Fertilizer Granulation with Colemanite Boron Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilizers using boron sources like boric acid and sodium borates pose toxicity risks and are phytotoxic, necessitating alternative boron sources that can provide boron to plants without forming sodium borates or boric acid during production and application.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adding colemanite or ulexite powders with specific particle sizes to a fertilizer melt before granulation, ensuring minimal dissolution and formation of sodium borates or boric acid, resulting in homogeneous fertilizer particles that supply boron at a rate comparable to borax pentahydrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-soluble boron sources (borax, boric acid, sodium borates) are used in fertilizers, then boron availability to plants is improved, but toxicity risks and phytotoxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solubility parameter of the boron source by using poorly water-soluble minerals (colemanite, ulexite) instead of water-soluble boron sources. This parameter change reduces the formation of toxic sodium borates and boric acid while maintaining boron availability through controlled dissolution in the fertilizer melt, thereby resolving the contradiction between boron availability and toxicity risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, naturally occurring boron minerals (colemanite, ulexite) that can be safely handled and applied without the long-term toxicity concerns associated with sodium borates and boric acid. These minerals provide sufficient boron through their gradual dissolution, eliminating the need for persistent toxic substances in the fertilizer system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If poorly water-soluble boron minerals (colemanite, ulexite) are used in fertilizers, then toxicity risks are reduced, but boron availability to plants may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of poorly soluble boron minerals during the high-temperature melt granulation process. The minerals are incorporated into the molten fertilizer matrix and then solidify upon cooling, creating a homogeneous distribution of boron sources in the final granulated product. This phase transition ensures that the insoluble minerals become uniformly dispersed, maintaining boron availability while reducing toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the boron minerals from solid powder to incorporated solid particles within the fertilizer matrix. By controlling the dissolution behavior during melt granulation and subsequent storage, the system achieves controlled release of boron that maintains plant availability while minimizing toxic effects
3Reliability
If borax and boric acid are applied at recommended rates, then boron deficiency is avoided, but phytotoxicity to germinating seeds occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating boron minerals into the fertilizer matrix during manufacturing, creating a controlled-release system. The boron is pre-positioned in an insoluble mineral form that gradually dissolves in soil, preventing the sudden high concentrations that cause phytotoxicity to germinating seeds while still providing sufficient boron to avoid deficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces persistent toxic boron compounds with safer, naturally occurring minerals that provide boron through controlled dissolution. These minerals act as temporary, safe boron sources that degrade harmlessly in the environment, eliminating the phytotoxicity problem associated with conventional boron fertilizers
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 produces fertilizer particles with negligible sodium borates or boric acid, providing a safe and effective boron supply to plants, reducing toxicity risks and ensuring uniform boron availability.
Implementation Method 1
adding a boron source in the form of colemanite or ulexite particles with a median particle size in the range 1 to 100 μm to the melt
Implementation Method 2
granulating fertilizer particles from the fertilizer melt
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a method for producing fertilizer particles comprising an alternative source of boron. It is found that certain colemanite and ulexite powders can be supplied to a fertilizer melt shortly before granulation essentially without dissolving into the melt. Accordingly, the fertilizer particles produced from the melt may contain negligible amounts or non-detectable levels of sodium borates or boric acid. Furthermore, the fertilizer particles can be homogeneous which is desirable for boron supplying fertilizers. It is also found that the fertilizer particles can supply boron to plants at a rate comparable to borax pentahydrate.