Metsulfuron-methyl Crystalline Form for Spray Equipment Cleanout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The amorphous form of metsulfuron-methyl is highly viscous, leading to residue contamination in spray equipment, making cleanout procedures time-consuming and resulting in wastewater disposal issues, necessitating a novel form with improved solubility and viscosity for effective use in agrochemical compositions.
Innovation Solution
A crystalline modification of metsulfuron-methyl with increased solubility and decreased viscosity, characterized by specific X-ray powder diffractogram reflexes and IR spectroscopy, is developed, allowing for easier formulation in spray equipment and improved cleanout properties, achieved through dissolution and crystallization from suitable solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If amorphous metsulfuron-methyl is used, then it can be manufactured using conventional processes, but it exhibits high viscosity and poor spray equipment cleanout properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the physical state of metsulfuron-methyl from amorphous to crystalline form. This phase transition fundamentally alters the material's properties, reducing viscosity and improving solubility, which directly addresses the spray equipment cleanout issue while maintaining manufacturability through established crystallization processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention explicitly utilizes phase transitions by converting amorphous metsulfuron-methyl into crystalline form through controlled crystallization from solvent systems. This phase change is the core mechanism that resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and ease of operation, as the crystalline form exhibits superior flow and cleanout properties
2Ease of manufacture
If amorphous metsulfuron-methyl is used, then conventional manufacturing processes can be applied, but it leaves residues in spray equipment requiring time-consuming rinsing
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the physical state parameter from amorphous to crystalline, the patent reduces the time required for spray equipment cleanout. The crystalline form's improved solubility and reduced viscosity allow for faster rinsing and complete removal from equipment, directly addressing the time loss issue while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The phase transition from amorphous to crystalline form is the key mechanism that reduces cleanout time. The structured crystalline lattice enables better dissolution and removal from spray equipment compared to the amorphous form, significantly reducing the time required for adequate cleanout procedures
3Ease of manufacture
If amorphous metsulfuron-methyl is used, then it can be produced by existing methods, but it creates wastewater disposal problems due to residue contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from amorphous to crystalline form, which reduces residue contamination and subsequent wastewater disposal problems. The crystalline structure's superior solubility characteristics minimize persistent residues that would otherwise contaminate wastewater streams, while still using established production methods
Solution Approach 2:
The phase transition to crystalline form is the primary mechanism for reducing harmful wastewater effects. The crystalline structure enables more complete dissolution and removal from spray equipment, reducing the amount of active ingredient that would otherwise enter wastewater systems and require costly treatment or disposal
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 crystalline modification of metsulfuron-methyl enhances spray equipment clean-out properties, reduces residue contamination, and facilitates easier formulation into commercial agrochemical compositions, such as suspension concentrates and water-dispersible granules, while maintaining herbicidal effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A crystalline modification of metsulfuron-methyl... is developed, allowing for easier formulation in spray equipment and improved cleanout properties, achieved through dissolution and crystallization from suitable solvents.
Data Source
AI summary
A crystalline form of metsulfuron-methyl of formula (I), the crystal preparation process, the analyses of the crystal through various analytical methods and using the crystal to prepare stable agrochemical formulation. The invention also describes the use of various solvents towards the crystalline form preparation conditions.