Curing Apparatus for CO2 Carbonation Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current curing equipment for materials that react with CO2 lacks efficient control over the curing process, particularly in terms of temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration, leading to suboptimal curing results and uneven moisture distribution within the materials.
Innovation Solution
A curing apparatus with a controlled environment that includes a curing chamber, a source of CO2, a gas flow subsystem, temperature control, humidity control, and a controller to manage these parameters independently, allowing for a transition from a drying phase to a carbonation phase based on electrical property changes or CO2 concentration, ensuring optimal CO2 consumption and moisture removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CO2 pressure is increased to accelerate carbonation reaction, then the degree of reaction and strength increase, but the equipment complexity and energy consumption increase due to pressure control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high pressure to atmospheric pressure, and introduces a two-phase curing process (drying phase followed by carbonation phase) to achieve fast curing without requiring pressure control equipment. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high productivity through parameter optimization rather than equipment complexity.
2Loss of time
If material is dried rapidly to remove moisture, then curing time is reduced, but uneven moisture distribution and surface cracking occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting a controlled drying phase before the carbonation phase. During the drying phase, moisture is removed at a controlled rate, and then the material is re-weted slightly before carbonation. This preliminary preparation prevents surface cracking and ensures uniform moisture distribution while maintaining short overall curing time.
3Productivity
If CO2 concentration is increased to enhance carbonation rate, then curing efficiency improves, but control precision over the curing process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by dividing the curing process into distinct phases: a drying phase followed by a carbonation phase. During the carbonation phase, CO2 is introduced at controlled intervals or concentrations, allowing precise control over the carbonation rate. This phased approach enables high productivity while maintaining precise process control through temporal separation of functions.
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 apparatus enables precise control over the curing process, enhancing the carbonation rate and uniformity of the material's properties by optimizing CO2 consumption and moisture distribution, resulting in improved strength and consistency of the cured materials.
Implementation Method 1
curing materials that cure under reaction with CO2
Implementation Method 2
a gas flow subsystem configured to circulate the gaseous carbon dioxide or air through the curing chamber
Implementation Method 3
a temperature control subsystem configured to control a temperature of the gas within the chamber
Implementation Method 4
a humidity control subsystem configured to control a humidity in the gas within the chamber
Implementation Method 5
the apparatus is configured to detect a transition from the first drying phase (Phase 1) to the second carbonation phase (Phase 2) by detecting a change in one or more electrical properties of the material on the surface or in the bulk thereof
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for improving the curing process of materials that cure under reaction with CO2 and that do not cure in the presence of water alone are described, and examples are given.