Use of Deep Peat-Processing Products for Hydrophobic Modification of Gypsum Binder

Abstract

Abstract. The article deals with the issue of gypsum binder quality reduction during its storage and transportation. The study provides the main methods to protect gypsum from unauthorized exposure to moisture and water vapor. The author proposes hydrophobic modification as a perspective method for the preservation of gypsum activity and its water absorption reduction. The substantiation of cement hydrophobization with the bitumen released during peat thermolysis is provided. The author proposes to use this method in the technology of gypsum binder production. The basic idea is to combine the hydrophobization process with the calcination of calcium sulfate dehydrate. This is facilitated by temperature ranges used for dehydration of natural gypsum and the initial stage of thermal decomposition of the organic matter of peat. The author defined experimentally an optimal concentration of the organic component in gypsum binder. After adding 0.5-1% of the peat additive, the gypsum plaster preserved its grade strength and increased its storage time without caking and hydration, also under adverse conditions. The proposed method is adapted to the technological processes presently used in the production and doesn't require changing any equipment. The price of mineral raw materials and semi-finished products of peat are approximately equal which reduces the probability of increasing of the cost of hydrophobically modified gypsum binder.

Method of Expert Assessment of Stimulation of Field Drying in Milled Peat Harvesting

“…Let us suppose that the average moisture content of milled peat is 47%, or 0.89 kg / kg in terms of wetness; at such initial humidity of peat we have to remove 0.70 kg of moisture from each kilogram of peat dried at the plant, which is associated with a high consumption of heating energy. This process is associated with the increase of temperature and peat exposure time, which leads to the change in a group chemical composition of peat and the loss of some valuable organic components [3][4][5].…”

Dispersion Change in Peat Mechanical Treatment

“…The flowsheet of the production of finished products from peat stock is based on the processes of its significant dewatering at various production stages and during mechanical treatment [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Totally water-saturated peat has water of weak bond, mechanical and osmotic retention.…”

On Peat Production Capacity in Verkhoyansky District, Sakha (Yakutia) Republic

“…This involves the definite consequences such as severe climate, the absence of transport and energy infrastructure. One of the main problems [5][6][7] is the deliveries to the Northern territories of Russia. Verkhoyansky as well as other districts of the Yakutia north-east can live only by the delivered energy resources, food, and manufactured goods [8][9].…”