Vacuum Concrete Deaeration Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating fresh concrete, such as compacting devices and chemical additives, are inefficient in reliably removing air pockets and can lead to concrete segregation, reducing durability.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a receiving container with a vacuum unit to generate below-atmospheric pressure, combined with distribution and conveying devices to target and release air pockets from fresh concrete, ensuring effective removal without additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compaction devices are used to vibrate the mold for deaeration, then air pockets are moved to the surface, but smaller air pockets are not reliably removed and excessively long vibration times lead to concrete segregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration system with a vacuum system. Instead of using vibrators to move air pockets through mechanical motion, a vacuum pump creates negative pressure that actively draws air bubbles out of the concrete through suction ports, fundamentally changing the deaeration mechanism from mechanical vibration to vacuum extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by employing a vacuum pump to create a pressure differential. The vacuum system generates negative pressure that forces air bubbles to rise and exit the concrete through suction ports, utilizing gas pressure dynamics rather than mechanical vibration to achieve deaeration
2Reliability
If chemical deaeration additives are added to merge small air bubbles, then deaeration is effective, but the method is relatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical deaeration additives with a mechanical vacuum system. Instead of relying on chemical agents to coalesce air bubbles, the vacuum system physically extracts air bubbles through suction, eliminating the need for expensive chemical additives while maintaining effective deaeration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple vacuum pump system that can be removed after use, replacing expensive chemical additives with a reusable mechanical device. The vacuum system represents a cost-effective alternative to continuous chemical additive consumption
3Reliability
If vacuum pressure is applied to remove air inclusions, then air removal is enhanced, but the container must be sealed and integrated with conveying devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum container with the concrete conveying system into an integrated unit. The container is designed with sealed inlet and outlet connections that interface directly with the conveying devices, merging the vacuum treatment function with the material handling system to reduce overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum container serves multiple functions: it acts as both the vacuum treatment chamber and the transfer point between conveying devices. The sealed container with integrated inlet/outlet connections allows it to function as both a processing vessel and a material transfer interface, reducing the need for separate components
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 solution reliably removes air pockets from fresh concrete, enhancing the quality and durability of processed concrete products by maintaining negative pressure and targeted distribution within the container.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum unit (8) connected to the container via a fluid path, by means of which a vacuum can be generated in the container
Implementation Method 2
the surface area of the fresh concrete in the vacuum zone is increased, or portions of the fresh concrete are moved towards the surface of the fresh concrete
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for treating fresh concrete before the concrete is processed, having a receiving container (2, 2', 2") for the fresh concrete with a container inlet (4, 4') and a container outlet (6, 6'), at least one vacuum unit (8) which is fluidically connected to the container (2, 2', 2") for generating an internal pressure which lies below the atmospheric ambient pressure in at least one vacuum zone (10) of the container (2, 2', 2"), and at least one distributor device (12) and/or a circulating device (58), which is arranged in or adjacently to the vacuum zone (10) of the container (2, 2', 2"), for the fresh concrete to be treated. The invention further relates to a concrete processing system for fresh concrete and to a method for treating fresh concrete.