Liquid Polyacrylamide Primer for Concrete Pump Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for priming concrete slurry pumps result in costly delays, environmental hazards, and reduced concrete strength due to the use of solid priming compositions that are not compatible with the concrete, requiring separate disposal and underutilization of transportation resources.
Innovation Solution
A liquid polymeric emulsion composed of water-soluble, non-alkaline materials and solvatable polymeric materials, such as polyacrylamide, is used to lubricate and prime concrete pumps, reducing friction and hydration issues while being easily mixable and biodegradable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid priming compositions are used to lubricate the conduit, then the slurry can be successfully pumped, but the priming composition cannot be admixed with the concrete slurry and must be disposed of separately, creating waste disposal and environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the priming composition from solid to liquid. The liquid priming composition can be admixed with the concrete slurry and pumped through the conduit, eliminating the need for separate disposal and preventing environmental hazards while maintaining effective lubrication and pumping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid priming composition is merged with the concrete slurry in the mixing apparatus before being pumped through the conduit. This combination allows the priming composition to serve its lubricating function while being integrated into the concrete mixture, eliminating separate disposal requirements
2Reliability
If solid priming compositions are used, then the pump can be primed, but transportation resources are underutilized as separate trucks are required to transport the priming material
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid priming composition is combined with the concrete slurry in the mixing apparatus, allowing both materials to be transported together in a single ready-mix truck. This eliminates the need for separate transportation of priming material, fully utilizing the truck's capacity and improving resource efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The ready-mix truck is made multi-functional by transporting both the concrete slurry and the liquid priming composition simultaneously. The mixing apparatus serves dual purposes by preparing both the concrete mixture and the priming composition, maximizing the utility of the transportation and mixing equipment
3Reliability
If solid compositions are used for priming, then the pump can be lubricated, but the compositions are bulky and expensive to ship and require on-site mixing time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the priming composition from solid to liquid form. The liquid composition can be easily transported in concentrate form, requires minimal or no on-site mixing time, and provides immediate lubrication effectiveness upon contact with water in the pumping system
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid priming composition is delivered through the hydraulic system of the ready-mix truck, utilizing the existing water delivery infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate mixing equipment and reduces on-site preparation time, as the liquid composition can be directly injected into the pumping system
4Reliability
If solid priming compositions are used, then the pump can be primed, but the compositions continue to hydrate and present ongoing problems associated with alkalinity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the priming composition from solid to liquid form and uses non-alkaline materials. The liquid composition does not continue to hydrate over time, providing stable composition and eliminating ongoing alkalinity problems while maintaining effective priming and lubrication functions
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid priming composition is designed to perform its lubrication function quickly and then be disposed of with the concrete mixture. It does not require long-term stability or continued hydration, making it a short-lived but highly effective priming solution that eliminates ongoing chemical issues
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 liquid composition effectively reduces pressure and friction in pumping systems, prevents water loss and solids separation, and eliminates hydration problems, allowing for efficient and environmentally friendly concrete pumping without compromising concrete strength.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid composition effectively reduces pressure and friction in pumping systems
Implementation Method 2
prevents water loss and solids separation
Implementation Method 3
A liquid polymeric emulsion composed of water-soluble, non-alkaline materials and solvatable polymeric materials
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for and a method of promoting the flow of a concrete slurry through a conduit is provided. The composition is preferably a liquid polymer mixture including water and polyacrylamide polymers. The composition, when mixed with a suitable quantity of water, is useful, in a method of priming a pump, and in pumping concrete slurry, and improves the flow of the slurry through a conduit.