Abstract: Apparatus and method for measurement and monitoring of physical properties of materials, such as liquids, and more particularly to acoustic instruments, methods, and systems that automatically measure air content in real-time within liquids, including concrete, mortar, or other hydratable cementitious mix suspensions using resonant electroacoustic transducers that have their radiating surfaces in contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining, by a computer processor, a request to initiate a cementing procedure. The method may further include determining, by the computer processor, an automated sequence for the cementing procedure. The method may further include transmitting, by the computer processor and based on the automated sequence, a cementing management command that triggers the cementing procedure for cementing equipment in a cementing system. The method may further include obtaining, by the computer processor, sensor data regarding the cementing equipment. The method may further include determining, by the computer processor and in response to the sensor data, whether to perform a next procedure in the automated sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a hot-mixed asphalt mixture, and relates to the technical field of road engineering. In the present invention, asphalt and aggregates are preheated separately, where the aggregates include coarse aggregates and fine aggregates; the coarse aggregates, part of the fine aggregates and asphalt that are preheated are subjected to a first mixing to obtain a first mixture; the remaining fine aggregates are added to the first mixture for a second mixing to obtain a second mixture; and a mineral powder is added to the second mixture for a third mixing, and discharging is conducted to obtain a hot-mixed asphalt mixture.

Abstract: A method and system for initiating a majority percentage of chemical admixture dosage into a delivered concrete load preferably just before arrival of the concrete delivery truck at the delivery pour site, such that a maximized slump (or slump flow, or other slump characteristic) increase occurs just before discharge/pour. The invention employs a concrete slump management system having a processor that is programed to consider time of pour (discharge) and stored data that includes dosage response (change of slump characteristic) of the concrete mix due to past additions in the same type of concrete mix, and thus maximizes pre-pour increase in slump characteristic while minimizing or avoiding the risk of overshooting the slump target as well as limiting the time required for adjusting concrete to attain the target slump value at the jobsite.

Abstract: Volume of a concrete mix load in a rotatable mixer drum is determined using an in-and-out sensor probe system wherein the probe submerges into and exits from the concrete during mixer drum rotation and provides data to a processor used in the system for calculating volume of the concrete mix load based on the data. To take into consideration any concavity, convexity, and/or cascading surface flow effects that can hinder accurate determination of the concrete load volume, the processor is configured to compare original batch volume and rheology of the concrete load monitored during drum rotation. The calibration of load volume involves a comparison between real-time data and historic data stored in processor-accessible memory, and further take into account the speed and tilt of the mixer drum (such as caused by roadway conditions), the concrete mix design, and other factors.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems of the invention minimize errors in the manufacture or management of aggregate-containing construction materials such as concrete. Aggregates used for making concrete are stored or weighed in dry bulk bin type hoppers, and conveyed from these hoppers into mixer drums which batching or mix the concrete. The hoppers or conveyor belts may contain sensor probes for measuring moisture levels in the aggregate. These sensor probes require calibration from time to time, but time and expense are required for proper calibration, leading to habitually erroneous moisture level data used in the industry on a daily basis. The present inventors believe that the smallest inaccuracies in aggregate moisture level readings can have profound effects on the properties of the resultant concrete product.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling concrete batch mixing cycles and for training an operator to minimize the mixing cycles, includes receiving real time mixer motor power measurements; detecting an initial peak value among the real time mixer motor power measurements; determining, by a processor, an initial amount of water to add to a concrete batch; waiting a first time period to determine a first supplemental amount of water to add to a concrete batch; and, then, periodically determining additional supplemental amounts of water to add to a concrete batch; until, the real time mixer motor power measurements meet a pre-determined target mixer motor power value, responsive to which, one or more outputs are activated, such as a user interface indicator that the batch is ready, or an optional electronic signal to a batch control system to dump the batch, or both.

Abstract: The inventive concept relates to a sludge drying apparatus, and more particularly to a sludge drying apparatus that may improve an efficiency of drying sludge that is sewage deposit residues and simplify a drying process.

