The invention provides compositions and methods directed to carbonation of a cement mix during mixing. The carbonation may be controlled by one or more feedback mechanisms to adjust carbon dioxide delivery based on one or more characteristics of the mix or other aspects of the mixing operation.

The invention provides compositions and methods directed to carbonation of a cement mix during mixing. The carbonation may be controlled by one or more feedback mechanisms to adjust carbon dioxide delivery based on one or more characteristics of the mix or other aspects of the mixing operation.

Disclosed is a method and system for blending a foam modifier with foaming agent online, e.g., as may be particularly useful for gypsum or cement slurries. The foam modifier comprises a fatty alcohol that is added to a gypsum or cement slurry that includes foaming agent, such as an alkyl sulfate surfactant. The fatty alcohol can be a C.sub.6-C.sub.16 fatty alcohol in some embodiments. The use of such a foam modifier can be used, for example, to stabilize the foam, reduce waste of foaming agent, improve void size control in the final product, and improve the gypsum board manufacturing process.

Provided is a gypsum-based board producing apparatus including: a mixer configured to prepare a gypsum slurry; a foaming apparatus; and a pump configured to convey foam generated by the foaming apparatus to the mixer, wherein the pump is a positive displacement pump.

Provided is a gypsum-based board producing apparatus including: a mixer configured to prepare a gypsum slurry; a foaming apparatus; and a pump configured to convey foam generated by the foaming apparatus to the mixer, wherein the pump is a positive displacement pump.

A system for delivering and applying a flowable mixture to an article (311-313) is disclosed. The system includes a mixture delivery system (200) and a skinning system (300). The mixture delivery system (200) includes a mixer (220) configured to mix a dry material and a fluid to produce the flowable mixture, and a pump (235) configured to pump the flowable mixture to a delivery line. The skinning system (300) receives the flowable mixture from the mixture delivery system (200) through the delivery line. The skinning system (300) includes a skinning pipe (310) configured to apply the flowable mixture to the article (311-313) and a manifold (305) that supports the skinning pipe (310). The skinning system (300) also includes an article feeding mechanism (315) configured to push the article (311-313) into the skinning pipe (310). The skinning system (300) includes a transfer system (320) configured to hold the article (311-313) and move the article (311-313) out of the skinning pipe (310).

A technique facilitates mixing of cement slurry for use in a cementing application. At least one cement mixer is provided with a tank, e.g. a conical tank, having a powder cement blend inlet and a mixing liquid inlet. A cement slurry discharge may be positioned generally beneath the tank. A mixing assembly also is positioned below the tank and driven by a shaft. The mixing assembly is exposed to an interior of the tank and is used to mix the cement slurry when rotated by the shaft and to direct the cement slurry out through the cement slurry discharge. Additionally, a recirculation system comprises an inlet positioned to receive a portion of the cement slurry mixed in the mixing assembly. The recirculation system also comprises an outlet positioned to direct the portion back into the mixer to enhance mixing effects.

An integrated fluids mixing and delivery system includes one or more mixers configured to receive a cement powder and a flow of a mixing liquid, and to mix the cement powder and the flow of the mixing liquid to form a cementing fluid having respective appropriate characteristics for cementing operations. The one or more mixers are also configured to receive a base drilling fluid and a dry component, and to mix the base drilling fluid and the dry component to form a drilling fluid having respective appropriate characteristics for drilling operations.

This disclosure describes volumetric mobile powder mixer (VMPM) systems and methods for VMPM operation and use. The VMPM is providing with a number of storage compartments (or bins) for liquid or solid ingredients including at least one powder storage bin, a powder transport system, a dust handling system, a solid/liquid mixing system, a cellular foam generator, a product delivery system, and a controller capable of monitoring the delivery and mixing of each of the ingredients, as well as the discharge of the final product. The controller determines if the proper mixture is being discharged by the VMPM and, if not, alerts the VMPM operator. In an automated embodiment, the VMPM controller is also configured to independently control the delivery and mixing of each of the ingredients, as well as the delivery of the final product.

Disclosed is a deagglomeration apparatus, to improve the quality of a mixture used for the production of concrete blocks. An illustrative embodiment of the deagglomerator comprises a vertical shaft high-shear mixer, wherein a rotational force (hydraulic or electric) is mounted to a vertical shaft onto which are mounted chains and/or knives, housed within a flexible rubber boot or tube. The deagglomerator is configured to be controllably powered, to rotate the shaft and the attached tools. Partially mixed formula is introduced to a top region of the deagglomerator, and falls downwardly past the rotating tools wherein the formula is pulverized and mixed, before exiting the lower area of the mixing region.