Device for conditioning liquid fertilizer, metering device, fertilizer vehicle and method for conditioning fertilizer

Abstract

Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer, comprising: - a container (3) for liquid fertilizer; - a supply line for fertilizer (5) connected to the container (3) for liquid fertilizer; - a water supply (6); - at least one atomizer (9) connected to the water supply (6); wherein the atomizer (9) is arranged with respect to the fertilizer supply line (5) such that the water mist blown out by the atomizer (9) is brought into a transport path for liquid fertilizer defined by the fertilizer supply line (5) at a speed of at least 1000 km / h.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for conditioning liquid fertilizer. The present invention also relates to a metering device equipped with such a conditioning device and a fertilizer application vehicle equipped with such a metering device. The invention further relates to a method for conditioning liquid fertilizer.

[0002] A well-known method for processing liquid fertilizer, often a result of animal excrement, is the distribution of liquid fertilizer over a subsoil, such as pasture or arable land. The liquid fertilizer is usually delivered to a fertilizer vehicle in the form of a tank mounted on a chassis, from which the fertilizer is applied more or less evenly in or onto the subsoil to be fertilized in strips of a certain width. A disadvantage of distributing liquid fertilizer in this way, particularly when applied to a subsoil, is that it releases gases such as ammonia, hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide, which disperse into the atmosphere. This is disadvantageous for several reasons: it can have undesirable environmental effects, it can be disruptive in other ways (for example, unpleasant odors), and / or because valuable fertilizer substances are lost.One solution to this problem is to introduce liquid fertilizer into the soil, for example, by injection or by creating furrows and then filling them. The disadvantage, however, is that these are often labor-intensive distribution methods and are less suitable for use in stony, overgrown, and / or heavy soil types. Furthermore, injecting fertilizer can lead to undesirable disturbance of the soil or vegetation.

[0003] The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a device and a method for distributing liquid fertilizer, whereby the emission of gases can be reduced without having the disadvantages of the distribution methods with reduced emission of the prior art.

[0004] This objective is achieved by a device for conditioning liquid fertilizer, comprising the following: a tank for liquid fertilizer; a fertilizer supply line connected to the tank for liquid fertilizer; a water supply; and at least one atomizer connected to the water supply; wherein the atomizer is positioned with respect to the fertilizer supply line such that the water mist blown out by the atomizer is directed at a speed of at least 1000 km / h into a transport path for liquid fertilizer determined by the fertilizer supply line. By directing a water mist at a speed of at least 1000 km / h into a transport path for the liquid fertilizer determined by the fertilizer supply line, the gases released from the mist, such as ammonia, are counteracted and significantly reduced.The high speed at which the water mist is brought into contact with the liquid fertilizer ensures that the water particles penetrate sufficiently into the liquid fertilizer, thus achieving the desired emission reduction to a greater extent than if the fertilizer and water mist were brought into contact without the high speed. It should be noted that the fertilizer supply line can convey the fertilizer in a more or less unobstructed path; thus, a free jet can be conditioned with the water mist, but it is also possible to condition a liquid fertilizer stream flowing into / through a supply line with water mist.

[0005] Water mist, also called aerosol, in this context refers to a suspension of water in a gas, especially a suspension consisting at least essentially of water and air. The mist can also contain one or more additives; for example, an additive that regulates the pH value could be considered. The air can simply be drawn in directly, and the water can be easily drawn from the surface water.

[0006] An even greater reduction in pollutant emissions can be achieved by directing the water mist at speeds exceeding 2,500 km / h, and even more preferably at speeds exceeding 5,000 km / h, into a transport path for the liquid fertilizer defined by the fertilizer supply line. This improves the efficiency of the liquid fertilizer conditioning, making it possible to achieve a comparable result to conditioning at lower speeds with less water mist.

