Fertiliser Composition Using Anaerobic Digestate and Carbon Dioxide

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an effective and sustainable method to produce fertilizers that maximizes resource utilization, reduces waste, and minimizes carbon dioxide emissions, while providing safe and efficient crop yield, particularly using waste products.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of partially decomposed organic matter, anaerobic digestate, nitrate ions, ammonia, and carbon dioxide to create a fertiliser composition, where the mixture is processed to form a nutrient-rich, easily handleable solid fertiliser that captures and stores carbon dioxide, utilizing waste materials effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional fertilizers are used to maximize crop yield, then agricultural productivity is improved, but environmental pollution and resource depletion worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop yieldVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the fertilizer by converting ammonia and carbon dioxide into ammonium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate, which then react with organic matter to form a stabilized fertiliser composition. This parameter change reduces volatility and environmental pollution while maintaining crop yield effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite fertiliser material combining inorganic components (ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate) with organic matter (partially decomposed organic matter). This composite structure provides both immediate nutrient availability and long-term soil improvement, reducing environmental pollution while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of substance

If waste materials are utilized to produce fertiliser, then resource utilization is improved, but the complexity of the production process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste reductionVSAvoidproduction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple waste streams (anaerobic digestate, carbon dioxide emissions, partially decomposed organic matter) into a single integrated fertiliser production process. The components are combined in a reactor where they undergo controlled chemical reactions, simplifying waste management while producing a high-value fertiliser product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses ammonium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate as intermediary compounds that facilitate the reaction between ammonia, carbon dioxide, and organic matter. These intermediaries enable efficient waste material utilization while maintaining a manageable production process with controlled reaction steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If ammonia and carbon dioxide are reacted to form ammonium carbonate, then nutrient retention is improved, but the reaction conditions become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutrient retentionVSAvoidreaction temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes reaction parameters by conducting the ammonia-carbon dioxide reaction at controlled temperatures and pressures to form ammonium carbonate. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the process achieves high nutrient retention while maintaining practical operating conditions suitable for industrial implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method produces a highly nutritious fertiliser composition with improved handling properties, achieving comparable or superior crop yield results to leading commercial fertilisers while reducing waste and emissions, and offering environmental benefits by utilizing waste products and biogas.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the organic matter with: (i) an anaerobic digestate; (ii) a source of nitrate ion; and (iii) a source of ammonia; and (c) contacting the mixture obtained in step (b) with a source of carbon dioxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reactions: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

contacting the mixture obtained in step (b) with a source of carbon dioxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11708309B2Method of producing a fertiliser composition and fertiliser composition produced thereby

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 CCM RES

AI summary

A method of producing a fertiliser composition, the method comprising: •(a) providing partially decomposed organic matter; •(b) contacting the organic matter with: •(i) an anaerobic digestate; •(ii) a source of nitrate ion; •(iii) a source of ammonia; and •(c) contacting the mixture obtained in step (b) with a source of carbon dioxide. •Also claimed is a fertiliser composition comprising partially decomposed organic matter admixed with an anaerobic digestate, a source of nitrate ion, a source of ammonia and carbon dioxide.