Movable Mixer Unit for On-Site Geopolymer Paste Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial side-stream materials such as ashes, slags, and precipitates are difficult to utilize and handle, leading to significant costs and environmental risks due to their composition, often resulting in waste disposal challenges.
Innovation Solution
A movable mixer unit connected to a work machine is used to mix and process side-stream materials into a geopolymer paste, which can be efficiently transported and cast into a usable product, eliminating the need for separate loading equipment and infrastructure, and allowing for on-site processing and scaling of operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If side-stream materials are handled using conventional methods, then they can be disposed of in waste piles, but they are difficult to utilize and require significant investment in fixed infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the mixing function into separate modular units that can be independently deployed. Each mixing unit consists of a work machine with a mixer attachment, allowing the process to be segmented into multiple small units rather than requiring one large complex infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing units are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be dynamically positioned where needed. The work machines can move between different locations, and the mixer attachments can be detached and reattached, providing dynamic flexibility without permanent infrastructure.
2Productivity
If fixed mixing infrastructure is built at waste disposal sites, then materials can be processed efficiently, but the investment cost and site preparation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The work machines perform multiple functions including their own positioning, material loading, mixing, and transport without requiring external fixed infrastructure support. The system is self-sufficient, with each unit capable of independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The work machines are designed to perform multiple functions: transporting materials, positioning themselves, loading side-stream materials into the mixer, and operating the mixing process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment and fixed infrastructure.
3Reliability
If side-stream materials are processed into geopolymer paste on-site, then transportation safety and efficiency improve, but the equipment required for processing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is merged with the existing work machine capabilities rather than being a separate complex system. The mixer attachment integrates with the work machine's hydraulic system and control mechanisms, combining multiple functions into a unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixer attachment acts as an intermediary component that bridges the work machine's existing capabilities with the new geopolymer mixing function. It interfaces with the work machine's hydraulic system and control mechanisms, allowing the existing machine to perform the mixing function without requiring a completely new complex system.
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 solution enables the efficient and safe handling of difficult-to-process side-stream materials, converting them into a geopolymer product with compression-resistant properties, reducing waste management costs and environmental impact while allowing for on-site production and easy scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer apparatus for mixing the side-stream material which has been loaded into the space delimited by the bucket
Implementation Method 2
the mixer is pushable or forceable by means of the work machine into a pile formed by tipped material for loading the material to be handled into the mixer
Implementation Method 3
the mixer is tiltable from a mixing position to an unloading position, in which unloading position the paste located in the mixer is arranged to flow out of the bucket part by the effect of gravity
Implementation Method 4
In this type of material, silicon oxide SiO2 and aluminium oxide Al2O3 have reacted and formed a compression-resistant solid structure
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement and a method for mixing and handling industrial side-stream materials. The mixer (6) is arranged onto a movable work machine (5) and it is used for mixing at least two side-stream materials to form a geopolymer. The side-stream materials are processed between a waste pile (4) and a casting area (13) in the mixer (6). Cast paste is allowed to harden and after that it is crushed to obtain an earthwork material.