Abstract: A method in which a stream of dry cementitious powder from a dry powder feeder passes through a dry cementitious powder inlet conduit to feed a first feed section of a fiber-slurry mixer. An aqueous medium stream passes through at least one aqueous medium stream conduit to feed a first mixing section the fiber-slurry mixer. A stream of reinforcing fibers passes from a fiber feeder through a reinforcing fibers stream conduit to feed a second mixing section of the fiber-slurry mixer. The stream of dry cementitious powder, aqueous medium stream, and stream of reinforcing fibers combine in the fiber-slurry mixer to make a stream of fiber-cement mixture which discharges through a discharge conduit at a downstream end of the mixer.

Abstract: A mixer includes a mixing container having an outlet opening; a closure cover, which can be moved back and forth between a closed position, in which the closure cover closes the outlet opening, and an open position, in which the closure cover uncovers the outlet opening so that mixture can be removed from the mixing container via the outlet opening; at least one cleaning nozzle to clean the closure opening and/or a mixture outflow region arranged outside the mixing container; and a liquid feed to feed cleaning fluid to the at least one cleaning nozzle. To provide a mixer and a method for enabling cost-effective, efficient, simple and operationally reliable cleaning of the mixture outflow region and of the closure opening, at least one cleaning nozzle is fastened to the closure cover such that it is moved together with the closure cover.

Abstract: A device that produces a sugar solution from cellulose-containing biomass includes: a horizontal reaction tank that includes a stirring shaft provided along a horizontal direction in the horizontal reaction tank and a stirring blade provided to the stirring shaft, the horizontal reaction tank being configured to obtain a saccharified slurry by reacting the cellulose-containing biomass with a saccharification enzyme by stirring the cellulose-containing biomass and the saccharification enzyme; a vertical reaction tank configured to obtain a saccharified liquid by saccharifying the saccharified slurry; a saccharified slurry feed line that connects the horizontal reaction tank and the vertical reaction tank; and a warming part provided around the horizontal reaction tank or on a wall surface of the horizontal reaction tank and heats the horizontal reaction tank.

Abstract: A system for high pressure proppant blending includes at least one high pressure pump coupled to a high pressure flow path, the high pressure flow path entering a wellhead. The system further includes a chamber storing a mixture of proppant and compressed gas. The system also includes a high pressure nozzle. An output of the high pressure nozzle is coupled to the high pressure flow path between the at least one high pressure pump and the wellhead. The chamber is coupled to an input of the high pressure nozzle.

Abstract: A bag is used to provide an admixture for a hydraulic composition, wherein a wall of the bag includes a layer, the layer including a water-soluble polymer, and wherein an admixture is present in the wall of the bag.

Abstract: A method and system for system for rapidly determining the predicted strength of concrete prior to pouring the concrete is disclosed herein. The system and process provides for a database storing concrete family characteristics that may be updated as actual strength of poured concrete is determined. The process also allows construction workers to pour concrete with a keener knowledge of the resulting concrete strength.

Abstract: The invention provides ‘thixotropy’ monitoring, by measuring the reversible, time-dependent reduction in viscosity occurring when concrete is subjected to mixing, and employs a mixing drum and conventional slump monitoring equipment as used on ready-mix trucks. In one embodiment, the drum is rotated until concrete is completely mixed; the speed is altered, such as by increasing it to a predetermined level; and the energy required to rotate the drum (ER) is monitored; the maximum (ER-MAX) and minimum (ER-MIN) values are recorded in computer memory; and these values are compared to pre-determined (target) values. Rheology factors (including viscosity, yield stress, and/or thixotropy) can be adjusted accordingly by adding liquid component(s) into the mix. This method, suitable for delivery of highly fluid concrete speed such as SCC, can involve transit and placement rheology targets during monitoring.

Abstract: A process for reducing the set time a plaster slurry. The process comprises the steps of, providing a pre-determined amount of water, providing a pre-determined amount of the plaster, mixing the water and the plaster together at a first time to form a slurry, and, re-directing a portion of the slurry formed at the first time to combine with slurry formed at a second time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a PROCESS for the preparation of cement/mortar/concrete (for simplicity: “cement”) compositions or systems, (hereafter “cement” compositions or systems for simplicity), of a general known type, in which the filler(s) is/are comprising or consist of “calcium carbonate-based filler(s)”, comprising at least one step where the said filler(s) is/are treated with an efficient treating amount of at least one treating agent consisting of or comprising superplastifier(s). The main purpose of this invention is to build a process aimed at providing improved, “High performance”, FLUID, cement or mortars or concrete systems or compositions having an improved compacity, an improved flowability, and globally speaking a definitely improved “workability”, and “regularity” of the properties of the final systems.

