Concentrated suspension for agricultural use

Abstract

The invention discloses a concentrated aqueous suspension for use in agriculture, the concentrated suspension comprising an active ingredient such as a plant nutrient or a chemical agent; a clay such as a phyllosilicate clay; a wetting agent such as an ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate amine salt; and a dispersant such as any one or more of water-soluble polymers, acrylic polymers and naphthalene sulphonates. The specific gravity of the suspension is at least 1.6 and has a higher loading of active ingredients and improved settling characteristics. The invention extends to a method of manufacturing the concentrated aqueous suspension and a kit for storing, transporting and dispensing the concentrated suspension.

Description

[0001] CONCENTRATED SUSPENSION FOR AGRICULTURAL USE

[0002] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a concentrated suspension for agricultural use, and more specifically to a concentrated aqueous suspension having a higher loading of active ingredients and improved settling characteristics.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] Suspension concentrate formulations are known in the art for applying an active ingredient (ordinarily a fungicide, herbicide, insecticide or fertilizer) to a plant. This is done by taking the suspension concentrate and mixing it with a diluent (usually water) before applying it via spraying. The concentrate should be easily mixable with the diluent to create a homogenous final product of a desired final concentration which will not clog a spray nozzle.

[0006] Suspension concentrates are limited by the maximum concentration at which the active ingredient can be included into the concentrate. This maximum concentration is principally determined by the point at which the active ingredient agglomerates and settles out of the suspension. After settling the active ingredient cannot then be easily mixed back into the suspension to create a homogenous mixture. For example, a calcium suspension concentrate may include up to 400g / L of fine calcium carbonate powder in its formulation before premature settling becomes an issue. There is presently a need to provide agricultural products similar to suspension concentrates, but having higher loadings of active ingredients. This is because any water included in such a product must be transported as well, increasing distribution costs and the cost of the final product.

[0007] There is accordingly a need for an agricultural product having the same use properties as a suspension concentrate but having a higher loading of active ingredients.

[0008] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a concentrated suspension with which the abovementioned disadvantages could at least partially be alleviated or overcome; and which has a higher loading of active ingredients and improved settling characteristics.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a concentrated aqueous suspension for use in agriculture, the concentrated suspension comprising an active ingredient; a clay; a wetting agent; and a dispersant wherein the specific gravity of the concentrated suspension is at least 1 .6. In an embodiment, the active ingredient may comprise between 60-70% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

[0012] In an embodiment, the active ingredient may be a plant nutrient. In a preferred embodiment, the plant nutrient may be an inorganic plant nutrient. In a further preferred embodiment, the inorganic plant nutrient may be selected from the group consisting of sources of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, sulphur, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, molybdenum and boron, in any combination.

[0013] In an embodiment, the active ingredient may be a chemical agent. In a preferred embodiment, the chemical agent may be selected from the group comprising a fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, nematicide or bactericide, in any combination.

[0014] In an embodiment, the wetting agent may comprise between 3-10% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

[0015] In an embodiment, the wetting agent may be an ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate amine salt.

[0016] In an embodiment, the clay may comprise between 0.45-0.9% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension. In a preferred embodiment, the clay may be a phyllosilicate clay. In a further preferred embodiment, the phyllosilicate clay may be smectite. In an embodiment, the dispersant may comprise between 2-5% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

[0017] In an embodiment, the dispersant may be selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, acrylic polymers and naphthalene sulphonates, in any combination. In a preferred embodiment, the dispersant may be selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymer sodium salt, poly alkyl naphthalene sulfonate and acrylates copolymer, in any combination.

[0018] In an embodiment, the concentrated suspension may further comprise a thickening agent. In a preferred embodiment, the thickening agent may comprise between 0.05- 0.2% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the thickening agent may be selected from the group consisting of starches, sugar polymers and gelling agents, in any combination. In a further alternative preferred embodiment, the thickening agent may be xanthan gum.

[0019] In an embodiment, the concentrated suspension may further comprise a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier may comprise between 20-30% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the carrier may comprise propylene glycol or water.

[0020] In an embodiment, the concentrated suspension may further comprise an antifoaming agent. In an embodiment, the concentrated suspension may further comprise a biocide. In a preferred embodiment, the biocide may be benzisothiazolinone.

[0021] In an embodiment, the concentrated suspension may further comprise a pigment.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacture of a concentrated suspension as described herein above, the method comprising the steps of: i) adding a wetting agent and dispersant to an initial aqueous solution to form a surfactant solution; ii) adding the active ingredient to the surfactant solution to form an active suspension; iii) adding a clay to the active suspension to form the stabilized suspension; and iv) milling the stabilized suspension while stirring to form a concentrated suspension, wherein the specific gravity of the concentrated suspension is at least 1.6

[0023] In an embodiment, an antifoaming agent may be added to the surfactant solution.