Abstract: A suspended hopper apparatus is adapted to dispense a flowable product. Three supports, a vessel, and a valve mechanism are provided. One of the three supports is a scale-support, and the other two supports are pivot-supports. A scale-support is a support which comprises a scale, wherein the scale is of a type which resists translation in only one direction, and does not resist translation in any lateral direction and wherein the direction is vertically-upward, and resists by providing upward support with respect to the vessel. The pivot-supports are supports which comprise pivots, the pivots resisting translation and are arranged to resist forces that are applied to the apparatus in the lateral direction. The pivots define a common axis of rotation, the axis extends in a horizontal direction and the pivots do not resist rotation about their axis. The vessel has centerline that is offset laterally from its axis and the product has a product centerline that is offset laterally from its axis.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for weighing and/or measuring the flow rate of quantity of a particulate flowing out of a hopper wherein the hopper is isolated from the other components of the apparatus. The apparatus and method are adapted to generate a decoupling point boundary that demarcates the total amount of particulate in the hopper into portions that are not fully supported and portions that are fully supported by the hopper. The particulate is in continuous contact with itself from the inlet to the outlet, with the particulate contained between the isolated hopper and the rest of the components of the system by a flexible coupling or some other method of containment. The invention has the advantages of higher accuracy, decreased cost and complexity, and greater reliability than other solid particulate weighing systems of the prior art, particularly when dealing with low density particulates.

Abstract: A system for adding dust control solution to a vertically falling first stream of a substantially dry particulate proppant, where the first stream has effective diameter, the system including a stationary, generally horizontal, deflector plate with drop-off edge, the plate mounted into the stream whereby the proppant collides with the plate and cascades from the plate around the drop-off edge to create a second stream of the particulate proppant having the general shape of the drop-off edge with a stream thickness and nozzles for spraying dust control solution into the second stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weighing and mixing pigments for concrete in a granular form are provided. The systems and methods dispense one or more granular color pigments as a slurry at the point of concrete product.

Abstract: The process is described for the dry mixing of fibers of different types and sizes with materials formulated with cementants or agglutinant components, granular aggregates and able to include or otherwise other additional ingredients. The principal characteristics of the process are to ensure a correct incorporation of the fibers with the rest of the materials, increase the mechanical fastening of same with the rest of the components and facilitate the use of formulas with high fiber content (over-fibration).

Abstract: An atmospheric storage mechanical weigh batch blend plant is shown with atmospheric storage for providing a dry, pre-blend, oilfield cement ready for mixing at the wellhead for slurry injection into a well head upon adding the proper amount of water and other fluids. The batch blend plant has three separate weighing mechanisms for (a) larger or bulk quantity materials, (b) intermediate quantities of materials, and (c) small amounts of additives to be included to the mixture. The entire weigh batch blend plant can be disassembled and moved. A special pressurized air bearing is used in the blender.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for efficiently producing concrete using dynamic feedback are disclosed. A concrete plant can use a control system to manage concrete production based on the dynamic feedback. The dynamic feedback can control mixing of concrete ingredients so as to yield uniform particle distribution for the concrete ingredients. The dynamic feedback can also avoid overflow situations as well as yield improved loading of the resulting concrete into a concrete transport vehicle (e.g., concrete truck).

Abstract: A slurry mixing system calculates a density of a slurry using measured pressure differential and bulk velocity of the slurry. Slurry from mixing of dry blend and mix fluid enters a one or more tanks having agitators. A pump then pumps the slurry from the tank(s) to the well, and a portion of the slurry is recirculating back to a mixer. From the recirculated path, a direct slurry weight sensor measures a pressure differential of the slurry between two vertical measurement points of a known volume, and the sensor measures a velocity of the recirculated slurry. Based on these measures, the controller calculates a density of the slurry, monitors a ratio of the dry blend and the mix fluid, and adjusts the ratio based on the calculated density of the slurry if there is a discrepancy.

Abstract: A portable mixing device for cementitious grout includes a base portion and a transport mechanism secured to the base portion. The base portion includes a container disposed thereon for receiving a quantity of water and a quantity of dry cementitious grout mixture. The container is in communication with an agitating device for mixing the quantity of water and the quantity of dry cementitious grout mixture to form a cementitious grout mixture. The base portion includes a source of power disposed thereon. The source of power is in communication with the agitating device. The container includes an exit nozzle for dispensing the cementitious grout mixture into an opening in the ground.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weighing and mixing pigments for concrete in a granular form are provided. The systems and methods dispense one or more granular color pigments as a slurry at the point of concrete product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and adjusting both air content and rheology (e.g., slump, slump flow) properties of a hydratable concrete mix contained within a concrete mixer. The system simultaneously tracks dosage of both rheology-modifying admixture (e.g., polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant) and air control agent or “ACA” (e.g., air entraining agent) by reference to at least four nominal dose response (“NDR”) curves or profiles, which at least four NDR profiles are based on the respective behaviors of each of the ACA and rheology-modifying agent on air content and rheology.

