Abstract: A method for the production of cement clinker comprises the introduction of non-traditional materials into the kiln, preferably at a mid-kiln locations. The non-traditional materials are materials that are difficult, expensive or environmentally challenging for disposal. In one embodiment, weathered clinker is introduced into the kiln to admix with the raw material mix to augment clinker production. In another embodiment, bird, animal or human manure is added to the kiln so that gaseous reducing agents can be released by the manure and combine with certain noxious gases generated during the clinker production, to thereby reduce the noxious gas output. In other embodiments, other non-traditional waste-derived fuels are added to the kiln during clinker production, including railroad ties coated with creosote, industrial, commercial and consumer rubber components, such as rubber hoses, unshredded plastics, and organic materials, such as bird and animal meal.

Abstract: A method for the production of cement clinker comprises the introduction of vitrified slag into the feedstock stream prior to the clinkering zone. The addition of vitrified slag can increase the clinker output rates and/or reduce the energy requirements for maintaining the kiln temperatures. In one embodiment, the vitrified slag is a vitrified blast furnace slag.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement is formed from a Class C fly ash, an alkali metal activator, and citric acid. Mortar and concrete compositions can be prepared with this hydraulic cement. The cement is particularly useful in producing mortar and concrete compositions that achieve high strengths in a short time, in particular, a mortar having a strength of at least 2500 psi in 24 hours, when cured at room temperature.

Abstract: A pipeline casing insulator to support a coated pipe within a tubular, metallic casing. The pipeline casing insulator comprises a flexible belt formed of a material that is capable of bonding to an organic resin. A plurality of parallel bar-like runners are formed from an insulative and non-abrasive polymer concrete that is cast onto an outer facing surface of the belt. The belt is preferably a strip of an organic non-woven material. The polymer concrete is preferably a mixture of a thermosetting polymer resin, such as epoxy, polyester or polyurethane, and an aggregate. The aggregate preferably comprises a mixture of substantially incompressible coarse particulate material, such as sand or gravel, and fine filler material, such as calcium carbonate, silica flour, or kaolin. The inner facing surface of the belt preferably has a mastic coating covered by a release paper that can be removed, to allow attachment of the belt to the outer surface of the pipe by circumferentially wrapping the belt around the pipe.

Abstract: A binder composition for Portland cement is disclosed, said composition including 100 parts by weight metakaolin and, based upon said metakaolin, from 20 to 70 parts by weight slag; from 85 to 130 parts by weight of at least 1 material selected from the class consisting of fly ash, calcined shale, and calcined clay; from 70 to 215 parts by weight finely divided silica, preferably amorphous silica; and from 55 to 145 parts by weight of a mixture of potassium silicate and potassium hydroxide, wherein at least 55 parts by weight is potassium silicate. The binder composition can be mixed with Portland cement or with a combination of Portland cement and fly ash to provide a composition curable to a material having a high early strength and a high ultimate strength.

Abstract: A dry, mineral binder composition is disclosed having from 6 to 25 parts by weight metakaolin, 3 to 30 parts by weight dry potassium hydroxide, 0 to 18 parts by weight slag, 0 to 60 parts by weight of a material selected from the class consisting of fly ash, calcined shale, and calcined clay, and from 1 to 150 parts, by weight, of a finely divided silica, preferably an amorphous silica. The binder is particularly useful in combination with Portland cement for forming concrete compositions.

Abstract: An extremely fast-acting valve operator including a piston slidable in a pneumatic cylinder and connected by means of a chain and sprocket with the rotatable actuating shaft of a valve so that rapid movement of the piston imparts a rapid rotation to the shaft to open the valve. The piston is subjected to a high pressure gas but is initially restrained against motion within its cylinder by means of a quick release mechanism whereby release of said mechanism results in the piston undergoing immediate and rapid movement responsive to the expanding gas to thereby rapidly open the valve. This abstract is not to be construed in any way to define or limit the invention set forth below.