[0024] In an embodiment, a pigment may be added to the stabilized suspension.

[0025] In an embodiment, a biocide may be added to the stabilized suspension.

[0026] In an embodiment, a thickening agent and carrier may be added to the concentrated suspension. In an embodiment, the surfactant solution, active suspension, stabilized suspension and / or concentrated suspension may be stirred using a high-shear mixer.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for storing, transporting and dispensing a concentrated suspension as described herein above, the kit comprising a container pre-filled with the concentrated suspension and having a length to width ratio of at least 3:1, and a width to height ratio of at least 2:1.

[0028] In an embodiment, the container may be manufactured from a polymer material.

[0029] In an embodiment, the polymer material may be high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0030] In an embodiment, the container may have a volume of between 0,5 and 3 litres.

[0031] The presently disclosed subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Examples, in which representative embodiments are shown. The presently disclosed subject matter can, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0032] DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the present invention by way of the following non-limiting examples exemplifying the composition and method for preparing same, according to the present invention.

[0033] In an example embodiment, a concentrated aqueous suspension for use in agriculture is provided, the concentrated suspension comprising:

[0034] 60-70% (w / w) of an inorganic plant nutrient active ingredient, in this example calcium carbonate;

[0035] 3-10% (w / w) of a wetting agent in the form of the Soprophor FL™ product;

[0036] 0.45-0.9% (w / w) phyllosilicate clay in the form of the Van Gel B™ smectite clay product;

[0037] 2-5% (w / w) of dispersants in the form of Flosperse 1050™ and Supragil MNS90™ products, in any combination;

[0038] 0.05-0.2% (w / w) of a thickening agent in the form of xanthan gum;

[0039] 20-30% (w / w) of a carrier in the form of water;

[0040] 0.05-0.15% (w / w) of an antifoaming agent;

[0041] 0.1-1% (w / w) of a biocide in the form of the BIT 20™ product; and

[0042] 0.05-0.2% (w / w) of a pigment in the form of Colonyl Green™.

[0043] In this example, the concentrated suspension is formulated to have a specific gravity of 1.84. This provides 510g / l of the active ingredient, while retaining product stability over the two-year shelf life of the product and beyond. Manufacture of the concentrated suspension is achieved by adding the ingredients sequentially to an initial aqueous solution (in this example water). The ingredients are added slowly and stirred at each step with a high-shear mixer. The ingredients are added in the following order: first the surfactant product, followed by the dispersants, then the antifoaming agent; then a dry powder of the active ingredient; and then the smectite clay product. Once mixed, this stabilized suspension is then milled while stirring to form a concentrated suspension. Once the correct particle size is achieved, the concentrated suspension is then loaded into a tank with a slow speed stirrer. Rinse water is used to flush any remaining amounts of the concentrated suspension into this tank. Finally, the pigment, biocide and a gum premix containing the thickening agent and carrier are mixed in. The final product is then left standing overnight before being re-mixed for between 15 and 60 minutes to recombine any settled ingredients. The product is then ready for packing and shipping.

[0044] The final product has the following physical parameters: The packaging for the concentrated suspension product is in the form of flexible high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bags having a flattened, elongated shape and anything from 250ml up to 2,5 L capacity. This packaging is robust, lightweight and allows any partial settling to be remedied by simply shaking or working the bag.

[0045] It will be appreciated that there are many variations in detail on the invention as herein defined and / or described without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0046] The description is presented by way of example only in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. The words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation.

[0047] The invention further provides for the ingredients to be varied, without departing from the scope of the invention. In this instance, the active ingredient, clay, wetting agent, dispersant, thickening agent, carrier and biocide may include the various ingredients mentioned in the summary of invention above.

[0048] For example, the active ingredient may be a plant nutrient comprising between 60- 70% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension. The plant nutrient may be an inorganic plant nutrient selected from the group consisting of sources of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, sulphur, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, molybdenum and boron, in any combination.

[0049] The active ingredient may be a chemical agent selected from the group comprising a fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, nematicide or bactericide, in any combination.

[0050] The wetting agent may comprise between 3-10% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension and provided as an ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate amine salt.

[0051] The clay may comprise between 0.45-0.9% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension and includes a phyllosilicate clay such as smectite.

