Concrete Mixing Drum CO2 Sequestration Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for carbon dioxide sequestration in concrete mixing trucks do not effectively control the curing rate of concrete, as high exhaust gas temperatures from internal combustion engines can cause rapid curing, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A concrete mixing apparatus equipped with a carbon dioxide mixing system and a thermal control system, including a heat exchanger and electronic controller, to manage the temperature of exhaust gases before mixing them with concrete, thereby controlling the curing rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high temperature exhaust gas is mixed with concrete premix for carbon dioxide sequestration, then carbon dioxide absorption is enhanced, but concrete curing rate becomes uncontrolled and too fast
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the carbon dioxide injection function from the thermal management function. Carbon dioxide is injected through dedicated nozzles into the concrete premix, while a separate thermal control system with heat exchangers and temperature sensors independently manages the exhaust gas temperature before it contacts the concrete, allowing both functions to operate optimally without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal control system that acts as a buffer between the high-temperature exhaust gas and the concrete premix. This system includes heat exchangers that transfer heat from the exhaust gas to a cooling medium, and temperature sensors that monitor conditions, thereby mediating the thermal interaction to prevent excessive curing while maintaining carbon dioxide sequestration
2Ease of manufacture
If exhaust gas temperature is not controlled, then carbon dioxide sequestration process is simple, but concrete curing occurs faster than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control through temperature sensors positioned at strategic locations (in the exhaust gas path and in the concrete premix) that continuously monitor temperature conditions. This feedback is fed to a controller that adjusts the thermal control system operations in real-time, automatically maintaining the desired curing rate without requiring complex manual intervention or complicated process design
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal control system is designed to automatically regulate its own operation based on sensor feedback. The controller autonomously adjusts heat exchanger operations and exhaust gas flow to maintain optimal temperature conditions for concrete curing, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for external control mechanisms or complex manufacturing procedures
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 system allows for controlled sequestration of carbon dioxide in concrete while regulating the curing rate of the concrete, ensuring it cures at a desired pace by cooling the exhaust gases before they are introduced into the mixing drum.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal control system, including a heat exchanger and electronic controller, to manage the temperature of exhaust gases before mixing them with concrete
Implementation Method 2
cooling the exhaust gases before they are introduced into the mixing drum
Implementation Method 3
The carbon dioxide chemically reacts with the calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide phases in the concrete and forms calcium carbonate
Implementation Method 4
manage the temperature of exhaust gases before mixing them with concrete, thereby controlling the curing rate
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete mixing apparatus includes: a rotatable mixing drum; an internal combustion engine including an exhaust system for discharging exhaust gas containing carbon dioxide; a diverter pipe connected in fluid communication with the exhaust system and the mixing drum; and means for cooling the exhaust gas upstream of the mixing drum.