Multi-purpose lignin-carbohydrate binding system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel, dual purpose binder formulation or system. The invention also relates to a process of agglomerating dispersed particles or fines into substantially spherical and crush resistant granules. The invention further relates to a method of covering a seed and binding the seed with a material mixture beneficial for seed germination. The invention also relates to an all-in-one seed agglomerated by the dual purpose binder formulation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Granulation of fertilizers and other components using binders is well known. Binders are used to adhere fertilizers and other components together into a single particle. Conventional binders do not contribute either economical or practical value to the fertilizer formulations. Thus, it is a cost ineffective component. In some cases, the use of a binder in a fertilizer composition also results in a granular fertilizer that is insufficiently hard and / or round. These granular fertilizers make encapsulation with polymers or resins difficult, resulting in inconsistent slow release fertilizers.[0002]The prior art discloses many binder systems. These binders only contribute to the agglomeration of dispersed fertilizer fines and particles. Additionally, these binders constitute a significant portion of the fertilizer composition, resulting in a fertilizer with reduced nutrient value. Due to these shortcomings, fertilizers using conventional binders result in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention relates to a novel, dual purpose binder formulation or system. More particularly, the invention provides a binding formulation that agglomerates or binds dispersed particles or fines into a granular composition having desired properties such as increased granule hardness or crush resistance, increased roundness or sphericity, and increased durability and uniformity. The binding formulation also serves as an in situ chelating agent for micronutrients and also allows for single-stage granulation processing.

[0006]In one embodiment, dispersed particles or fines is comprised of an active agent, such as a fertilizer, are agglomerated or bound together with a binder formulation comprising a lignin-based binder and a carbohydrate based binder. This combination of binders results in granules having increased hardness or crush resistance, increased sphericity or roundness, and increased durability. These enhance properties are due, in part, to the synergistic effects of combining binders made of lignin based materials and carbohydrates. Thus, in one embodiment, the lignin-based material is a lignosulfonate, and the carbohydrate is a mixture of polyols, such as a blend of monosaccharides and disaccharides. In another embodiment, the mixture of polyols may comprise sorbitol, maltiol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (“HSH”), or combinations thereof.

[0007]In another embodiment, the invention provides a process of agglomerating dispersed particles or fines into substantially spherical and crush resistant granules. The agglomeration process may be achieved by a single-stage process comprising atomizing and spraying a specific ratio of lignin-based materials and carbohydrate binder, such as a polyol mixture, into an agitating bed containing particles or fines. This single-stage process allows intimate mixing of the particles or fines with the novel binder to achieve an improved granule. The process may additionally comprise a recycling step, where undersized granules are reintroduced into the agitating bed until the desired granule size is achieved. The ratio of lignin to carbohydrate, such as a polyol, may vary depending on the solubility of the particles to be agglomerated. The resulting product achieves the desired properties of increased hardness or crush resistance, increased sphericity or roundness, and increased durability. These enhanced properties are due to the synergistic effects of combining the novel binder formulation and the single-stage processing method.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional binders do not contribute either economical or practical value to the fertilizer formulations.

Thus, it is a cost ineffective component.

In some cases, the use of a binder in a fertilizer composition also results in a granular fertilizer that is insufficiently hard and / or round.

These granular fertilizers make encapsulation with polymers or resins difficult, resulting in inconsistent slow release fertilizers.

Additionally, these binders constitute a significant portion of the fertilizer composition, resulting in a fertilizer with reduced nutrient value.

Due to these shortcomings, fertilizers using conventional binders result in products with low commercial viability.

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