System and Method for Continuous Carbonation of Granular Material

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for the continuous carbonation of granular concrete under an atmosphere enriched in carbon dioxide. A sealed carbonation chamber cooperates with continuous inflow and outflow valve assemblies to maintain the enriched atmosphere while allowing uninterrupted material transfer. A conveyance mechanism—such as an auger conveyor or helical flights on a rotating chamber wall—advances the granular concrete and promotes exposure to carbon dioxide. Optional features include rotary seals at both inflow and outflow, a carbon dioxide recapture subsystem, and electronic process controls. In certain embodiments the granular concrete exhibits a defined particle size distribution to improve packing and sealing at the valve assemblies. The enriched atmosphere may be derived from an exhaust process. The invention enables industrially scalable processing that improves material properties while permanently mineralizing carbon dioxide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.