Abstract: Mixing device for handling of a cement product, comprising a carryable mixing unit for mixing of powder and water, a feeder unit for feeding in powder to the mixing unit and a flexible tube packet connecting the mixing unit to the feeder unit, wherein the mixing unit comprises a receiver part for powder, dosing equipment for powder, dosing equipment for water, a mixer for mixing of powder and water and an outlet pump for feeding out the finished mixed cement product. An advantage of the invention is that the mixing unit can be carried by one person, which simplifies the handling of the mixing unit. A further advantage is that dosing and mixing of a cement product takes place automatically. The mixing of the cement product thus may take place continually.

Abstract: A tubular admixture piece for receiving in a mixing device for controlled metering in of an adjuvant into a pumpable mixture has at least one sealing element for producing an at least partially fluid-tight connection between the admixture piece and the mixing device wherein the at least one sealing element is designed as an axial seal with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular admixture piece. A housing element of a mixing device has at least a sealing support for axial sealing of the admixture piece, and is also configured to exert a force that acts on the admixture piece in the axial direction and/or longitudinal direction of the through-flow opening, such that the axial seal of an admixture piece received at least partially in the through-flow opening can be pressed against the sealing support by the force.

Abstract: A transportable concrete mixing plant is provided and includes a frame, a mixing drum for mixing concrete, a conveying system having at least one rail for moving a pre-measured quantity of premix concrete to the mixing drum, and a supply hopper for directing the pre-measured premix concrete into the mixing drum. The rail forms a support track that is traversed by the supply hopper, which travels from a dispensing position near the mixing drum to a loading position spaced from the mixing drum. Optionally, a concrete pump dispenses flowable concrete received from the mixing drum and pumps it to a remote location, such as a work site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and adjusting both air content and rheology (e.g., slump, slump flow) properties of a hydratable concrete mix contained within a concrete mixer. The system simultaneously tracks dosage of both rheology-modifying admixture (e.g., polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant) and air control agent or “ACA” (e.g., air entraining agent) by reference to at least four nominal dose response (“NDR”) curves or profiles, which at least four NDR profiles are based on the respective behaviors of each of the ACA and rheology-modifying agent on air content and rheology.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus for the metered addition of an additive to a pumpable mixture, in particular a pumpable hydraulically setting mixture, in particular a liquid shotcrete composition, wherein the mixing apparatus includes a delivery line for delivering the mixture through the mixing apparatus, and a metering device communicating with the deliver line for introducing the additive into the mixture is provided, wherein the mixing apparatus is including in that the metering device has a device for dispersing the additive in a carrier method such that the additive can be introduced into the mixture in a state in which the additive is finely distributed in the carrier medium.

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 method of preparing a concrete composition includes utilizing a controller to control a process including circulating process water in a process water supply loop for a predetermined period while monitoring and controlling the temperature and flow rate of the process water, circulating aqueous-based air entrainment solution in an aqueous-based air entrainment solution supply loop for the predetermined period and controlling the flow rate of the aqueous-based air entrainment solution and after the predetermined period of time in which the flow of process water and aqueous-based air entrainment solution have stabilized, simultaneously actuating valves to divert and mix the process water, the aqueous-based air entrainment solution and compressed air to produce an air-entrained foam and mixing the foam with a concrete composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting concrete rheology requiring only that load size and target rheology value be selected initially rather than requiring inputs into and consultation of a lookup table of parameters such as water and hydration levels, mix components, temperature, humidity, aggregate components, and others. Dosage of particular rheology-modifying agent or combination of rheology-modifying agents is calculated based on a percentage of a nominal dose calculated with reference to a nominal dose response (“NDR”) curve or profile. The NDR profile is based on a correlation between a rheology value (e.g., slump, slump flow, yield stress) and the rheology-modifying agent(s) dose required to change rheology value by one unit (e.g., slump change from 2 to 3 inches) such that exemplary methods can employ corrective dosing based on the NDR and the measured deviation by the system.