[0007] A subsequent method for conditioning liquid fertilizer comprises: distributing liquid fertilizer over a substrate; supplying water mist; wherein the water mist is brought into contact with the liquid fertilizer at a speed of more than 1,000 km / h before the liquid fertilizer comes into contact with the substrate. Preferably, the mist is brought into a transport path of the liquid fertilizer determined by the fertilizer supply line at a speed of more than 2,500 km / h and, more preferably, at a speed of more than 5,000 km / h. Regarding the advantages of this method for conditioning liquid fertilizer, reference is made to the above-described advantages of the conditioning device for conditioning liquid fertilizer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the water supply comprises a container for water. This allows the conditioning device to be used at a distance from a water source, such as a mains water connection or water ditch, and the conditioning device can be deployed at any desired location.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the water container is at least 10 times smaller, and preferably at least 20 times smaller, than the liquid fertilizer container. Such dimensions of the water container allow the conditioning device, even with an autonomous water supply, to be relatively compact compared to the liquid fertilizer container.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the fertilizer supply line comprises a channel to which at least one atomizer is connected in such a way that the water mist is directed into the liquid fertilizer transport path defined by the channel. For example, a conveyor line or support in which one or more atomizers are arranged is conceivable. This allows the water mist to be introduced into the liquid fertilizer in a directed and expedient manner; thus, premature emission can be counteracted and excessive noise pollution in the surrounding area can be avoided.

[0011] Although the liquid fertilizer can be conditioned in a liquid fertilizer container, in one embodiment, the fertilizer supply line comprises a fertilizer dosing opening, to which at least one atomizer is connected in such a way that the water mist is introduced into the fertilizer stream exiting the fertilizer dosing opening. By conditioning the fertilizer stream exiting the fertilizer dosing opening, the existing dosing device can be very easily provided with a conditioning device in accordance with the present invention.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the atomizer is an ultrasonic atomizer. This means that the mist is introduced into the liquid fertilizer at a speed greater than the speed of sound of the liquid fertilizer. This creates a shock wave, which further increases the efficiency for preventing unwanted emissions. In a further advantageous embodiment, the atomizer comprises a chamber, in particular a mixing chamber, for mixing an air stream with a water stream.

[0013] Although the liquid fertilizer can be conditioned with mist of varying droplet sizes, the atomizer is preferably designed to produce relatively small droplets. The droplets preferably have a characteristic size between 1 and 10 microns. Using such small droplets increases the contact surface of the water with the liquid fertilizer, further improving the conditioning efficiency—which, in this context, refers to the required amount of water relative to the amount of fertilizer to be conditioned.

[0014] The conditioning device can be used in a fixed position, for example, near a cesspool of a livestock shed. The liquid fertilizer is conditioned prior to further processing. The invention also provides a dosing device for liquid fertilizer equipped with a conditioning device according to the invention, wherein the dosing device comprises a frame that accommodates the liquid fertilizer container, the fertilizer supply line, a water container, and at least one atomizer. This results in a device that can not only condition the liquid fertilizer, but also dose it (for example, in strips) onto the ground.Of course, it is also conceivable to inject the conditioned liquid fertilizer into the soil, but practice shows that this is not necessary; the reduction in emissions of released gases is such that injecting it into the soil for the purpose of reducing emissions turns out to be a superfluous (and therefore unnecessarily costly) process.

[0015] The dosing device can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, the liquid fertilizer can be discharged in a path on a plate (also known as a "baffle plate") positioned at a specific angle to the liquid fertilizer path, spreading the fertilizer and thus dispersing it over the subsoil. To increase the capacity of the dosing device, the dosing device comprises an elongated support (e.g., a foldable support arm) connected to the frame, which is equipped with several fertilizer dispensing devices and atomizers distributed across the support. This allows the dosing device to distribute liquid fertilizer over a wider area.

[0016] The water mist can be brought into contact with the liquid fertilizer before it is distributed over the subsoil. A corresponding method involves bringing the mist into contact with the liquid fertilizer before the liquid fertilizer is distributed over the subsoil. This allows the liquid fertilizer to be conditioned in a controlled manner.

