NBPT Solvent Systems for Fertilizer Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urease inhibitors, such as NBPT, are difficult to handle due to their sticky, waxy, heat, and water-sensitive nature, making it challenging to evenly distribute them in solid or liquid fertilizer forms, leading to nitrogen loss through volatilization in agricultural applications.
Innovation Solution
A solvent system containing alkyl thiophosphoric triamides, specifically N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide, is developed, combining with solvents like dibasic esters, dioxolanes, ester-amides, and alkyldimethylamides to create a stable and biodegradable liquid formulation for even distribution in urea-based fertilizers, reducing nitrogen loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NBPT is used in solid form, then it provides urease inhibition activity, but it is difficult to handle and distribute evenly due to its sticky, waxy nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of NBPT from solid to liquid by dissolving it in a solvent system. This parameter change eliminates the handling difficulties associated with solid NBPT while maintaining its urease inhibition activity. The liquid formulation allows for even distribution in fertilizer granules without the sticky, waxy problems of solid NBPT.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solvent system as an intermediary medium to carry and distribute NBPT. The solvent acts as a mediator between the NBPT and the fertilizer matrix, enabling even distribution and facilitating handling while preserving the active ingredient's functionality.
2Reliability
If NBPT is used at low concentrations, then it provides sufficient urease inhibition, but it is difficult to evenly distribute on urea prills and in soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes NBPT from a solid to a liquid state through solvent dissolution, which enables uniform distribution at low concentrations. The liquid formulation allows the active ingredient to disperse evenly throughout the fertilizer matrix and soil, achieving precise distribution that is impossible with solid NBPT.
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent system serves as an intermediary that facilitates the distribution of NBPT at low concentrations. It acts as a carrier medium that ensures uniform dispersion in both liquid and solid fertilizer forms, achieving even distribution without requiring high concentrations of the active ingredient.
3Productivity
If NBPT is applied to prevent nitrogen loss, then it increases nitrogen availability to plants, but ammonia volatilization still occurs when applied near soil surface
Solution Approach 1:
The solvent system acts as an intermediary that modifies the delivery mechanism of NBPT. By formulating NBPT in a liquid solvent, the patent enables better penetration and distribution into the soil profile, reducing the amount that remains on the surface and thus minimizing ammonia volatilization while maintaining nitrogen availability.
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 solvent system enhances the stability and solubility of NBPT, improving its distribution in fertilizers, thereby increasing the availability of nitrogen to plants, leading to improved crop yield and quality by minimizing ammonia volatilization.
Implementation Method 1
NBPT is a sticky, waxy, heat and water sensitive material, which cannot be used in its solid form... the use of a solvent system containing the NBPT is desirable as, in its liquid form, the solvent system is capable of distributing the NBPT into granular urea
Implementation Method 2
Urease inhibitors are used to protect a farmer's investment in fertilizers by preventing the breakdown of urea by urease... NBPT (N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide) faces drawbacks in its use as NBPT is extremely difficult to handle
Data Source
AI summary
Solvent systems for the formulation of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide urease inhibitors, that provide stable dispersion of alkyl thiophosphoric triamides for even distribution (in low or high concentrations) onto fertilizers containing urea in liquid or solid form.