NBPT Urea Stabilizer Composition Prevents Dust

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current urea fertilizers suffer from significant nitrogen volatilization due to urease degradation, leading to nitrogen loss as ammonia, and existing solutions like NBPT formulations face issues with precipitation, dust formation, and equipment adherence, increasing costs and reducing effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A nitrogen stabilizing composition comprising 10% to 18% NBPT, a solvent (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone with propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, morpholine, and glycerine), a light oil (vegetable oil), and an emulsifier (sunflower lecithin) is developed, which is applied to urea fertilizers to inhibit volatilization and prevent dust formation, maintaining stability and ease of application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If NBPT is used to prevent nitrogen volatilization, then nitrogen loss from volatilization is reduced, but NBPT precipitates and forms dust that adheres to equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenitrogen lossVSAvoiddust formation and equipment adherence

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a multi-component solvent system (NMP, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, morpholine, glycerine) as an intermediary medium to dissolve NBPT and prevent precipitation. This solvent mediator keeps NBPT in solution form, eliminating dust formation and equipment adherence problems while maintaining the volatilization prevention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the NBPT formulation by adjusting concentration (10-18% w/w) and modifying the solvent composition ratios. These parameter changes transform NBPT from a precipitating solid into a stable liquid solution, resolving the dust formation issue while preserving nitrogen stabilization efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing NBPT formulations are applied to urea fertilizer, then nitrogen volatilization is inhibited, but the formulations are costly and less effective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenitrogen stabilization effectivenessVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite formulation combining NBPT with a specific mixture of solvents (NMP, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, morpholine, glycerine) and optional additives (vegetable oil, emulsifier, surfactant). This composite material approach optimizes both effectiveness and cost by selecting commercially available components that work synergistically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The solvent system performs multiple functions simultaneously: dissolving NBPT, preventing precipitation, reducing surface tension for better coating, and providing cost-effective formulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional additives and simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of substance

If NBPT formulations are applied to urea fertilizer, then nitrogen volatilization is reduced, but coating uniformity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveammonia emissionsVSAvoidcoating uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The solvent system acts as a coating intermediary that provides optimal viscosity and wetting properties. The combination of NMP, glycols, and optional surfactants creates a formulation that spreads uniformly across urea granule surfaces, ensuring consistent NBPT distribution and effective coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes formulation parameters including NBPT concentration (10-18% w/w), solvent ratios, and optional additive concentrations to achieve ideal coating characteristics. These parameter adjustments ensure uniform application and distribution on fertilizer granules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces ammonia emissions, maintains NBPT in solution, prevents dust and equipment adherence, and allows for even coating and application, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nitrogen stabilization in urea fertilizers.

Implementation Method 1

Urea is degraded by the enzyme urease, an enzyme that is ubiquitous in agricultural systems. Urease degradation of urea results in the loss of nitrogen from soil as ammonia in a process called volatilization.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme inhibition: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

dissolving N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) in a solvent comprising N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and two or more of propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, morpholine and glycerine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

adding a vegetable oil and an emulsifier to the mixture from step (a)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS10183897B2Compositions and methods for reducing nitrogen volatilization of urea fertilizers

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 ACTIVE AGRISCIENCE INC

AI summary

A nitrogen stabilizing composition is provided. The composition includes 10% to 18% w/w N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), a light oil, an emulsifier, and a solvent including N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and two or more of propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, morpholine and glycerine.