Iron-Based Nutritive Composition via Solid-Solid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing iron-based nutrient compositions are complex, require harsh manufacturing conditions, and result in insoluble products with slow release, making it difficult to achieve bioavailable iron for various applications such as food, microorganism culture, and horticulture.
Innovation Solution
A process involving solid-solid mixing of an iron source with a phosphate source containing polyphosphates to create a water-soluble, iron-based, solid nutrient composition, which is stable and easily bioavailable, eliminating the need for organic compounds and ammonium content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If iron is complexed with organic agents for solubilisation, then iron bioavailability is improved, but the composition becomes unsuitable for food additives and ingestible microorganism culture due to safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameter of the complexing agent from organic compounds to inorganic polyphosphates, maintaining iron solubilisation capability while eliminating safety concerns associated with organic additives in food and ingestible applications
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex organic chelating agents with simpler inorganic polyphosphate compounds that are already approved for food use, effectively using a safer, more acceptable substitute material
2Reliability
If iron is complexed with polyphosphates for solubilisation, then iron bioavailability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and requires drastic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the most complex steps from the manufacturing process - specifically removing the need for high-pressure ammonia treatment and multiple heating/cooling cycles - while maintaining the essential function of creating water-soluble iron polyphosphate complexes through simple mixing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of following the conventional approach of first creating polyphosphate solutions under drastic conditions then adding iron, the invention inverts the sequence by mixing solid iron source with solid polyphosphate source, allowing the reaction to proceed under mild conditions
3Productivity
If conventional processes are used to manufacture iron nutrient compositions, then production is achieved, but the products are insoluble with slow release, reducing immediate bioavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the solubility parameter of the iron product by using polyphosphates that form water-soluble complexes with iron, transforming the product from insoluble/slow-release to immediately soluble and bioavailable form
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system where iron source and polyphosphate source are combined in specific proportions to form a water-soluble complex that maintains both production feasibility and immediate bioavailability
4Reliability
If ammonium polyphosphate is used in the composition, then iron solubilisation is achieved, but the composition becomes unsuitable for certain applications due to ammonium content
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the cation parameter of the polyphosphate from ammonium to alkali metal cations (sodium, potassium), maintaining the iron-complexing capability while eliminating the ammonium content that restricts application versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal iron nutrient composition that can be applied across multiple sectors (food, horticulture, hydroponics, microorganism culture) by removing the ammonium restriction, making the product multi-applicable
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 process yields a polyvalent, inorganic, solid nutrient composition that is easily soluble in water, maintaining bioavailable iron across different pH levels and applications, preventing precipitation and clogging, and ensuring optimal nutrient uptake by plants and microorganisms.
Implementation Method 1
the uptake of minerals (macro- and micronutrients) is essential for the life cycles of these different organisms. However, so that they can be absorbed and acquired it is indispensable that these nutrient elements should be bioavailable i.e. they can be fully solubilised in a solution from which they can be drawn and taken up by these organisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an inorganic solid nutritive composition comprising at least one polyphosphate and at least one source of iron as micronutrient, wherein said composition is water-soluble and comprises an iron content of between 0.1% and 5% by weight of iron relative to the total weight of said solid composition.