positioning, compacting, and finishing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental curing parameter from water-based hydration to CO2-based carbonation reaction. This chemical parameter change enables curing without the time constraints of hydration, allowing extended working time for positioning, compacting, and finishing operations while maintaining curing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces CO2 gas as an intermediary reagent to enable the curing process. The CO2-bearing reagent gas acts as a mediator that allows controlled carbonation reactions to proceed uniformly through the composite material without imposing the rapid time requirements of conventional hydration curing.
2Reliability
If hydration curing is used, then curing can proceed, but delays cause the wet mix to set in disadvantageous locations or be discarded
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the curing chemistry from hydration to carbonation with CO2 gas, the patent eliminates the finite setting time constraint. This allows the wet mix to remain workable and positionable for extended periods without risking unwanted setting or waste, thereby reducing material loss and improving reliability.
3Loss of time
If CO2 curing is used, then time constraints are eliminated, but control of gas flow rate, partial pressure, temperature, and humidity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gas delivery system using pneumatic principles to deliver CO2-bearing reagent gas to the curing chamber. The system controls flow rate, partial pressure, and temperature through gas delivery components, enabling uniform carbonation reactions while providing the time flexibility needed to complete positioning, compacting, and finishing operations without waste.
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
Enables the curing of composite materials without time constraints, ensuring uniformity and efficiency in the curing process, reducing waste and operational costs by allowing flexible control of curing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
curing composite materials without the limitation of a set time for completing the curing process... cure composite materials... reaction with a gaseous reagent... gaseous reagent of at least one of a flow rate, a partial pressure, an inlet temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for curing composite compositions that react with CO2. The apparatus in general includes an easily transportable and easily assembled curing structure, such as a plastic sheet housing supported by gas pressure and/or by mechanical supports. Apparatus for providing reagent CO2, for measuring water content and for removing water, and for controlling temperature, flow rates and flow directions through the curing structure. Examples of curing procedures and examples of cured materials in desired shapes are described.