Refractory Concrete Adjuvant for Rapid Drying and Explosion Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refractory concretes with high density face challenges in water drainage during drying, leading to potential explosions due to steam pressure exceeding mechanical resistance, and existing solutions either extend drying time or compromise mechanical properties.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising 20-70% aluminum organic acid, 3-20% deflocculant, and 7-44% mineral oxide, which improves permeability and reduces explosion risks while maintaining mechanical strength and workability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If refractory concretes are made with high density to improve corrosion resistance, then corrosion resistance is improved, but water drainage during drying deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidwater drainage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing a specific adjuvant containing aluminum organic acid, deflocculant, and mineral oxide. This modifies the pore structure and surface properties of the dense refractory concrete, enabling improved water drainage without reducing density or compromising corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adjuvant acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates water drainage in dense refractory concretes. It contains deflocculants that prevent particle aggregation and create channels for water escape, while aluminum organic acid and mineral oxide components work together to maintain both density and drainage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If heating temperature is increased to speed up drying process, then productivity is improved, but explosion hazard increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidexplosion hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adjuvant is incorporated into the refractory concrete formulation before drying begins. It pre-establishes drainage channels and modifies the pore structure in advance, enabling safe and efficient water removal during subsequent rapid heating without causing steam explosions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of trapped water under rapid heating into a beneficial drainage system. The adjuvant components create controlled pathways that guide water and steam escape, transforming what could be an explosion hazard into an efficient drying mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If polymer fibers are added to improve permeability, then water drainage is improved, but mechanical resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater drainageVSAvoidmechanical resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adjuvant employs a composite formulation combining aluminum organic acid, deflocculant, and mineral oxide in specific proportions. This composite approach creates synergistic effects that improve permeability through chemical and physical mechanisms without introducing foreign materials that would compromise mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 adjuvant composition enhances water drainage, reduces explosion hazards, and preserves mechanical properties of refractory concretes during quick drying, ensuring effective water removal without compromising compressive strength or handling characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

comprising 20-70% aluminum organic acid, 3-20% deflocculant, and 7-44% mineral oxide, which improves permeability and reduces explosion risks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeflocculation: Flocculation

Implementation Method 2

improves permeability and reduces explosion risks while maintaining mechanical strength and workability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP3286156B1An adjuvant for a cement or a refractory concrete composition, the uses thereof, and cement and refractory concrete compositions
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 KERNEOS SA
  • EP3286156B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3286156B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3286156B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an adjuvant for a cement or a refractory concrete composition, comprising, by weight, as compared to its total weight at least: (a) from 20% to 70% of at least one aluminum organic acid, (b) from 3% to 20% of at least one deflocculant chosen from a carboxylic acid polymer, a carboxylic acid, a salt thereof, or one of their combinations, and, (c) from 7% to 44% of at least one mineral oxide. The invention further relates to the use of such an adjuvant to improve the drying time of a refractory concrete composition or to improve the permeability of a refractory concrete composition. The invention lastly relates to a cement composition and to a refractory concrete composition, each comprising such an adjuvant.