Abstract: The EAFD stabilizer for returned concrete and mixer drum wash water includes various methods of using EAFD as a stabilizer in making concrete. The potentially hazardous stockpile of EAFD can be used in practical construction, which has a positive impact on the environment. A certain amount of EAFD is added to cement being mixed or to wash water and acts as a stabilizer, the wash water being used to make a cement mixture. This resultant EAFD stabilized concrete mixture stabilizes overnight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus to produce solid particulate material from solid particulate components. The components are metered and mixed according to a desired recipe. After having been mixed the material is metered and packaged in a suitable form, e.g. in bags. The apparatus (10) comprises a stationary casing (32) provided with a rotating mixing tool (40), a discharge valve (50) mounted on the bottom of said mixer (30) and a metering and packaging unit (70). The method is particularly suitable to manufacture solid particulate material by mixing low-value components available in any site and high-value components, such as materials for use in the building and construction field.

Abstract: A foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly is adapted for use in connection with a mixer for mixing aggregate materials and asphalt cement to make asphalt concrete. The foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly includes a foamed cement mixing chamber, a first inlet for liquid asphalt cement and a second inlet for water, each of which is in fluid communication with the foamed cement mixing chamber. An outlet for foamed asphalt cement is also provided, which outlet is in fluid communication with both the foamed cement mixing chamber and the mixer. The invention also comprises a method for making asphalt concrete using foamed asphalt cement. The method includes introducing aggregate materials into the mixer and heating the aggregate materials to a temperature at least as high as the boiling point of water but no higher than about 285° F.

Abstract: A system for precisely controlling a discharge rate of a discharged product is provided that includes a feeder bin having an internal chamber; a product disposed in the internal chamber of the feeder bin; and a discharge device that receives a portion of the product and discharges it at a discharge rate from the feeder The system also includes a control system that continually monitors the discharge rate of the discharged product and automatically adjusts the discharge rate based on measurements of the product.

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 package for reinforcing fibers to be used in production of fiber concrete or similar materials. The package has a continuous, elongated design with a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular or polygonal cross section. The fibers are longitudinally or transversally or randomly oriented and are filled into the package, wherein the fibers are uniformly arranged so that each length unit of the package has a defined amount of fibers. The continuous package is arranged into a transport box to be delivered to a concrete plant. The continuous package is fed to a conveyer belt, an aggregate belt, a skip, a weigh hopper, a truckmixer, or a premixer, wherein the package is opened and the fibers are dosed into the concrete.

Abstract: A cement handling system may include an aggregate container, a first component container, a second component container, and a metered water supply. The first component container may house a first mortar component and may include a metered opening in communication with the aggregate container. The second component container may be isolated from the first component container and may house a second mortar component. The second component container may include a second metered opening in communication with the aggregate container. The metered water supply may be in communication with the aggregate container.

Abstract: A process for operating a water recovery plant comprising charging a storage tank with water contaminated with solids water recovered from a manufacturing or construction process, determining a parameter associated with the concentration of one or more selected contaminants in the storage tank, diluting the water contaminated with solids whereby the concentration of the one or more selected contaminants in the storage tank is at or below a desired level, and utilizing water from the storage tank in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing concrete, comprising: in producing concrete, previously providing at least one premix composition for a concrete mix, which has been measured and prepared by automatic control means according to properties required of the concrete; and kneading and mixing the previously provided premix composition for a concrete mix with cement, coarse aggregate, fine aggregates, and water.

Abstract: A process for concentrating and diluting a treatment substance to provide a diluted treatment for introduction to a wellbore is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process includes measuring a treatment fluid flow rate. The process also includes blending the treatment fluid with a treatment substance to produce a concentrated treatment fluid. The process further includes measuring a flow rate of the concentrated treatment fluid. Moreover, the process includes determining a difference between the treatment fluid flow rate and the flow rate of the concentrated treatment fluid. In addition, the process includes comparing the difference to a target difference. The process additionally includes adjusting the difference to be within a desired range of the target difference and diluting the concentrated treatment fluid to provide the diluted treatment fluid.

