Anhydrous Ammonia Tank Pressurization for Cold Weather
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of anhydrous ammonia as a fertilizer is hindered by reduced head pressure in portable tanks at low temperatures, leading to erratic and slowed application, which decreases productivity and requires operators to slow down the application equipment.
Innovation Solution
An air compressor is coupled to the vapor port of the portable anhydrous ammonia tank, regulated to maintain a pressure of at least approximately 80 psi, ensuring consistent flow by injecting compressed air into the tank and safely releasing excess air into the soil through interconnected valves and ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid NH3 is stored in a portable tank relying on vapor pressure for discharge, then the system remains simple and portable, but the head pressure declines as temperature drops or tank empties, slowing liquid NH3 flow
Solution Approach 1:
A compressor is introduced as an intermediary device to generate compressed air that is injected into the tank to maintain head pressure. This mediator compensates for the insufficient vapor pressure without requiring a complete system redesign, preserving portability while enabling consistent application rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of gas pressure by introducing compressed air into the tank. This alters the head pressure condition from being temperature-dependent to being controllable through air injection, maintaining adequate pressure for liquid NH3 discharge across varying temperatures.
2Reliability
If the operator slows down the applicator to compensate for low head pressure, then adequate NH3 application is ensured, but productivity is substantially reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a pressure regulator that monitors head pressure and provides feedback control. When pressure drops below the threshold needed for adequate application, the regulator signals the compressor to inject air, automatically maintaining pressure without requiring operator intervention or speed reduction.
3Reliability
If the vapor shut off valve is opened to allow vapor escape during tank filling, then gaseous NH3 can vent safely, but NH3 loss occurs to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful vapor loss into a beneficial recirculation flow. The compressed air injection creates a flow pattern that directs vapors through the liquid NH3 and out the discharge line, transforming waste into a safety feature that prevents atmospheric release.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge line and associated valves serve multiple functions: they discharge liquid NH3 during application, vent vapors safely during filling operations, and recirculate vapors back through the liquid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vapor management systems.
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
This solution maintains sufficient pressure in the portable tank, ensuring a steady flow of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer regardless of atmospheric temperature, enhancing application efficiency and productivity while allowing safe release of compressed air when the tank is empty.
Implementation Method 1
An air compressor is coupled to the vapor port of the portable anhydrous ammonia tank to cause increase of the pressure in the pressure head in the portable NH3 tank as needed
Implementation Method 2
A regulator controls the flow of air under pressure being injected through the vapor port into the tank such that the pressure in the pressure head can be maintained at least approximately 80 psi under all conditions
Implementation Method 3
The NH3 is forced from the tank by vapor pressure within the tank in the vapor head above the liquid level of the tank
Implementation Method 4
exhaust duct which receives compressed air from the compressor and releases the compressed air and any anhydrous ammonia vapor accompanying the compressed air into the soil
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method to improve delivery of liquid anhydrous ammonia from a portable liquid NH3 tank in cold temperatures includes an air compressor coupled to the vapor port of a portable liquid NH3 tank used to supply liquid anhydrous ammonia to an anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicator. The apparatus can include an actuator to relieve the tank of compressed air after the tank is empty of liquid anhydrous ammonia.