Superabsorbent Polymer for Marine Spoil Separation in TBM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating the spoil (sailor) of earth pressure tunnel boring machines are inefficient, requiring large amounts of water and time for separation, which hinders the valorization of excavated material due to the presence of polymers and bentonite that degrade the mechanical properties of concrete and mortar.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the mixing of the sailor with a super-absorbent polymer, specifically one with a carboxylic acid function and a particle size between 1.5 mm and 10 mm, to quickly absorb water and facilitate separation of the dry excavated material and swollen polymer, allowing for rapid drying and effective separation by sieving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water washing is used to separate polymers and bentonite from excavated material, then separation is achieved, but large amounts of water are required and the process takes 1 to 3 weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the slurry by adjusting water concentration and adding superabsorbent polymers. This transforms the separation process from a time-consuming water washing and air drying procedure (1-3 weeks) to a rapid filtration process under pressure, achieving separation while significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical water washing and air drying system with a pressure-driven filtration system. By applying pressure to force water and fine particles through a filter, the process achieves separation without requiring prolonged air drying, thus resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and time consumption.
2Speed
If water concentration in slurry is increased to improve evacuation, then the slurry becomes too liquid to maintain confinement pressure, but if water concentration is decreased for better confinement, then evacuation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the rheological parameters of the slurry by controlling water concentration and adding superabsorbent polymers. This allows the slurry to maintain optimal viscosity for both evacuation and confinement pressure, resolving the contradiction between evacuation speed and confinement pressure maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The superabsorbent polymer acts as an intermediary substance that modifies the slurry's physical properties. It allows the slurry to have sufficient liquidity for evacuation while maintaining the ability to hold confinement pressure, thus mediating between the two contradictory requirements.
3Reliability
If polymers and bentonite are present in excavated material for tunneling stability, then working face stability is improved, but the mechanical properties and setting times of concrete and mortar are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes polymers and bentonite from the excavated material through pressure filtration. This separation allows the excavated material to be used for concrete and mortar production without the degradation of mechanical properties and setting times caused by these additives, while the polymers and bentonite can be separately managed for working face stability needs.
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 process significantly reduces the humidity level of excavated materials, enables quick separation of components, and allows for the reuse and recycling of the super-absorbent polymer, making it economically viable and industrially applicable.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the marine with a super absorbent polymer to obtain a treated marine
Implementation Method 2
the super absorbent polymer has a particle size greater than 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm
Implementation Method 3
the super absorbent polymer comprises a carboxylic acid function
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the separation of marine components from earth pressure balance tunnel boring machines by adding super-absorbent polymer to valorize excavated materials.