Urease Inhibitor Composition Oxidizing NBPT to Extend Urea Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urease inhibitors, such as NBPT, have limited longevity and efficiency in soil due to rapid decomposition and the need for oxidation to form the active compound NBPTO, which is not effectively catalyzed by oxygen, limiting the extended protection of urea fertilizer in soil.
Innovation Solution
A fertilizer composition combining urea, NBPT, and an oxidizer, such as hydrogen peroxide or potassium persulfate, to enhance urease inhibition and extend the longevity of urea protection by oxidizing NBPT to NBPTO, either by pre-mixing or applying them separately to the soil, forming a coating, or dissolving in a solvent for application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NBPT is applied as a urease inhibitor, then urea stability is improved, but the duration of action is limited to about one week due to decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-oxidizes NBPT to form NBPTO (the active oxidized form) before application to soil. This preliminary oxidation action ensures that the inhibitor is already in its most effective state upon contact with urea, maximizing the duration and effectiveness of urease inhibition beyond the typical one-week limit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of NBPT from reduced to oxidized form (NBPTO) by controlling oxidation parameters during formulation. This parameter change transforms NBPT into a more stable and long-lasting urease inhibitor that maintains effectiveness for extended periods in soil conditions
2Reliability
If oxidation is used to convert NBPT to active NBPTO, then urease inhibition is enhanced, but oxygen alone is insufficient without metallic catalysts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces oxidizing agents as intermediary substances that facilitate the conversion of NBPT to NBPTO. These intermediaries (such as hydrogen peroxide, potassium persulfate, or other oxidizers) mediate the oxidation process without requiring complex metallic catalyst systems, simplifying the overall formulation while achieving effective NBPTO generation in soil
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for metallic catalysts (complex chemical system) with alternative oxidation mechanisms using various oxidizing agents. This substitution achieves the same oxidation of NBPT to NBPTO through different chemical pathways that are equally effective but avoid the complexity of catalyst systems
3Ease of operation
If NBPT is dissolved and spread with urea, then urea can be applied as aqueous solution, but NBPT decomposes through competitive process during oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary oxidation of NBPT to NBPTO during the formulation or coating stage, before application to the field. This advance oxidation prevents subsequent competitive decomposition during field oxidation, as the active inhibitor form is already established and protected in the formulated product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides protective formulation conditions (such as controlled oxidation environment, protective coatings, or stabilizing additives) during product manufacturing that cushion and protect NBPT from premature decomposition. This beforehand protection ensures that when the product is applied and oxidized in the field, maximum amounts of NBPT convert to active NBPTO without excessive loss
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 composition significantly increases urease inhibition, delaying the transformation of urea to ammonia, allowing for extended nitrogen absorption and dissipation into the soil, with up to an eight-fold increase in urease inhibition demonstrated.
Implementation Method 1
The oxidizer component can improve the urease inhibition resulting in a delayed urease-catalyzed transformation of urea to ammonium... NBPT is not active itself and it needs time to be oxidized in soil to render the active compound NBPTO
Data Source
AI summary
A fertilizer composition comprising a urea component, a NBPT component, and a oxidizer component. The urease inhibitor fertilizer compositions and methods can include N-(n-Butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (“NBPT”) or oxidized N-(n-Butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (“NBPTO”) and oxidizers for soil treatment can be applied directly to soil or onto urea.