Sodium Nitrite Refractory for Versatile High-Temperature Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current refractory materials require multiple upfront materials and complex installation procedures, making it difficult to predict and manage material quantities for high-temperature applications, and they often result in excessive material usage due to long supply lead times and varied application requirements.

Innovation Solution

A refractory composition incorporating a low cement refractory material with a sodium nitrite additive, which allows for flexible installation methods such as casting, pumping, pneumatic dry gunning, and wet shot-crete, by intermixing sodium nitrite with the refractory material to enhance pliability and reduce water demand, thereby simplifying the application process and reducing material waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different refractory materials are used for different installation situations, then the material can meet specific installation requirements (ramming, casting, dry gunning, wet shot-crete), but the device complexity and material management complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different installation methodsVSAvoidcomplexity of material formulation design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal refractory material formulation that can be applied through multiple installation methods (ramming, casting, pneumatic dry gunning, and wet shot-crete) without requiring separate specialized formulations for each method. This single material design achieves adaptability across all installation techniques, eliminating the need for complex material selection and management processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts key formulation parameters including reducing fine particle content to below 45 microns (specifically 5-20 weight percent), optimizing water demand to below 5 weight percent, and controlling particle size distribution to create a material that performs adequately across different installation methods without requiring method-specific parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If refractory materials are designed with method-specific properties (flow for casting, pliability for ramming), then each installation method achieves optimal performance, but the quantity of substance and upfront material requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance optimization for specific installation methodVSAvoidupfront material quantity required
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single universal refractory material that can be used for all installation situations without requiring separate material inventories for different application methods. This eliminates the need to stockpile multiple specialized material types, directly reducing upfront material requirements and inventory complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If dispersants and setting accelerators are added to achieve installation characteristics, then the material performs well for specific installation methods, but the device complexity and formulation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation performance for specific methodVSAvoidcomplexity of additive composition
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes or eliminates the need for multiple specialized additives (dispersants for casting, setting accelerators for shot-crete, pliability agents for ramming) by designing a base formulation that achieves adequate performance across all installation methods through optimized particle size distribution and water demand control, rather than relying on method-specific chemical additives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11059750B2Single additive refractory materials suitable for multiple application methods
Publication Date: 2021.07.13 STELLAR MATERIALS LLC

AI summary

Processes of forming or repairing a structure for use in high temperature applications may include intermixing a sodium nitrite (NaNO2) additive with a refractory material; and applying the refractory material to a structure surface.