Excavated Material Usability Analysis via Fast Gamma Neutron Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for determining the recoverability of excavated materials are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring several days to assess the mass concentration of inorganic chemical compounds, which hinders the rapid repurposing of these materials in construction projects, especially in constrained geographical areas.

Innovation Solution

A method involving activation analysis by fast gamma neutrons and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, combined with solid/liquid extraction at elevated temperatures, to quickly determine the mass concentration of sulfur and chlorine, and the leachability of sulfates and chlorides, allowing for a reactivity index calculation to assess the recoverability of excavated materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional physicochemical analysis methods are used to determine inorganic chemical compound concentrations, then measurement precision is improved, but analysis time increases to at least 48 hours plus transport and processing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass concentration of inorganic chemical compoundsVSAvoidanalysis turnaround time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the extraction temperature parameter from standard room temperature (20°C ± 5°C) to elevated temperatures (65°C to 200°C, particularly 85°C to 115°C). This temperature parameter change accelerates the leaching process, reducing extraction time from 24+ hours to less than 60 seconds while maintaining adequate measurement precision for determining inorganic chemical compound concentrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes traditional mechanical filtration methods with advanced analytical techniques (fast gamma neutron activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy) that can directly determine elemental concentrations without requiring physical filtration. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming filtration step caused by clay particle clogging while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional filtration methods are used to analyze leachate, then measurement precision is improved, but operation complexity increases due to tedious filtration operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleachate composition analysisVSAvoidfiltration operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical filtration operation with direct analytical measurement using fast gamma neutron activation analysis or X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. These analytical methods can determine elemental concentrations in the leachate without requiring physical filtration, thereby eliminating the tedious filtration step while maintaining the ability to accurately measure inorganic chemical compound concentrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If excavated materials are stored in waste storage facilities to avoid reuse, then reliability of construction material properties is improved, but site footprint area increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction material propertiesVSAvoidwaste storage facility footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing rapid analysis of excavated materials to determine their suitability for reuse before final disposal decisions are made. The accelerated analysis method (reducing turnaround time to less than 60 seconds for extraction plus minimal analysis time) enables on-site or near-site assessment, allowing materials to be quickly identified for reuse and preventing unnecessary storage in waste facilities, thereby reducing the required footprint area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method significantly reduces the analysis time to a few tens of minutes, enabling rapid determination of the recoverability and suitability of excavated materials for reuse as construction materials, aligning with current recommendations and optimizing site management.

Implementation Method 1

a) fast gamma neutron activation analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis or their combination of a first sample of the excavated material to determine the mass concentration of sulfur (total S) and the mass concentration of chlorine (total Cl) of the excavated material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFast gamma neutron activation analysis: Nuclear Fission

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray fluorescence spectroscopy: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

b) solid/liquid extraction at a temperature Textraction of 65°C to 200°C, in particular of 70°C to 150°C, more particularly of 85°C to 115°C of a second sample of the excavated material with a liquid solvent to obtain a mixture comprising a leachate and a solid fraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP4139668B1Method for determining the usability of excavated material

Publication Date: 2024.07.31 EIFFAGE GC INFRA LINÉAIRES

AI summary

The invention relates to the analysis of excavated material to very quickly determine whether and how it can be utilized.