Shotcrete Re-mixing Device Curved Discharge Pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing post-mixing devices face challenges in achieving optimal mixing conditions for various compositions of shotcrete materials, particularly with materials containing long metal fibers, which can impair flow conditions and lead to increased dust and reduced concrete quality.

Innovation Solution

The post-mixing device features a discharge pipe section aligned in a straight line extension of the second mixing section, angled or curved relative to the first mixing section, with impact surfaces designed at specific angles to enhance flow dynamics and reduce rebound forces, and is constructed with abrasion-resistant materials for improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the discharge pipe section is arranged at a large angle or perpendicular to the second mixing section, then the mixing chamber can be more compact, but the flow conditions are impaired and mixing quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing chamber compactnessVSAvoidflow conditions and mixing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge pipe section is designed with a curved transition instead of a sharp angle, smoothly connecting to the second mixing section. This curved geometry maintains flow dynamics and mixing quality while allowing the discharge pipe to be oriented perpendicular to the feeding pipe, achieving both compactness and reliable mixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If the impact surfaces are arranged at steep angles, then the mixing intensity increases, but the rebound forces increase and handling becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing intensityVSAvoidhandling and feed pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The impact surfaces are arranged at optimized angles (10° to 80° for the first mixing section, 10° to 90° for the second mixing section) rather than extreme steep angles. This parameter optimization maintains effective mixing intensity while reducing rebound forces to manageable levels, improving handling characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the mixing chamber is designed for optimal flow conditions, then mixing quality improves, but abrasion on the impact surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing qualityVSAvoidabrasion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The impact surfaces are made from abrasion-resistant composite materials such as hard metal, ceramics, or coated with wear-resistant coatings. This allows the mixing chamber to maintain the necessary flow conditions and mixing quality while significantly reducing wear and extending service life.

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

This configuration ensures reliable mixing and reduced abrasion, maintaining efficient flow and concrete quality across different material compositions, including those with long metal fibers, while minimizing dust and handling issues.

Implementation Method 1

The impact surfaces have a conical, V-shaped or concave shape in cross-section, which concentrate the flowing mixed material in the cross-sectional direction and make a significant contribution to maintaining the flow dynamics.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow concentration through geometric configuration:

Implementation Method 2

the flow is improved under practically all relevant mixing conditions if the transition between the mixing section of the mixing chamber on the outflow side and the subsequent pipe arrangement or the discharge tube is in line with the downstream mixing section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow dynamics optimization through geometric alignment:

Data Source

PatentEP2576037B1Re-mixing device
Publication Date: 2014.08.13 SCHULLER JOHANN
  • EP2576037B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2576037B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2576037B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a re-mixing device for re-mixing shotcrete with water, having an incoming pipe section (1.1) arranged downstream of a water adding part, an outgoing pipe section (8.1) and a re-mixing chamber (1) which is arranged between the incoming (1.1) and the outgoing pipe section (8.1) and which, in the flow direction, has two mixing sections (1.2, 1.3) that are at a deflection angle in relation to each other and have impingement surfaces (2 and 3), the first mixing section (1.2) in the flow direction being arranged relative to the incoming pipe section (1.1) at an angle of less than 90° with respect to the rectilinear extension of the latter. In the case of many compositions of the material to be mixed, the functioning is benefited by the fact that the outgoing pipe section (8.1) runs in rectilinear extension of the second mixing section (1.3) on the outgoing side or is angled or curved with respect to the rectilinear extension by an angle (a) which is smaller than the angle between the rectilinear extension of the second mixing section (1.3) and the rectilinear extension of the incoming pipe section (1.1).