Colloidal Nutrient Micelles for Grade Value Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant nutrient fertilizers do not maximize the grade value of essential nutrients, leading to underutilization or overuse, which can impact plant health and agricultural productivity.
Innovation Solution
Mixing plant nutrients with colloidal micelles, either with or without water, and subjecting the mixture to a colloidal mill to reach a temperature of at least 65°F, resulting in a high-solidity powder or aqueous suspension that enhances the nutrient's grade value for application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fertilizers are applied to plants, then basic nutrient requirements are met, but the grade value of nutrients is not maximized leading to underutilization or overuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical state of nutrients through colloidal milling. The process transforms conventional fertilizer particles into colloidal-sized particles (1-500 nm), fundamentally changing the size parameter and resulting in increased nutrient grade value, improved suspension properties, and maximized nutrient utilization efficiency without waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by combining nutrients with colloidal micelles during the milling process. This composite structure, where nutrients are dispersed within the colloidal matrix, enhances the grade value and effectiveness of the nutrients while preventing both underutilization and overuse
2Quantity of substance
If nutrients are mixed with colloidal micelles and milled to increase grade value, then nutrient effectiveness is maximized, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the milling process into distinct operational phases: initial mixing of nutrients with colloidal micelles, colloidal milling to achieve particle sizes of 1-500 nm, and optional spray drying. This segmented approach makes the complex process more manageable and controllable while achieving the desired nutrient grade value enhancement
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 process significantly increases the grade value of plant nutrients, improving their effectiveness and efficiency in promoting plant health and productivity, with enhanced suspension properties in aqueous media.
Implementation Method 1
The mixture is subjected to a colloidal mill and is milled until it reaches a temperature of at least 65° F.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of increasing grade values of plant nutrients and compositions produced from said methods. A plant nutrient is combined with a colloidal micelle, the later having a particle sized between approximately 1 to 500 nm. This mixture is subjected to colloidal milling until it reaches a temperature of at least approximately 65° F. or milling is carried out above atmospheric pressure. In one instance, water is added to the mixture prior to milling, the results of which are spray dried forming a powder having increased plant nutrient values. In a second embodiment, the milled mixture is added to water for application to an agricultural product.