Abstract: A system for monitoring plant equipment is provided. Another aspect provides an automated analysis system wherein software instructions operably compare sensor data to predefined valves and determine mechanical problems in multiple machines. In another aspect, a cement manufacturing system includes sensors for sensing movement conditions of cement making machines. A further aspect provides a central computer connected to vibration sensors associated with cement making machines, where software instructions perform real-time comparisons and machine performance determinations, based at least in part on sensed signals.

Abstract: A flow splitter can include an inlet conduit and first and second outlet conduits separated by a junction portion. The inlet conduit can include an inlet end and a junction end. The inlet conduit is disposed along a main flow axis extending between the inlet end and the junction end. The inlet end defines an inlet opening. The junction end defines first and second junction openings. The first junction opening is disposed in spaced relationship to the second junction opening. The junction portion is disposed at the junction end of the inlet conduit between the first and second junction openings. The junction portion includes a substantially planar wall region that is substantially perpendicular to the main flow axis. The flow splitter can be placed in fluid communication with a cementitious slurry mixer and a slurry distributor with the flow splitter disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A technique facilitates well servicing operations by utilizing a hopper system to introduce a dry additive into a mixing tank. The hopper system comprises a feeder and a hopper that delivers the dry additive into the feeder. The feeder, in turn, enables introduction of the dry additive into the cement mixing tank in a controlled manner. When the hopper system is used on a transportable cementing unit, the hopper system may be mounted on a cement mixing tank and also may incorporate a hopper that is both expandable to accommodate a greater amount of dry additive and contractible to facilitate transport.

Abstract: A process for making concrete includes treating water with ions and/or ozone to form treated water, and mixing the treated water with aggregate and cement. A system for making concrete includes means for treating charging water with ions, ozone and/or charged particles to form treated water, and means for mixing the treated water with aggregate and cement.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture is provided. The device comprises an injector housing having a chamber for containing a first and a second bone cement component and a second housing having a chamber for containing a flexible wire mixing element. A plunger actuates within the chamber of the second housing to transfer the wire mixing element to the injector housing for mixing the first and second bone cement components to form the bone cement mixture. The plunger rotates the wire mixing element to mix the bone cement mixture. Thereafter, the wire mixing element is withdrawn from the injector housing and the injector housing is assembled with an injector handle. A plunger coupled to the injector handle advances through the injector chamber to dispense the bone cement mixture from the device.

Abstract: System and method for dispensing liquids into concrete mixer drums, particularly suitable for use on concrete mix trucks, involve use of liquid admixtures nozzle that is separate from water conduit and water nozzle, the admixtures nozzle being aimed and focused to spray through drum opening with dispersion pattern substantially within air/concrete interface defined by minimal volume concrete contained within the drum; and the water conduit or nozzle having a dispersion pattern preferably whereby wash water hits a portion of the inner drum wall and a portion of the air/concrete interface defined by a maximum amount of concrete contained within the drum. In preferred embodiments, a check valve assembly is used to connect separate admixture and water lines, so that both admixture and water nozzles can be used simultaneously during purging operation.

Abstract: A process for sequestering carbon dioxide in fresh concrete from the exhaust emitted from the combustion of carbonaceous fuel in a concrete mixing truck is disclosed. In the process, exhaust from the engine containing carbon dioxide is redirected after passing through the required environmental controls to the concrete mixing chamber on the concrete truck. This carbon dioxide is allowed to physically mix with the ingredients producing fresh concrete. When the concrete is made from cementitious material which include calcium oxide, then the carbon dioxide may chemically bind with the calcium to form calcium carbonate and be permanently sequestered in the concrete product.

Abstract: A warm mix asphalt plant comprising a counter-flow drum, apparatus for precisely metering flows of A/C and water, an asphalt expander with no moving internal parts where a circular curtain of flowing clean water is mixed with a coaxial circular curtain of moving heated A/C to create asphalt foam which is heated and mixed inside a lower portion of the asphalt expander and then distributed to cover aggregate inside the counter-flow drum.

Abstract: A method for preparing a de-aired hydraulic setting hardenable bone cement for filling a boney void or cavity by combining a powder bone substitute material and a aqueous liquid component, the method comprising the steps of: (a) supplying said powder bone substitute material in a first evacuable container; (b) withdrawing air from the first container to form a de-aired powder bone substitute material; and, then (c) mixing the de-aired powder bone substitute material and the aqueous liquid component together.

