Sulfur-Extended Elastomer Asphalt Binder for Low-Temperature Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High working temperatures above 300° F. in asphalt processing lead to the formation of toxic hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, posing safety risks to workers and environmental concerns, while elemental sulfur, a byproduct of natural gas and petroleum processing, lacks effective commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
A sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder composition incorporating elemental sulfur, an elastomer, and an asphalt binder, applied at temperatures below 145° C., which forms a stable layer with a bond strength of at least 150 kN/m², preventing water migration and reducing the formation of harmful gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If asphalt is processed at high temperatures above 300° F. to achieve proper workability and bonding, then the asphalt becomes sufficiently fluid for application and bonding, but toxic hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide gases are formed, creating safety and environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the asphalt by incorporating sulfur-extended elastomer components, which modify the rheological properties of the asphalt binder. This allows the asphalt to achieve adequate workability and bonding at lower temperatures (below 300° F.), thereby preventing the formation of toxic hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide gases that occur at higher temperatures.
2Loss of substance
If elemental sulfur is incorporated into asphalt compositions to utilize this abundant byproduct, then waste sulfur can be converted into a commercially valuable material, but traditional attempts have only achieved limited success in improving asphalt properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where elemental sulfur is combined with elastomers to form sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binders (SEEABs). This composite approach allows the sulfur to be effectively integrated into the asphalt matrix, improving both the utilization of waste sulfur and the reliability of the asphalt composition. The elastomer component enhances the compatibility and performance of sulfur in the asphalt binder.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the asphalt composition is modified to work at lower temperatures below 300° F. to improve worker safety and reduce emissions, then toxic gas formation is prevented, but the bonding strength and workability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical and rheological parameters of the asphalt binder by incorporating sulfur-extended elastomer components. These compositional changes enable the asphalt to maintain adequate viscosity and bonding strength at lower application temperatures (below 300° F.), thus preventing toxic gas formation while preserving the necessary bond strength for effective waterproofing and damp-proofing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder creates a composite material that combines the benefits of sulfur (lowering processing temperature) with elastomers (maintaining bonding strength). This composite system ensures that the asphalt can be applied at safer temperatures while achieving the required bond strength of at least 150 kN/m² for effective waterproofing layers.
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 composition allows for safe and effective waterproofing and damp-proofing at lower temperatures, utilizing waste sulfur and enhancing the hydrocarbon resource supply, while maintaining a strong bond and reducing hazardous emissions.
Implementation Method 1
combining the elastomer with an asphalt binder maintained at an elastomer mixing temperature such that an intermediate asphalt binder mixture forms
Implementation Method 2
combining elemental sulfur with the intermediate asphalt binder maintained at a sulfur mixing temperature such that the sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder composition forms
Implementation Method 3
applying the sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder composition to the surface of the protected member such that the sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder composition contacts and forms a layer upon and adheres to the surface of the protected member
Implementation Method 4
The formed layer is operable to prevent water migration through the protected member
Data Source
AI summary
A method of waterproofing or damp proofing a protected member having a surface with a sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder composition uses a sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder composition that includes elemental sulfur, an elastomer and an asphalt binder. The method includes the steps of combining the elastomer with the asphalt binder maintained at an elastomer mixing temperature such that an intermediate asphalt binder mixture forms, and combining elemental sulfur with the intermediate asphalt binder maintained at a sulfur mixing temperature such that the sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder composition forms. The method also includes the step of applying the sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder composition to the surface of the protected member such that the sulfur-extended elastomer asphalt binder composition contacts, adheres to and forms a layer upon the surface of the protected member. The asphalt binder composition is applied at a temperature no greater than 145° C.