Abstract: An apparatus and method for degassing a mix of cement and a polymeric binding agent including filler material and/or fiber. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber and a mechanism for adjusting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber has an upper inlet zone including an inlet port, a lower discharge zone including a discharge port and an intermediate zone therebetween. Structure is provided adjacent to the inlet port which is open to the atmosphere for guiding the mix toward the inlet port. Structure is also positioned in the intermediate zone of the vacuum chamber for receiving, distributing and expediting the degassification of the free falling mix entering the vacuum chamber through the upper inlet port. A vacuum seal is provided by the mix entering the inlet port and by the degassed mix exiting the discharge port.

Abstract: The method for making a low resin content polymer concrete article includes the steps of: supplying a quantity of polymer or monomer resin; adding a non-reactive solvent, vehicle, dispersant or diluent to the resin; supplying the mixture of diluent and resin to a mixing station; supplying filler material to the mixing station; mixing the diluent, resin and filler material at the mixing station; supplying the resultant mixture to an eduction chamber; educing the non-reactive diluent from the eduction chamber; and supplying the resulting mixture with diluent educed to a forming station for shaping and curing.

Abstract: A vertical continuous degassing apparatus for degassing a mix of at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a mix of liquids, a mix of a liquid and solids and combinations thereof comprising: a vacuum chamber, a mechanism for adjusting the pressure therein, the vacuum chamber having an upper inlet zone including an inlet port, a lower discharge zone including a discharge port, and an intermediate zone therebetween. An annular skirt is positioned in the intermediate zone of the vacuum chamber for receiving, distributing and expediting the degassification of the mix entering the vacuum chamber through the upper inlet port. A vacuum seal is provided by the mix entering the inlet port and by the degassed mix exiting the discharge port.

Abstract: The method for making a low resin content polymer concrete article includes the steps of: supplying a quantity of polymer or monomer resin; adding a non-reactive solvent, vehicle, dispersant or diluent to the resin; supplying the mixture of diluent and resin to a mixing station; supplying filler material to the mixing station; mixing the diluent, resin and filler material at the mixing station; supplying the resultant mixture to an eduction chamber; educing the non-reactive diluent from the eduction chamber; and supplying the resulting mixture with diluent educed to a forming station for shaping and curing.