Fertiliser pH Control for Zinc Oxide Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micronutrient-enriched fertilizers face challenges such as low solubility and uneven distribution of micronutrients in soil, leading to reduced availability for plants, and micronutrient loss through abrasion.
Innovation Solution
A process for preparing micronutrient-enriched phosphate-based fertilizers involves controlling the pH of an aqueous mixture comprising phosphoric acid, ammonia, and elemental sulfur to maintain a range of 3.5 to 3.9, allowing for the incorporation of zinc oxide as a micronutrient source, which enhances solubility and availability in the fertilizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If micronutrient is incorporated into bulk fertiliser, then micronutrient can be provided to plants, but solubility of micronutrient becomes low and availability to plants is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the pH of the fertiliser mixture to a specific range (3.5-3.9) during the granulation process. This pH control parameter ensures that zinc oxide remains soluble and reactive, transforming it into a water-soluble form that is readily available to plants, while preventing precipitation and maintaining high micronutrient solubility in the final fertiliser product
2Quantity of substance
If micronutrient is coated onto fertiliser, then micronutrient can be attached to fertiliser particles, but micronutrient loss through abrasion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the micronutrient zinc oxide directly into the fertiliser granule matrix during the granulation process rather than coating it onto the surface. The zinc oxide is incorporated into the bulk of the granule, ensuring uniform distribution and eliminating surface abrasion losses. This integration approach maintains micronutrient attachment while preventing the abrasion-related loss that occurs with surface coating methods
3Quantity of substance
If bulk blended fertiliser with micronutrient pellets is used, then micronutrient can be distributed in fertiliser, but spatial distribution becomes poor and application to soil becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the pH during granulation to ensure uniform incorporation of zinc oxide throughout the fertiliser matrix. This results in homogeneous micronutrient distribution at the granule level, which translates to uniform spatial distribution when applied to soil, eliminating the clumping and uneven application problems associated with bulk blending of separate pellets
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 approach ensures that micronutrients are present in a water-soluble form, improving their availability to plants, allowing for higher concentrations or reduced micronutrient content while maintaining effectiveness, and prevents micronutrient loss through abrasion.
Implementation Method 1
the pH of the fertiliser mixture is measured and controlled in step (a) or in step (b) such that the pH is maintained within a predefined range of between 3.5 and 3.9
Implementation Method 2
by controlling the pH such that it is maintained within a predefined range it is possible to ensure that the micronutrient is present in the fertiliser substantially in a water soluble form
Data Source
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AI summary
A process for preparing a micronutrient-enriched phosphate-based fertiliser is disclosed. An aqueous fertiliser mixture comprising phosphoric acid and/or phosphate rock is prepared and optionally granulated in granulator unit. The pH of the fertiliser mixture is measured and controlled such that the pH is maintained within a predefined range.