Abstract: A process for preparing an asphalt mixture from recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), virgin aggregate, filler and first and second binder materials, is disclosed. The process comprises steps of transporting RAP through a first drum; transporting virgin aggregate through a second drum; adding a first binder material to the RAP in the first drum to provide treated RAP; supplying the treated RAP, the virgin aggregate, filler and a second binder material to a mixing zone; and mixing to provide the asphalt mixture.

Abstract: Method and system for motoring and obtaining information about quantity and characteristics of cementitious material In a rotating mixing drum. The present invention involves analysis of a sequence of values corresponding to a waveform reflecting the hydraulic pressure required to turn a concrete mixing drum at successive instances during rotation. Preferred embodiments involve the conversion of this time-domain data into the frequency-domain. Behavior of multiple harmonics can be examined in real time and further information obtained regarding physical properties of the concrete. Rheology or other properties can be adjusted by introducing a liquid into the concrete, based on a comparison between time-domain and/or frequency-domain values derived from a sample concrete in the drum and previously stored time-domain and/or frequency-domain values, which are preferably correlated with physical characteristics of concrete, such as slump, slump flow, load weight, and other factors.

Abstract: A cement mixing method for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells casing and the mixer used in that method. The mixer employs a straight bulk cement inlet, five annular recirculation jets and five annular water jet orifices located downstream of the recirculation jets so that all of the jets discharge at an angle towards the mixing chamber and the discharge from the water jet orifices intersects with the flow from the recirculation jets. This five jet, intersecting flow design allows for more thorough wetting of the cement powder with a smaller, lighter, less expensive and more durable mixer that is less inclined to foul and easier to clean.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for effectively and efficiently adding sodium trimetaphosphate to a gypsum slurry. In one exemplary embodiment, the sodium trimetaphosphate is added at the same time as foam is added to the gypsum slurry through the foam waterline. In another exemplary embodiment, the sodium trimetaphosphate is added at the same time as additional water is added to the gypsum slurry through the gauging waterline. The sodium trimetaphosphate can be added to either or both waterlines in its dry form or in a diluted solution.

Abstract: A system for mixing a liquid material and a solid material comprises (i) a base unit for the liquid material and the solid material; (ii) a liquid material supply; (iii) a solid material supply; (iv) a liquid/solid mixing output; (v) an injection unit connected to the liquid material supply and to the solid material supply and the injection unit injecting the liquid material and the solid material in the base unit; (vi) a separation and extraction unit simultaneously separating and extracting surplus gas arising from the mixing of the liquid material and the solid material.

Abstract: The invention provides extruded animal litters and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise an extruded mixture of from about 10 to about 90% of one or more clays and from about 90 to about 10% of one or more starches. The use of starches to produce the extruded litters result in litters that are less dense than conventional clay-based animal litters and are therefore easier to transport and use.

Abstract: A technique facilitates mixing operations by removing foaming that results from air entrained during mixing of constituents. A mixing system comprises a container body having an interior and an inlet through which material enters the interior for mixing. The container body also comprises a discharge through which the mixed material is delivered downstream. A mechanical foam breaker is disposed within the container body and extends upwardly a sufficient distance to extend through a surface level to which the material rises during mixing within the container body. The mechanical foam breaker is oriented to break down foam along the surface of the material as the material moves through the interior.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure and control the slump of concrete by monitoring sensor within the interior surface of a concrete mixer and a liquid flow meter. Data is analyzed by a computer processing unit to determine the slump of the concrete, liquid needed the quantity of concrete within the mixer, the amount of concrete poured, and the starting and ending time of the pour.

Abstract: A method for mixing a slurry for delivery to a downstream point comprises mixing a liquid source and a powder source at a mixing location to form the slurry, directing the slurry to at least one of a downstream point and a recirculation circuit, and introducing at least one vibration source to promote slurry homogenization and thorough mixing of the slurry for delivery to the downstream point, the vibration source located remote from the mixing location.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving the operational performance of a moving cement mixer vehicle with a rotatable mixing drum by automatically stopping the rotation of the mixing drum at select moments. The system may include a sensor adapted to deliver a signal indicative of an operational parameter, such as steering angle of the vehicle, and a processing unit adapted to receive the signal from the sensor and deliver a control signal based on the signal for stopping rotation of the mixing drum.

Abstract: A transportable concrete mixing plant is provided and includes a frame, a mixing drum for mixing concrete, a rail positioned above the mixing drum, and a carriage assembly mounted to the rail for positioning containers of dry premix concrete so that the premix may be dispensed from the containers into the drum. The concrete pump dispenses liquid concrete from the mixing drum and pumps it to a remote location, such as a work site.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture is provided. The device comprises an injector housing having a chamber for containing a first and a second bone cement component and a second housing having a chamber for containing a flexible wire mixing element. A plunger actuates within the chamber of the second housing to transfer the wire mixing element to the injector housing for mixing the first and second bone cement components to form the bone cement mixture. The plunger rotates the wire mixing element to mix the bone cement mixture. Thereafter, the wire mixing element is withdrawn from the injector housing and the injector housing is assembled with an injector handle. A plunger coupled to the injector handle advances through the injector chamber to dispense the bone cement mixture from the device.