[0017] The arrangement of the fertilizer dispensing devices and the atomizers can be varied. In particular, a row of atomizers is arranged parallel to a row of fertilizer dispensing devices. This allows for the controlled introduction of mist into the liquid fertilizer, thereby conditioning essentially all of the dispensed fertilizer and further reducing the risk of gases such as ammonia being released.

[0018] To increase practicality and / or ease of use, the dosing device can be equipped with a compressor for generating compressed air. This allows water mist to be easily generated and the dosing device to be used at a distance from a permanently installed compressed air source. It is also advantageous if the dosing device includes a pump for liquid fertilizer and / or a pump for water.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the dosing device comprises a first distribution unit connected to the fertilizer dispensing devices for transporting the fertilizer to the dispensing devices, and a second distribution unit connected to the mist dispensing devices for transporting the fertilizer to the atomizers. Multiple fertilizer dispensing devices can be supplied from the fertilizer distribution unit, and multiple mist atomizers can be supplied from the second distribution unit. This makes it possible to efficiently distribute conditioned liquid fertilizer over a wider area on the soil using a single dosing device.

[0020] For easy connection of the dosing device to a fertilizing vehicle according to the present invention, the frame is equipped with coupling means for assembling the frame with a fertilizing vehicle.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the dosing device is provided with at least one mist dispensing device connected to the frame for forming a mist curtain that at least partially blocks the path of the substances released from the liquid fertilizer, such as gaseous compounds. By attaching a mist curtain that at least partially blocks the path of the (gaseous) substances released from the liquid fertilizer, the risk of the substances released from the liquid fertilizer spreading is reduced. The mist curtain ultimately restricts the freedom of the (gaseous) substances to spread, and at least some of the substances fall to the ground under the weight of the mist and come into contact with the subsoil or even penetrate the subsoil. This allows the substances to penetrate the subsoil, but at least partially prevents their distribution over a larger area.The dosing device according to the invention also reduces the odor, which is primarily caused by ammonia. In this context, mist, also called aerosol, refers to a suspension of a liquid or solid in a gas.

[0022] The configuration of the dosing device can be variable. In particular, a row of mist dispensing devices is located on a first and / or second side of a row of fertilizer dispensing devices extending in a row. By attaching a row of mist dispensing devices on a first side of the row of fertilizer dispensing devices facing the direction in which the dosing device is moved, a mist curtain is already applied before the liquid fertilizer leaves the fertilizer dispensing devices. This is particularly advantageous when the dosing device is moved at a relatively low speed. A row of mist dispensing devices can also be arranged on the side of the row of fertilizer dispensing devices facing away from the direction in which the dosing device is moved.Here, liquid fertilizer is first discharged from fertilizer dispensing devices, and then a mist curtain is placed over the liquid fertilizer distributed over the ground. It is advantageous if the dosing device is moved at a relatively high speed. The mist curtain remains suspended above the ground, thus blocking the upward path from the ground for the (gaseous) substances released from the liquid fertilizer. To further block the path of the (gaseous) substances released from the liquid fertilizer, it is advantageous to arrange a row of mist dispensing devices on both the first and second sides of the row of fertilizer dispensing devices.

[0023] The invention also provides a fertilizer vehicle equipped with a metering device according to the invention, wherein the fertilizer vehicle is provided with at least one pair of wheels (manure tank). Existing fertilizer vehicles can also be easily converted into a fertilizer vehicle according to the present invention by adding a conditioning device, as described above.

[0024] The present invention will now be further explained with reference to the non-limited embodiments in the following figures. Herein: Fig. 1: a schematic side view of a conditioning device according to the present invention; Fig. 2: a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the conditioning device according to the invention; Fig. 3: a cross-section through the supply line for fertilizer 5 according to line AA from Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a fertilizing vehicle according to the present invention; and Fig. 5: a schematic rear view of the fertiliser vehicle from Fig. 1.

