Water-Soluble Fertilizer Formulation Dissolution Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-soluble fertilizers often suffer from caking, poor solubility, slow dissolution times, precipitation issues, and gas evolution, which hinder their handling, storage, and application in agricultural and horticultural settings.
Innovation Solution
A dry, solid fertilizer composition comprising acidic and basic components, such as urea phosphate and tripotassium phosphate, which are stable and highly water-soluble, preventing caking and gas release, and allowing for rapid dissolution and storage without decomposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional dry fertilizer compositions are used, then they provide slow release and controlled delivery of nutrients, but they dissolve slowly and may cake during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating specific acidic and basic fertilizer components in controlled ratios, along with anti-caking agents, to achieve both rapid dissolution and storage stability. The pH balance and component ratios are optimized to prevent caking while enhancing solubility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite fertilizer composition by combining multiple components including acidic fertilizers, basic fertilizers, anti-caking agents, and optional surfactants. This composite structure provides synergistic effects that simultaneously improve dissolution speed and prevent caking during storage.
2Quantity of substance
If high concentration fertilizer compositions are formulated, then nutrient delivery efficiency increases, but precipitation and caking problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adjusts chemical parameters including pH balance, ionic composition, and component ratios to maintain high nutrient concentrations while preventing precipitation. The controlled combination of acidic and basic components buffers the solution pH to prevent unwanted reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses anti-caking agents and optional surfactants as intermediary substances that prevent direct interaction between fertilizer components that would cause precipitation. These intermediaries maintain solution stability even at high concentrations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If acidic components are added to neutralize hard water, then pH balance improves, but gas evolution and decomposition increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully controls the type and amount of acidic components used, selecting acids that neutralize hard water without producing excessive gas. The pH adjustment is optimized to achieve the desired balance while minimizing harmful byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of gas evolution into a benefit by using controlled acid-base reactions that produce minimal gas while effectively neutralizing hard water. The reaction products are utilized to maintain solution stability.
4Ease of operation
If anti-caking agents are added to prevent caking, then handling improves, but dissolution speed may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the type and concentration of anti-caking agents to minimize their impact on dissolution speed. The agents are selected and dosed to provide adequate anti-caking protection while maintaining rapid dissolution characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite formulation where anti-caking agents work synergistically with other components to prevent caking without forming barriers that would slow dissolution. The composite structure ensures both handling ease and rapid solubility.
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 composition ensures rapid and complete dissolution in water, stability in dry form, and safe storage, minimizing caking and gas production, thus enhancing handling and application efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
react in aqueous solution to generate an exotherm which, at least in part, aids in the dissolution speed of the components
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Improved, solid water-soluble fertilizer (WSF) compositions are presented which comprise at least one acid (optionally nutritive) and at least one basic fertilizer component. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the WSF compositions demonstrate improved solubility of one or more nutrients or additives in solution, do not require additional dissolution aids or anti-caking agents, demonstrate fast dissolution times, produce precipitate free solutions, are readily compounded without intermediate wetting or drying steps, do not generate gas, and demonstrate improved stability under typical usage conditions. Finally, the WSF compositions may be used in improved processes for the creation of stock solutions, optionally with cold water, and/or delivery of nutrients to plants.