Abstract: A method for cementing a casing string in a borehole includes the steps of moveably coupling an outer sleeve on a casing segment; making up the casing segment with the outer sleeve into a casing string; running the casing string in a borehole; displacing a cement slurry into an annulus exterior to the casing string; and moving the outer sleeve relative to the casing string to agitate the cement slurry. A transfer device is used to rotate the outer sleeve against the cement slurry. Multiple outer sleeves may be received on the casing string at spaced intervals. In one embodiment, the transfer device may include a mechanical clutch through which the outer sleeves may be rotated. The mechanical clutch may be driven using an inner cementing string that provides a supply of cement slurry to the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to concrete mulch and methods for making the same. The concrete mulch is made from crushed waste concrete, a colorant and a binder which colors the concrete pieces to look like natural mulch. The concrete mulch is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes; however, it is preferred for the concrete mulch to look like natural rock, bark nuggets or natural mulch.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a homogenized slurry output comprises a container body defining an interior portion, a discharge for supplying the slurry from the container body to a downstream source and at least one inlet in fluid communication with a pressurized supply of slurry for introducing the slurry into the interior portion of the container body in a circulation pattern that creates a homogenized mixture of slurry in the interior portion of the body.

Abstract: A process for making reformed fiber from waste carpet material including separating into their individual strands, in well-graded lengths by mechanically disrupting, milling and granulating the waste carpet material and a further process for inserting and uniformly distributing such fibers throughout congealable materials such as asphalt and concrete, thereby providing improved physical properties to the resultant solids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufactured aggregate material that converts waste materials and/or recyclable materials into construction material. By mixing waste materials with an acid solution and a metal oxide solution, any harmful contaminates in the waste materials are encapsulated and rendered into hard pellets that are suitable for use in conglomerates or composites such as concrete. The manufactured aggregate material may be adjusted for moisture content, density, heat capacity, and other parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the viscosity of a fluidic cementitious mixture, the apparatus including a high voltage source, first and second spaced electrode members electrically connected to the high voltage source and (when energized) define an electrostatic field therebetween. The positioning of particulate cementitious material within the electrostatic field imparts like charges to the cementitious particles. By establishing such an electric field and positioning cementitious particles within the field, the particles may be charged prior to mixing into a hydrated cementitious slurry. Such charging decreases the viscosity and/or enhances the flowability of the hydrated cementitious slurry.

Abstract: An adjustably supported mortar mixer includes a frame which supports the mixer for processing and mixing mixable components at selected vertical heights. The frame is supported by three or four adjustable supports with either two or four of the adjustable supports arranged in a substantially A-frame configuration. Adjustment of the supports in the A-frame configuration simultaneously effects, in a single action, both a vertical displacement and a horizontal displacement of the corresponding support base so as to automatically provide an increased mixer support width at an increased mixer height, and a decreased mixer support width at a decreased mixer height. By virtue of the ability to adjust simultaneously both the vertical and horizontal displacement with a single action, the method of adjustably supporting the mixer is easier, faster, and safer.

Abstract: A computer controlled pumping and measuring system is used to dispense chemicals into a concrete mix. The redundant use of positive displacement pumps and flow meters ensure that any problems with the chemical dispensing are immediately caught. The computerized control system may be operable to control exact batch configurations of concrete and aggregate in conjunction with the chemical dispensing, as well as provide precise mixture control and recording of the various components.

Abstract: A process for effectively mechanically disrupting fiber pellets produced from waste carpet material into their individual strands and for insertion and uniform distribution of such fibers through congealable materials such as asphalt and concrete, thereby providing improved physical properties to the resultant solids and, by providing a use for such waste carpeting, minimizing their deposition in landfills.

Abstract: Site-won spoil from an excavation which is a predominantly non-granular cohesive material can be converted into a material suitable for immediate use as a backfill material by a process of mechanically mixing the spoil with between 0 and 30% by weight or volume of added granular material and between 1 and 10% by weight or volume of a powder material comprising 1–5% lime or with the addition of 1–5% cement and/or 1–5% pulverized fly ash. The process works well with clay soils and the range of suitable spoil can be extended by adding cement to the powder material. The proportions in the mixture are chosen in dependence on the clay and moisture content of the spoil. A machine which can be set to mix the ingredients and water in the correct proportions on site is also described.

