Drift Control Additive for Crop Spray Droplet Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop spray formulations using polymeric emulsifiers and dispersed emulsions fail to effectively control fine droplet formation, leading to excessive drift of herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers due to poor stability and performance with certain nozzle types.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a fatty acid terminated ethoxylated polyol, an oil, and an ethoxylated fatty acid is used as a drift control additive, forming a synergistic mixture that reduces fine droplet formation by creating a polymeric emulsifier with a branched hydrophilic core and hydrophobic outer layer, improving droplet size distribution and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dispersed emulsion is introduced to control droplet size, then fine droplet formation is reduced, but poor stability in tank mixes occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines polymeric emulsifier (branched structure) with nonpolymeric surfactant to create a composite surfactant system. This composite approach provides both fine droplet control and tank mix stability that neither component achieves alone, resolving the contradiction between droplet size control and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the molecular structure parameter of the emulsifier from linear to branched configuration. The branched polymeric emulsifier with specific hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance achieves superior droplet size control while maintaining stability in tank mixes, overcoming the limitations of conventional linear emulsifiers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dispersed emulsion is used to prevent fine mist formation, then drift is reduced, but poor performance with certain nozzle types occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactant composition is designed to perform multiple functions effectively: it provides drift control, works with various nozzle types (including air induction nozzles), and maintains compatibility with different crop chemicals. The synergistic combination of polymeric and nonpolymeric surfactants achieves universal performance across different application conditions.
3Device complexity
If conventional emulsifiers are used, then formulation simplicity is maintained, but unacceptably high level of fine droplets is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite surfactant system combining polymeric and nonpolymeric components. This composite approach achieves superior fine droplet control (reducing driftable droplets to below 10% and preferably below 5%) while maintaining practical formulation simplicity through straightforward mixing and application.
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 additive significantly minimizes fine droplet formation, reducing drift and improving the efficiency of crop spray delivery by maintaining a higher percentage of droplets above 150 μm in diameter, even at low dosage levels, while maintaining product stability and dispersibility.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is related to an improved mixture of surfactants which is particularly suitable for use in crop sprays as a drift control additive
Implementation Method 2
A particular feature of the invention is the ability to include the drift control additive in small portions relative to the composition of the spray
Implementation Method 3
a combination of a fatty acid terminated ethoxylated polyol, an oil, and an ethoxylated fatty acid is used as a drift control additive, forming a synergistic mixture that reduces fine droplet formation
Implementation Method 4
The dispersed emulsion is believed to control the rupturing mechanism of spray droplets in such a way as to prevent the formation of fine mists
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a drift control additive comprising a fatty acid terminated ethoxylated polyol, an oil and an ethoxylated fatty acid.