Synchrotron-based high-pressure research in materials science Page: 3 of 4
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BNL-91085-2007
at the Pavlodar refinery in Kazakhstan. Paul Kalb, Vachislav Vagin, and Sergey Vagin were the
co-inventors of this technology (Sulfur Binder using Activated Fillers or SBAF) which has since
led to a patent application submitted by BNL. Samples made with this modifier, by-product
sulfur from a Moscow refinery, and mineral sand from the Moscow region were shown to have
compressive strengths of greater than 35MPa as measured by the ASTM C-39 test method. These
results are comparable to some conventional concrete mixtures made with Portland cement, and
would be expected to be even greater when the sulfur cement is made with larger mineral
aggregate added.
Preliminary, order-of magnitude cost estimates indicate that sulfur cement can be produced for
roughly $53 per ton. This figure compares very favorably with the price of conventional Portland
cement. This estimate will need to be refined, however, as the process for making the sulfur
cement is scaled up in size and the equipment used in its manufacture is better defined.
Significant Problems
There were no significant technical problems identified as a result of the laboratory study.
The most significant problems associated with this CRADA were related to negotiating a
satisfactory contract among the project participants, especially those from Moscow, Russia
and Pavlodar, Kazakhstan. These problems were attributed to the lack of experience of the
FSU scientists in conducting business affairs and with working with western countries.
These issues were eventually resolved to the satisfaction of all involved parties.
Industry Benefits Realized
The benefit to industry is a cost-effective process to recycle large volumes of by-product
sulfur into beneficial products, turning a waste product into a positive revenue stream. The
commercial world-wide potential for sulfur concrete products from petroleum by-product
sulfur is enormous. While the work done under this CRADA was quite preliminary, the
results were sufficiently mature to attract interest in continued research and development.
Although Agig-KCO declined to pursue a continuation of this work, Shell Global Solutions
contacted BNL regarding a potential collaboration. Shell is developing similar sulfur
concrete products and a BNL Work for Others project was negotiated and completed as a
direct follow-on to this CRADA. The project with Shell enabled BNL to replicate and
confirm the initial test results obtained under the CRADA and make several process
improvements.
Laboratory Benefits Realized
BNL benefited from the CRADA by establishing our expertise in the field and obtaining the
necessary feasibility test results as the basis for future work and the SBAF patent. Since this
was a funds-in CRADA, BNL obtained direct financial support for our work.
Recommended Follow-on Work
A sound scientific and technical foundation for SBAF was established as a result of this
CRADA and the limited scope Work for Others project for Shell Global Solutions. There is
much additional work to be done, however to optimize process parameters, examine the
long-term performance of SBAF as an alternative construction material, and scale-up the
process for commercial application. BNL is planning to discuss potential follow-on work
with Shell in the near future.Potential Benefits from Pursuing Follow-on Work
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Synchrotron-based high-pressure research in materials science, article, Date Unknown; (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc934527/m1/3/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.