Molten Petroleum Adjuvant Granule Coating for Herbicide Uptake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing granular weed control products face challenges in effectively penetrating the waxy cuticle layer of weed plants, limiting the uptake of herbicides and requiring separate application steps for adjuvants and herbicides, which increases time, labor, and costs.
Innovation Solution
A herbicide-adjuvant composition combining a phenoxy-based herbicide with a petroleum-based adjuvant, specifically a mixture of alicyclic hydrocarbons and hydro-treated heavy naphthenic distillate, is applied as a molten solution to granules, allowing for a single-step application that softens the cuticle layer and enhances herbicide penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate application steps are used for adjuvants and herbicides, then application effectiveness is maintained, but time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjuvant and herbicide into a single granular composition, merging two separate application steps into one. The adjuvant is incorporated into the granule structure itself, allowing simultaneous delivery of both components to the target plant, thereby reducing application time and labor while maintaining effectiveness
2Reliability
If liquid adjuvants are applied separately, then cuticle penetration is improved, but application complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuvant is integrated into the granular herbicide formulation, combining the penetrant function with the herbicide delivery system. This eliminates the need for separate liquid adjuvant application equipment and procedures, reducing application complexity while preserving cuticle penetration enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The adjuvant is transformed from a liquid phase to being incorporated within a solid granular matrix, changing its physical state and delivery mechanism. This allows the adjuvant to be applied simultaneously with the herbicide in a dry granular form, simplifying the application process
3Reliability
If higher herbicide application rates are used, then weed control effectiveness is maintained, but environmental impact and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuvant acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates enhanced herbicide uptake and translocation within the plant. By improving the efficiency of herbicide delivery and movement through plant tissues, less herbicide is required to achieve the same level of weed control effectiveness
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 solution significantly increases the translocation of active ingredients into weed plants, achieving higher weed control rates with reduced herbicide application rates and simplified application processes, while maintaining a safe and effective solvent profile.
Implementation Method 1
This type of adjuvant can improve cuticular penetration by softening, plasticizing, or dissolving cuticular waxes
Implementation Method 2
This type of adjuvant can improve cuticular penetration by softening, plasticizing, or dissolving cuticular waxes
Implementation Method 3
The mixing may occur at a temperature in a range from 200° F. to 280° F.
Data Source
AI summary
Herbicide-adjuvant composition compositions for controlling weed plants are disclosed. A herbicide-adjuvant composition includes a phenoxy-based herbicide and a petroleum-based adjuvant. The petroleum-based adjuvant may include a mixture of alicyclic hydrocarbons ranging from C17 to C29 and a hydro-treated heavy naphthenic distillate. The herbicide-adjuvant composition may include a viscosity modifier. Also disclosed are granules coated in a herbicide-adjuvant composition. The granule may be a fertilizer granule or a carrier granule. A method of controlling a weed plant including spreading a plurality of granules coated with a herbicide-adjuvant composition on the weed plant. The phenoxy-based herbicide and the petroleum-based adjuvant are spread on the weed plant in a single step.