Abstract: A container for bone cement includes a first member defining a chamber, which contains a first ingredient. The chamber also includes a second member movably coupled to the first member. The second member includes a mixing device that is movably disposed within the first chamber, and the second member defines a second chamber containing a second ingredient. The container additional includes an opening device that selectively opens the second chamber and allows the second ingredient to enter from the second chamber into the first chamber. The mixing device is movable within the first chamber to promote mixing of the first ingredient and the second ingredient to prepare the bone cement. A corresponding method of preparing bone cement is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the in-feed and discharge rates of materials flowing into and out of a mixing process where one priority is to achieve a target mixture flow rate from the mixing process and another priority can be to achieve a target value for a mixture property. Actuators can be operated to control material in-feed rates, the mixture composition, and discharge rate, and can maintain a hold-up of the mixture in the mixing process. A total flow rate controller provides a control signal to a controller acting on the discharge rate and a controller acting on the in-feed rates. The mixture discharge flow rate can be automatically reduced from its desired target when the commanded rate of at least one of the materials exceeds its available supply rate as inferred from an inability to maintain the targeted value for the mixture property.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for highly controlled color composition and distribution within the face mix of semi-dry concrete mix paving stones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a pothole has a cleaning system and a mixing system. The cleaning system loosens debris that is removed from the pot pothole prior to filling. The mixing system has an emulsion tank, an aggregate tank, a mixing tank, and an activator tank. The mixing tank is filled with emulsion and aggregate is added based on the weight of the emulsion to form a slurry. The slurry is transported to a static mixer where activator is added, and then the mixture is discharged into a pothole.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the in-feed and discharge rates of materials flowing into and out of a mixing process where one priority is to achieve a target mixture flow rate from the mixing process and another priority can be to achieve a target value for a mixture property. Actuators can be operated to control material in-feed rates, the mixture composition, and discharge rate, and can maintain a hold-up of the mixture in the mixing process. A total flow rate controller provides a control signal to a controller acting on the discharge rate and a controller acting on the in-feed rates. The mixture discharge flow rate can be automatically reduced from its desired target when the commanded rate of at least one of the materials exceeds its available supply rate as inferred from an inability to maintain the targeted value for the mixture property.

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 composite material containing substantially homogeneous matrix of a gypsum material and a urea-formaldehyde material where wet-used chopped strand fibers are filamentized within the substantially homogeneous matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus for highly controlled color composition and distribution within the face mix of semi-dry concrete mix paving stones is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining an estimated volumetric ratio of a material to total materials in a mixing vessel. In various embodiments, the methods may comprise: summing a commanded input flowrate of the material and a volumetric disturbance flowrate of the material being fed to the mixing vessel; estimating the output flowrate of the material exiting the mixing vessel; negatively feeding back the estimated output flowrate of the material to obtain an estimated volumetric rate of change of the material in the mixing vessel; and integrating the estimated volumetric rate of change of the material to compute the estimated volumetric ratio of the material to the total materials in the mixing vessel.

Abstract: An improved volumetric concrete mixing system and method of the present invention utilizes load cells for measuring weight loss from the aggregate and cement bins. Load cells may also be used for measuring weight loss from the water tank. The load cells provide input data corresponding to the weight loss of each container to a controller which automatically adjusts the delivery of ingredients to a mixing boot so as to achieve a desired concrete mix ratio.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a volumetric ratio of a material to total materials in a mixing vessel are provided. In various embodiments, the methods may comprise: estimating the volumetric ratio of the material to the total materials in the mixing vessel and an output flowrate of the material from the mixing vessel using a volumetric ratio observer; dynamically recomputing the commanded input flowrate of the material based on outputs of the volumetric ratio observer using a flow regulator; and adjusting an input valve of the material based on the commanded input flowrate of the material using a flow modulator. The mixing vessel may include a first mixing vessel partially separated from a second mixing vessel. In this case, a height of the total materials in the second mixing vessel may be estimated using a height observer.

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: The invention relates to a hydraulic binding agent comprising a binding agent component having free-flowing or solidifying properties when water is added and an acceleration component which is used to accelerate solidification. The acceleration component contains ultrafine calcium hydroxide having a high specific surface and low grain size.