Acrylamide Polymer Irrigation Bulb Expansion Without Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Localized irrigation systems face challenges in increasing the diameter of the irrigation bulb while avoiding flocculation phenomena, which can lead to clogging of drippers and inhomogeneous soil moistening, especially with high molecular weight acrylamide-based polymers used in irrigation water.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a low molecular weight acrylamide-based polymer with a molecular weight between 10,000 and 500,000 Da, specifically a water-soluble polymer containing acrylamide or methacrylamide monomers, into the irrigation water at concentrations between 0.1 ppm and 500 ppm, preferably in the form of an aqueous solution with a concentration between 10% and 60%, to prevent flocculation and ensure homogeneous irrigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If high molecular weight acrylamide-based polymers are added to irrigation water to increase the diameter of the irrigation bulb, then the irrigation coverage area is improved, but flocculation phenomena occur leading to clogging of drippers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polymer from high (conventional) to low (10,000-500,000 Da), and optimizes the concentration parameter (0.1-500 ppm) to achieve the desired irrigation bulb expansion without triggering flocculation and clogging issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses low molecular weight polymers that can be applied at lower concentrations and do not require long-term persistence in the system, allowing for more frequent but smaller applications that avoid accumulation and flocculation problems
2Stability of the object's composition
If high molecular weight polymers are used to stabilize soil and control water infiltration, then soil stabilization is improved, but the polymers cause flocculation and inhomogeneous soil moistening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polymer to a lower range (10,000-500,000 Da) which provides sufficient soil stabilization through water retention and infiltration control without causing the flocculation phenomena that lead to inhomogeneous moistening
Solution Approach 2:
The use of low molecular weight polymers at optimized concentrations ensures homogeneous distribution and dissolution in irrigation water, preventing flocculation and ensuring uniform soil moistening while maintaining soil stabilization benefits
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of low molecular weight acrylamide-based polymers effectively prevents clogging and enhances the diameter of the irrigation bulb, leading to more efficient and uniform soil moistening, reducing the risk of clogging and improving the distribution of water in localized irrigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The use of low molecular weight acrylamide-based polymers effectively prevents clogging and enhances the diameter of the irrigation bulb, leading to more efficient and uniform soil moistening, reducing the risk of clogging
Implementation Method 2
Acrylamide-based polymers can be added to irrigation water for various benefits such as reducing water and wind erosion, controlling sludge or controlling water infiltration into the soil floors
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the localized irrigation of crops or planted areas whereby at least one water-soluble polymer having a molecular weight between 10,000 and 500,000 Da and containing at least one acrylamide or methacrylamide monomer is injected into the irrigation water intended for supplying a stationary localized irrigation device.