Biological Nitrogen Fixation Bioreactor for Sustainable Fertilizer Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing mineral nitrogen for non-legume plants are energy-intensive and costly, relying on chemical processes that require high temperatures and pressures, making them unsustainable and expensive for farmers.
Innovation Solution
A biological process using nitrogen-fixing bacteria and bioreactors to convert atmospheric dinitrogen into assimilable mineral nitrogen, including ammonia and nitrates, through a series of incubation steps with organic matter and specific bacterial genera, such as Azotobacter and Nitrosomonas, which also produces dihydrogen as a byproduct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If chemical processes are used to produce ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, then nitrogen fertilizer can be produced, but energy consumption is very high and equipment operating costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical Haber-Bosch process with a biological system using nitrogen-fixing bacteria that naturally convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia through enzymatic reactions, eliminating the need for high-pressure compressors, heaters, and complex chemical reaction vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The nitrogen-fixing bacteria perform the nitrogen fixation function autonomously using organic matter as carbon source and energy, converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia without external energy input for heating or pressurization, making the system self-sufficient
2Quantity of substance
If chemical processes are used to produce nitrogen fertilizers, then assimilable nitrogen can be produced, but production costs are very significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive organic matter (such as agricultural waste, food waste, or simple carbon sources) as the energy and carbon source for nitrogen-fixing bacteria, replacing expensive fossil fuels and specialized chemicals required in conventional processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nitrogen-fixing bacteria as a biological intermediary that mediates the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, replacing direct chemical reactions and enabling the process to occur under mild, cost-effective conditions
3Quantity of substance
If chemical processes are used to produce ammonia, then nitrogen fertilizer is obtained, but the process requires high temperature and high pressure equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical equipment (high-pressure compressors, high-temperature reactors, heat exchangers, safety valves) with simple biological vessels containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria that operate at ambient temperature and pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from extreme conditions (200-400 bars, 450°C) to mild biological conditions (ambient temperature and pressure), fundamentally simplifying the equipment requirements for ammonia production
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 method reduces energy consumption and production costs, allowing farmers to produce nitrogenous fertilizers on-site, while also generating hydrogen for energy use, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical processes.
Implementation Method 1
Incubating organic matter, nitrogen (N2), a simple sugar source, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in a bioreactor to obtain a fermentation medium containing ammonia (NH3)
Implementation Method 2
Incubating the fermentation medium obtained in step a) in the presence of water and with removal of hydrogen (H2) from the bioreactor to obtain a fermentation medium containing ammonium (NH4+)
Implementation Method 3
Incubating the fermentation medium obtained in step b) in the presence of oxygen (O2) and bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas and/or Nitrobacter in the bioreactor to obtain a fermentation medium containing nitrates (NO3-)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a biological process for producing mineral nitrogen and/or dihydrogen from atmospheric dinitrogen, using successively nitrogen-fixing bacteria and bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas and/or Nitrobacter. The present invention also relates to a suitable device for implementing this process, comprising at least three successive compartments. The present invention particularly relates to a device comprising a bioreactor (1), said bioreactor comprising a fermentation vessel (24) having at least three successive compartments (3, 4, 5). The present invention also relates to the use of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and/or bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas and/or Nitrobacter for the production of mineral nitrogen and/or dihydrogen.