[0025] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a conditioning device, indicated in its entirety by 1. The conditioning device 1 comprises a support 2, on which a storage container 3 for liquid fertilizer and a water reservoir 4 are mounted. The volume of the water reservoir 4 is 20 times smaller than the volume enclosed by the storage container 3 for liquid fertilizer. The conditioning device 1 comprises a fertilizer supply line 5 arranged near the support 2 for conducting the liquid fertilizer into the storage container 3 for liquid fertilizer. On the outside of the conditioning device 1, a liquid fertilizer supply line (not shown) can be connected to the fertilizer supply line 5. The conditioning device 1 also comprises a water supply 6 arranged near the support 2.On the outside of the conditioning device 1, a water line (not shown) can be connected to the water supply 6. Furthermore, the conditioning device 1 comprises a coupling 7 for air pressure arranged near the support 2. A compressor (not shown) can be connected to this coupling 7. Extending from the water reservoir 4 inside the liquid fertilizer reservoir 3 is a line 8 (shown in broken lines), which opens into an atomizer 9 arranged inside the liquid fertilizer reservoir 3. Furthermore, extending from the air pressure coupling 7 is a line 10 (shown in broken lines), which also opens into the atomizer 9. Extending from the atomizer 9 is a mist dispensing element 11 (shown in broken lines), which opens into the fertilizer supply line 5.The atomizer 9 and the mist dispensing device 11 are arranged in such a way that mist can be fed into the fertilizer supply line 5 at a speed of more than 1000 km / h.

[0026] The conditioning device 1 works as follows: while liquid fertilizer is fed into the storage tank 3, mist is fed at a speed of more than 1000 km / h through the mist dispensing device 11 into the fertilizer supply line 5 and thus into the liquid fertilizer. The fertilizer fed into the storage tank 3 is thereby conditioned and can be transferred to the fertilizer vehicle (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). During and after the distribution of the conditioned fertilizer on the subsoil, a smaller amount of gases such as ammonia is released compared to unconditioned liquid fertilizer of the same type.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a cross section of a conditioning device 1, which in this respect differs from the one shown in Fig. 1 in that the supply line for fertilizer 5 extends substantially outside the storage container for liquid fertilizer 3. A coupling 5a is connected to the supply line for fertilizer 5 in order to connect a supply for liquid fertilizer to the supply line for fertilizer 5. A line 8 extends from the storage container for water 4 outside the storage container for liquid fertilizer 3, which line opens into an atomizer 9, which is also arranged outside the storage container for liquid fertilizer 3. A line 7 also extends from the coupling 7 for air pressure, which also opens into the atomizer 9. Mist dispensing elements 12 extend from the atomizer 9 and open into the supply line for fertilizer 5 (see also Fig. 3). The atomizers 9 and the spray nozzles 12 are arranged so that the mist is directed into the fertilizer supply line 5 at a speed of more than 1000 km / h.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a section along the line AA in Fig. 2. The fertilizer supply line 5 is designed as a U-shaped channel through which liquid fertilizer 14 is moved and conveyed to the liquid fertilizer storage tank. Above the fertilizer supply line 5, four spray nozzles 12 are distributed across the width B of the fertilizer supply line 5. Mist is sprayed into the liquid fertilizer 14 via the spray nozzles 12 at a speed of more than 1000 km / h.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 4 schematically shows a side view of a fertilizing vehicle indicated as a whole by 20. The fertilizing vehicle 20 comprises a chassis 21 on which the conditioning device 1 for liquid fertilizer 1 from Fig. 1. On opposite sides of the fertilizing vehicle 20, wheels 22 are connected to the chassis 21 so as to be rotatable about an axis 23. Mudguards 24 are mounted above the wheels. A metering device 30 is coupled to the chassis 21 of the fertilizing vehicle 20 by coupling means (not shown). The fertilizing vehicle 20 stands on a substrate 26 to be fertilized with liquid fertilizer.