Abstract: A device for preparing moulding sand. The device includes a mixer configured to operate under at least a partial vacuum and at least one feeder to introduce components to be mixed. An inlet in the mixer is of sufficient size to allow rapid introduction of the components into the mixer from the feeder. The combination of large inlet opening and a pressure differential between the mixer and the feeder significantly reduces the time required to fill the mixer. In addition, the presence of the pressure differential made possible by the vacuum in the mixer reduces the likelihood that airborne contaminants resident in the mixer will migrate outside the mixer. Optional moveable conveyor chutes minimize contact of airborne contaminants with adjacent equipment, while optional mixing tools facilitate the introduction of powdered additives into the mixer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing viscous material, includes placing ingredients of the viscous material within a vessel. An air tight seal is created about the vessel. A vacuum is pulled on the vessel, and the ingredients are mixed within the vessel to form the viscous material while under vacuum. The vacuum is sufficient to reduce the amount of total air content in viscous material to between 0.9% and 0.1% by volume prior to an air entraining agent being added to the viscous material. Once air entraining agent is added, further mixing of the ingredients forms entrained air content in the final viscous material, while the amount of entrapped air in the final viscous material remains reduced.

Abstract: A method for preparing a concrete article comprised of concrete having therein a reinforcing fiber, where at least about 50 percent of the reinforcing fibers are frayed only at an end or ends of the reinforcing fibers, may be made by mixing concrete, water and a reinforcing fiber for a sufficient time to fray the ends of at least 50 percent of the fibers and curing the mixture to form the concrete article.

Abstract: Provided herein are combinations of equipment capable of providing the continuous fabrication of road surfaces and the like, by virtue of the continuous manufacture of the concretes used in making the road surface at their point of use. The invention also includes a process for fabricating a road surface or the like. By the present invention it is now possible to provide a greater quantity of road surface in a shorter amount of time as provided for in the prior art, wherein the road surface has a quick-cure time owing to the use of quick-setting cements. Such quickly laid roads are capable of handling loads of about 100,000 lbs. within about 2 hours of its being fabricated and laid in place.

Abstract: Given green sand is obtained by a mixing operation that is carried out for a short period of time. Discarded sand is supplied as supplementary sand to a sand processing line, so that molding sand can be recycled. Green sand for a molding is used for facing sand or the pocket sand. Bentonite-covered sand is made by mixing reproduced sand, new sand, and discarded sand or any or all of them. The bentonite-covered sand is added to collected sand to supplement it. Also, the bentonite-covered sand is mixed with water, and used for facing sand or the pocket sand.

Abstract: A rotary stop cock is formed so that in a first selected position it can separate a plurality of compartments, in a second selected position can allow for the flow of material from one or more upstream compartments into a downstream compartment, while also allowing air to vent from the downstream compartment through the stop cock and out to the atmosphere, and in another selected position can allow for the flow of material from what was the downstream compartment to what was the one or more upstream components without venting any of the compartments.

Abstract: Molding sand of a used greensand mold is recycled by adding water and binder to sand particles fatigued by heating applied by a molten metal during molding and segregated from vigorous molding sand not directly heated by the molten metal and mixing the refreshed molding sand particles with the vigorous molding sand.

Abstract: The method of treating an aqueous, cementitious slurry, to enhance fluidity, that includes providing a container for the slurry and effecting movement of the slurry via an impeller, in the container, and locating at least one vibrator in the interior of the vessel, and operating the vibrator to transmit vibration to the moving slurry.

Abstract: A container is provided for slurry; an impeller is provided to effect slurry movement in the container; and a vibrator is operated for transmitting sufficient vibration to the moving slurry to lower the water/cement ratio to a low level, and at a water temperature within a specified range. The location of vibration transmission from the vibrator can be adjusted along the wall of the container.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a lightweight building material for use in above grade construction comprising cement, fly ash, cellulose fiber, and water. In cured form, the material has the appearance and strength of standard concrete, but is lighter in weight and has preferable thermal properties. The material is capable of being sanded, chiseled, drilled, sawed, nailed and bolted in a manner similar to like operations with wood. In a second, separate aspect, the lightweight building material is manufactured into a lightweight aggregate material suitable for use in the construction of pre-cast objects, such as, for example, construction blocks. In a third, separate aspect, a method of manufacturing a lightweight aggregate material includes the steps of providing a lightweight building material in wet pulp form, adding one part of wet pulp to three or more parts of dry aggregate, and mixing the wet pulp and dry aggregate in a mixing screw conveyor.