Liquid Nitrogen Dispensing System for Concrete Aggregate Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cooling concrete mixtures, such as using ice or nitrogen gas, are labor-intensive, costly, and can damage mixing equipment, while failing to provide thorough cooling due to limitations in cooling capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing liquid nitrogen to cool aggregates before they enter a mixing chamber, where a curtain of liquid nitrogen is applied to the aggregates as they are conveyed, ensuring thorough cooling without damaging equipment and allowing liquid nitrogen to be mixed into the concrete for continued cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice or nitrogen gas is used to cool concrete mixtures, then cooling effect is provided, but labor intensity increases and equipment damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual labor-intensive cooling methods (ice handling, nitrogen gas application) with an automated liquid nitrogen injection system. The system uses pumps, valves, and injection devices to automatically deliver liquid nitrogen to the concrete mixture, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of nitrogen from gas phase (in conventional methods) to liquid phase (in this invention). Liquid nitrogen provides more intense and controllable cooling effects, and the system allows precise control of cooling parameters through injection rate, temperature, and timing adjustments.
2Temperature
If ice or nitrogen gas is used to cool concrete mixtures, then cooling effect is provided, but equipment damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes nitrogen from gas phase to liquid phase, which provides more controlled and intense cooling. Liquid nitrogen can be precisely dosed and injected directly into the mixture, avoiding the uncontrolled expansion and potential equipment damage associated with nitrogen gas. The liquid form allows for better thermal management and reduced thermal shock to equipment.
3Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used, then some cooling effect is achieved, but cooling capacity and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase of cooling agent from solid (ice) or gas (nitrogen) to liquid (liquid nitrogen). Liquid nitrogen has superior thermal properties including higher heat transfer coefficient and lower temperature (-196°C), providing significantly enhanced cooling capacity and efficiency compared to conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite cooling system that integrates liquid nitrogen injection with the concrete mixing process. The liquid nitrogen mixes with the concrete components to form a cooled composite mixture, ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout the batch while maximizing cooling efficiency.
4Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used, then some cooling effect is achieved, but cooling uniformity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling process by injecting liquid nitrogen at multiple points and stages during the mixing process. This ensures that cooling occurs uniformly throughout the concrete mixture rather than concentrating cold spots in one area, achieving better temperature homogeneity across the entire batch.
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 effectively cools the concrete mixture without damaging equipment, provides a greater cooling effect than nitrogen gas, and ensures uniform cooling throughout the mixture, improving the curing process by maintaining the temperature below the vapor point of liquid nitrogen.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid nitrogen storage system configured to cool a supply of liquid nitrogen to a temperature below the vapor point of liquid nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
the at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head is configured to dispense an output flow of liquid nitrogen onto the aggregate stream of the concrete batching plant
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that includes providing a liquid nitrogen storage system configured to cool a supply of liquid nitrogen to a temperature below the vapor point of liquid nitrogen; coupling a piping system with the liquid nitrogen storage system to convey a portion of the supply of liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen storage system; coupling the piping system with a liquid nitrogen control valve configured to control a flow of liquid nitrogen to at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head; disposing the at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head above a conveyance device operable to convey an aggregate stream of a concrete batching plant during use; and disposing the at least one liquid nitrogen dispensing head in a position to dispense an output flow of liquid nitrogen onto the aggregate stream of the concrete batching plant during use.