Agrochemical Composition Solid Base Residue Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing agrochemical compositions containing dicamba and sulfonamide herbicides face challenges in efficiently reducing residues in application tanks, leading to time-consuming cleanout procedures and potential damage to subsequent crops due to residual sulfonamide particles.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a solid base, such as sodium carbonate or potassium phosphate, into the agrochemical composition of dicamba and sulfonamide herbicides to enhance solubility and reduce residue accumulation in spray tanks, allowing for easier cleanout and minimizing damage to subsequent crops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the amount of sulfonamide herbicide in the mixture is increased to improve herbicidal effectiveness, then the herbicidal spectrum and controlling effect are enhanced, but sulfonamide residues accumulate in the spray tank requiring more water for washing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveherbicidal effectivenessVSAvoidsulfonamide residues in spray tank
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical form of sulfonamide from free acid to salt form (sodium salt, potassium salt, ammonium salt, or organic amine salt), which fundamentally alters its solubility parameters. This allows higher concentrations to be used while maintaining better solubility and reducing residue accumulation in spray tanks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a non-ionic surfactant as an intermediary substance that enhances the solubility and dispersibility of sulfonamide salts in water. This mediator allows the sulfonamide to remain in solution at higher concentrations without precipitating as insoluble residues in the spray tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional agrochemical compositions are used without solid base to simplify formulation, then the formulation process is easier, but residues remain in application tanks leading to time-consuming cleanout procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation simplicityVSAvoidcleanout time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter of the agrochemical composition by incorporating a solid base (sodium carbonate, potassium phosphate, or other alkaline substances). This raises the pH to maintain sulfonamide in its salt form, ensuring complete solubility and preventing residue formation that would require time-consuming cleanout procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If sulfonamide herbicides are used to control weeds effectively, then herbicidal activity is improved, but residues may damage subsequent crops sensitive to sulfonamide

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveherbicidal activityVSAvoidcrop damage from residues
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical state of sulfonamide from free acid to soluble salt form through pH adjustment using solid base. This ensures complete dissolution and uniform distribution, preventing insoluble residue accumulation that could be carried over to subsequent crops and cause phytotoxicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 addition of a solid base significantly reduces sulfonamide residues in application tanks, simplifying the cleanout process and minimizing crop damage, as evidenced by lower cleanout ratings and reduced injury to sugar beet plants in bioassays.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a solid base, such as sodium carbonate or potassium phosphate, into the agrochemical composition of dicamba and sulfonamide herbicides to enhance solubility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction (acid-base neutralization): Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the addition of a solid base significantly reduces sulfonamide residues in application tanks, simplifying the cleanout process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolubility enhancement: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS10206395B2Agrochemical compositions for reducing agrochemical residues
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 ROTAM AGROCHEM INT CO LTD

AI summary

An agrochemical composition containing dicamba or its salt, a sulfonamide herbicide free acid and a solid base. A method of controlling field weeds with the use of the composition. A method of reducing and/or removing agrochemical composition residues in an application tank, as well as a method of preparing an agrochemical composition, including the mixing of a solid base with dicamba or its salt and a sulfonamide herbicide free acid.