[0052] The dispersant may comprise between 2-5% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension and selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, acrylic polymers and naphthalene sulphonates, in any combination. These include acrylic polymer sodium salt, poly alkyl naphthalene sulfonate and acrylates copolymer, in any combination.

[0053] The thickening agent may also be selected from the group consisting of starches, sugar polymers and gelling agents, in any combination and may be provided as between 0.05-0.2% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

[0054] The carrier, provided between 20-30% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension may comprise propylene glycol or water. The packaging for the concentrated suspension product may also be varied, and will have a length to width ratio of at least 3:1, and a width to height ratio of at least 2:1. The packaging also forms part of a kit for storing, transporting and dispensing a concentrated suspension as described herein above and any other similar concentrated suspensions.

[0055] It is accordingly asserted that the invention provides significant advantages over known concentrated suspension for agricultural use. In use, the concentrated suspension has a number of advantages over conventional suspension products as known in the art. Firstly, the higher concentration means that less volume needs to be transported, lowering shipping and storage costs. Secondly, the shelf life of the product is improved, both by the formulation of the product and the nature of the packaging. Finally, the concentrated nature of the formulation allows less litres of product to be added per hectare of land.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A concentrated aqueous suspension for use in agriculture, the concentrated suspension comprising: an active ingredient; a clay; a wetting agent; and a dispersant; wherein the specific gravity of the concentrated suspension is at least 1.6.

2. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 1, wherein the active ingredient comprises between 60-70% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

3. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the active ingredient is a plant nutrient.

4. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plant nutrient is an inorganic plant nutrient.

5. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inorganic plant nutrient is selected from the group consisting of sources of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, sulphur, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, molybdenum and boron, in any combination.

6. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the active ingredient is a chemical agent.

7. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 6, wherein the chemical agent is selected from the group comprising a fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, nematicide or bactericide, in any combination.

8. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wetting agent comprises between 3-10% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

9. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 8, wherein the wetting agent is an ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate amine salt.

10. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clay comprises between 0.45-0.9% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

11. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 10, wherein the clay is a phyllosilicate clay.

12. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 11, wherein the phyllosilicate clay is smectite.

13. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispersant comprises between 2-5% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

14. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 13, wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, acrylic polymers and naphthalene sulphonates, in any combination.

15. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 14, wherein, the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymer sodium salt, poly alkyl naphthalene sulfonate and acrylates copolymer, in any combination.

16. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrated suspension further comprises a thickening agent.

17. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 16, wherein the thickening agent comprises between 0.05-0.2% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

18. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the thickening agent is selected from the group consisting of starches, sugar polymers, and gelling agents, in any combination.

19. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 18, wherein the sugar polymers comprise xanthan gum.

20. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrated suspension further comprises a carrier.

21. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 20, wherein the carrier comprises between 20-30% (w / w) of the concentrated suspension.

22. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 20 or 21 , the carrier comprises propylene glycol or water.

23. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrated suspension further comprises an antifoaming agent.

24. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrated suspension further comprises a biocide.

25. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 24, wherein the biocide comprises benzisothiazolinone.

26. The concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentrated aqueous suspension further comprises a pigment.

27. A method of manufacturing a concentrated aqueous suspension comprising the steps of: i) adding a wetting agent and dispersant to an initial aqueous solution to form a surfactant solution; ii) adding the active ingredient to the surfactant solution to form an active suspension; iii) adding a clay to the active suspension to form the stabilized suspension; and iv) milling the stabilized suspension while stirring to form a concentrated suspension, wherein the specific gravity of the concentrated suspension is at least 1.

628. The method as claimed in claim 27, comprising a further step of adding an antifoaming agent to the surfactant solution.

29. The method as claimed in claim 27 or 28, comprising a further step of adding a pigment to the stabilized suspension.

30. The method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, comprising a further step of adding a biocide to the stabilized suspension.

31. The method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, comprising a further step of adding a thickening agent and carrier to the concentrated suspension.

32. The method as claimed in any one of claim 27 to 31, wherein any one or more of the surfactant solution, active suspension, stabilized suspension and concentrated suspension is stirred using a high-shear mixer.

33. A kit for storing, transporting and dispensing a concentrated suspension, the kit comprising a container pre-filled with the concentrated suspension andhaving a length to width ratio of at least 3:1 , and a width to height ratio of at least 2:1.

34. The kit as claimed in claim 33, wherein the container is manufactured from a polymer material.

35. The kit as claimed in claim 34, wherein the polymer material is high-density polyethylene.

36. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the container has a volume of between 0,5 and 3 litres.

37. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the concentrated suspension comprises the concentrated aqueous suspension as claimed in any one of claimsl to 26.

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