Concrete Gas Permeability Testing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing concrete gas permeability, such as the Figg and Cembureau methods, face issues with reliability, reproducibility, and the inability to conduct field tests effectively, as they lack ideal sealing and are cumbersome, limiting their ability to accurately assess concrete durability.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus comprising a gas supply system, an instrument body with sealing rings, and a gas flow meter that allows for field testing of concrete gas permeability by maintaining constant gas pressure and measuring gas flow through the concrete sample, using a formula to calculate the permeability coefficient, and includes features like dehumidification and pressure regulation to ensure precision and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the Figg method is used for gas permeability testing, then the equipment is simple, but the sealing effect is not ideal and the reliability and reproducibility of test results are questioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible rubber sealing rings that can deform to conform to the concrete sample surface, creating a reliable seal without complex rigid sealing structures. The rubber material's elasticity allows it to adapt to surface irregularities while maintaining gas tightness during testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rubber plug as an intermediary element between the testing apparatus and the concrete sample. This rubber plug fills the drilled pore and provides a reliable sealing interface, mediating between the simple equipment structure and the requirement for reliable gas sealing during permeability testing.
2Reliability
If the Cembureau method is used for gas permeability testing, then the sealing effect is very good, but the test can only be conducted in the laboratory and cannot test the gas permeability of concrete in the field environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing apparatus into modular components including a portable gas supply unit, a testing instrument body, and field-deployable sealing components. This segmentation allows the system to be disassembled and deployed in field conditions while maintaining the reliable sealing effect achieved in laboratory settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adapts the testing method by changing operational parameters to suit field conditions, such as using portable gas supplies instead of laboratory-grade gas systems, and employing rubber-based sealing solutions that can withstand field environmental variations while maintaining gas tightness.
3Manufacturing precision
If laboratory tests are conducted to determine permeability, then the test procedures are standardized, but the test result cannot completely reflect the actual impermeability and durability of concrete in field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal testing apparatus that can function in both laboratory and field environments. The same basic instrument body with rubber sealing components can be used for standardized laboratory testing while also being deployed in field conditions, making the test results representative of actual concrete durability in various settings.
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 solution simplifies the testing process, improves sealing and precision, allows for field testing, and provides a more accurate assessment of concrete durability by calculating the gas permeability coefficient with enhanced precision and stability, reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The gas supply apparatus supplies test gas of constant gas pressure to the instrument body
Implementation Method 2
a gas flow meter is arranged on the frame body... The test gas flows to the gas flow meter from the gas inlet ring successively via the concrete test sample and the gas outlet ring, and a gas permeability coefficient of the concrete is calculated according to the gas flow
Implementation Method 3
An inner sealing ring is arranged between the gas inlet ring and the gas outlet ring, and an outer sealing ring is arranged between the gas outlet ring and the connection plate
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for testing gas permeability in concrete are provided. The apparatus is used for testing gas permeability of a concrete test sample, and includes a gas supply apparatus, an instrument body and a gas flow meter. The instrument body includes a frame body. A gas inlet ring, a gas outlet ring and a connection plate are successively arranged on the frame body from inside to outside. An input end of the gas inlet ring is connected with the gas supply apparatus, and an output end is connected with an input end of the gas outlet ring through the concrete test sample. An output end of the gas outlet ring is connected with the gas flow meter. The connection plate is connected with the concrete test sample.