Dynamic Disintegration Fertilizer Granules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Granulated fertilizers have reduced agronomic efficacy due to limited soil coverage and sensitivity to moisture, requiring soil working which is impractical in certain agricultural settings, and they break down under gravity or dissolve quickly, reducing their effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a dynamic disintegration agent, such as bentonite, which causes the granules to fragment and disperse when exposed to water or moisture, increasing their coverage area and neutralization reactions without compromising stability during transport and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If granulated fertilizers are used to reduce dust and improve handling, then ease of operation is improved, but ground coverage area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of spreadingVSAvoidground coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The granule is segmented into multiple elementary particles through the dynamic disintegration effect. When the granule contacts the ground, it breaks apart into numerous smaller particles that spread out over a larger area, thereby increasing ground coverage while maintaining the ease of handling associated with granulated form

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The granule transitions from a static, stable form during transport to a dynamic, disintegrating form upon ground contact. The dynamic disintegration agent activates upon moisture contact, transforming the granule structure to achieve extensive ground coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If granulated fertilizers are compacted to resist impacts during transport, then strength is improved, but dispersal of elementary particles is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to impactsVSAvoiddispersal of elementary particles

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic disintegration agent is incorporated into the granule structure during manufacturing, preparing the granule for future disintegration. The agent remains dormant during transport but is activated upon ground contact, ensuring both transport strength and effective dispersal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic disintegration agent acts as an intermediary between the granule structure and moisture. Upon contact with ground moisture, the agent triggers the disintegration process, mediating the transition from a compacted state to a dispersed state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If additives are added during granulation to improve resistance and distribution, then strength is improved, but dispersal of elementary particles is greatly impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to impactsVSAvoiddispersal of elementary particles

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical composition parameter of the granule is modified by incorporating a dynamic disintegration agent. This agent changes the granule's behavior upon moisture contact, enabling dispersal without compromising the structural integrity during transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Area of stationary object

If granules are designed to disintegrate quickly upon moisture exposure, then ground coverage is improved, but stability during transport is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground coverage areaVSAvoidstability during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The granule exhibits dynamic behavior: stable and intact during transport and storage, but rapidly disintegrating upon ground contact. The dynamic disintegration agent remains inactive until triggered by moisture, at which point it initiates rapid disintegration for extensive ground coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 granules achieve significant ground coverage of up to 2-5 cm diameter, maintaining stability during transport and handling, and effectively dispersing nutrients without the need for extensive soil working, while minimizing dust release and maintaining nutritional properties.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a dynamic disintegration agent, such as bentonite, which causes the granules to fragment and disperse when exposed to water or moisture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling:

Implementation Method 2

The granules achieve significant ground coverage of up to 2-5 cm diameter, maintaining stability during transport and handling, and effectively dispersing nutrients

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDisintegration:

Data Source

PatentUS10501382B2Dynamic disintegration enriching agents and fertilisers, their method of manufacture, and their uses in agriculture

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 OMYA INT AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a particularly basic inorganic soil conditioner containing an inorganic carbonate as the base thereof, characterised in that it comprises at least one “dynamic disintegration” agent capable of causing a breakdown, considerable fragmentation, dispersion, and considerable “dispersion” within the granule, i.e. a force inside and/or on the surface of the granule that tends to cause the granule to break down or “explode” when said granule contacts the soil, and specifically contacts the water or moisture of the soil, and in that said carbonate is preferably natural or precipitated calcium carbonate.