[0030] The dosing device 30 comprises a carrier 31 which extends parallel to the axis 23. The carrier has a length L (see Fig. 5). A row of fertilizer dispensing devices 32 for conditioned liquid fertilizer 14 is mounted along the length L of the support. The row of liquid fertilizer dispensing devices 32 14 can be coupled to a fertilizer distribution unit (not shown in this figure) suitable for conveying conditioned liquid fertilizer from the liquid fertilizer storage container 3 to the fertilizer dispensing devices 32. With reference to Fig. 5 is a schematic rear view of the fertiliser vehicle 20 from Fig. 4. The working width L (the length of the beam 31) can be between 3 and 30 meters and is approximately 8.6 meters in the version shown here.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer, comprising: - a container (3) for liquid fertilizer; - a supply line for fertilizer (5) connected to the container (3) for liquid fertilizer; - a water supply (6); - at least one atomizer (9) connected to the water supply (6); wherein the atomizer (9) is arranged with respect to the fertilizer supply line (5) such that the water mist blown out by the atomizer (9) is brought into a transport path for liquid fertilizer determined by the fertilizer supply line (5) at a speed of at least 1000 km / h. [2] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to claim 1, characterized by that the water supply (6) comprises a container for water (4). [3] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to claim 2, characterized bythat the container for water (4) is at least a factor of 10 smaller than the container (3) for liquid fertilizer. [4] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the container for water (4) is at least a factor of 20 smaller than the container (3) for liquid fertilizer. [5] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the supply line for fertilizer (5) comprises a channel, to which channel at least one atomizer (9) is connected in such a way that the water mist is brought into the transport path for liquid fertilizer determined by the channel. [6] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fertilizer supply line (5) comprises at least one fertilizer dosing opening, to which fertilizer dosing opening at least one atomizer (9) is connected in such a way that the water mist is introduced into the fertilizer flow emerging from the fertilizer dosing opening. [7] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the atomizer (9) is an ultrasonic atomizer. [8] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the atomizer (9) comprises a chamber for mixing an air stream with a water stream. [9] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to claim 6, characterized by that the device for conditioning liquid fertilizer is provided with a compressor to be connected to the atomizer (9) for generating compressed air. [10] Device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device for conditioning liquid fertilizer comprises pressure means connected to the water supply (6) for generating a water pressure which is between 8 and 80 bar. [11] Dosing device (30) for liquid fertilizer, which is provided with a device (1) for conditioning liquid fertilizer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the dosing device comprises a frame (21) which accommodates the container (3) for liquid fertilizer, the supply line for fertilizer (5), a container for water (4) and at least one atomizer (9). [12] Dosing device (30) according to claim 11, characterized by that the frame (21) comprises an elongated support (31) which is provided with several dispensing elements for fertilizer (32) and several atomizers (9). [13] Dosing device (30) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that a row of mist dispensing members is arranged parallel to a row of fertiliser dispensing members (32). [14] Dosing device (30) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the dosing device comprises at least one mist dispensing member connected to the frame (21) for forming a mist curtain which at least partially blocks a path for the substances released from the liquid fertilizer, such as gaseous compounds. [15] Dosing device (30) according to claim 14, characterized by that on a first and / or second side of a row of fertilizer dispensing members (32) extending in a row there is a row of mist dispensing members. [16] Fertilising vehicle (20) provided with a dosing device (30) according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the fertilising vehicle comprises at least one pair of wheels (22). [17] Method for distributing liquid fertilizer, in particular using a fertilizer vehicle (20) according to claim 16, comprising: - the distribution of liquid fertilizer on a substrate; - the generation of water mist; the water mist is brought into contact with the liquid fertiliser at a speed of more than 1000 km / h before the liquid fertiliser touches the ground. [18] Method according to claim 17; characterized by that the volume ratio of liquid fertilizer to water is greater than 10, preferably greater than 20. [19] Method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by that the mist is brought into contact with the liquid fertilizer before the liquid fertilizer is distributed on the substrate.

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