Foam Formulations for Ultra-Low-Volume Agricultural Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural applications require large volumes of water for active ingredient application, limiting tractor capacity and efficiency, and existing formulations necessitate multiple trips for refilling, which is labor-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Development of an emulsifiable foaming concentrate with an organic phase containing an agriculturally active ingredient and a foaming agent, capable of forming a foam with a low water content, allowing for precise and efficient application at significantly reduced volumes, such as 0.25-1.00 gallons per acre.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional spray formulations are used, then active ingredient can be applied to crops, but large volumes of water (9 gallons/acre) are required, exceeding tractor capacity and requiring multiple refilling trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and composition parameters of the formulation by incorporating foaming agents that transform the liquid concentrate into a foam structure. This parameter change allows the same active ingredient dose to be delivered in a reduced volume (0.25-1.00 gallons per acre versus conventional 9 gallons per acre), resolving the contradiction between quantity of substance and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition by converting the liquid formulation into a foam phase through the action of foaming agents. This phase transition creates a气液 mixture that occupies less liquid volume while maintaining the necessary active ingredient concentration, enabling single-trip application and improving planting efficiency
2Quantity of substance
If multiple trips are made to refill tractor tanks, then adequate water volume is available for treatment, but valuable planting time is lost and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the formulation parameters to create a foam-based system, the patent reduces the total liquid volume required for application by a factor of 9 to 36 compared to conventional sprays. This allows the tractor to carry sufficient treatment volume for the entire field in a single load, eliminating refilling trips and associated time losses
3Quantity of substance
If large volumes of water are used for application, then active ingredient is effectively distributed, but resource efficiency decreases and application precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formulation from a dilute liquid spray to a concentrated foam structure, where the active ingredient is delivered in a much smaller volume (0.25-1.00 gallons per acre). This parameter change improves application precision by reducing the carrier volume and minimizing drift, while also improving resource efficiency by reducing water consumption by a factor of 9 to 36
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 foaming concentrate enables ultra-low-volume, high-precision application of agricultural active ingredients, reducing the volume of liquid needed by a factor of 9 to 36, allowing uninterrupted planting and minimizing waste, while maintaining efficacy and stability over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
an emulsifiable foaming concentrate having (a) an organic phase comprising an agriculturally active ingredient, and an organic solvent, and optionally at least one surfactant, and (b) a second phase comprising at least a foaming agent and optionally a foam stabilizer and (c) a surfactant phase
Implementation Method 2
optionally at least one surfactant, and (b) a second phase comprising at least a foaming agent and optionally a foam stabilizer and (c) a surfactant phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to agricultural formulations containing an agriculturally active ingredient in a suitable solvent system for generating foam containing formulations for application in a furrow in the form of a foam. The agriculturally active ingredient may be an insecticide, a pesticide, a fungicide, an herbicide, a fertilizer, or a combination thereof.