Anhydrous Ammonia Boost Pump for Low-Temperature Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anhydrous ammonia (NH3) application systems fail to maintain a minimum flow rate and pressure for soil injection when ambient temperatures are low, leading to insufficient or non-uniform NH3 coverage, especially in fall and winter seasons.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor and control logic system that activates a boost pump to maintain a minimum flow rate and pressure of NH3 from the storage tank to the soil, ensuring consistent coverage by supplementing tank pressure as needed, with the pump running only when necessary to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system relies on ambient temperature to vaporize NH3 and generate pressure, then the system structure remains simple, but the NH3 flow rate and pressure become insufficient when ambient temperature is low
Solution Approach 1:
The boost pump is pre-installed in the system and can be activated before temperature conditions become critical. The controller monitors temperature and proactively engages the pump when ambient temperature drops below thresholds needed for sufficient vaporization, ensuring reliable flow rates are maintained before deficiencies occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The boost pump acts as an intermediary device between the storage tank and the delivery system. It supplements the natural vaporization pressure with mechanical pressure when temperature conditions are insufficient, mediating the gap between ambient conditions and required delivery pressure to maintain reliable NH3 flow.
2Reliability
If the boost pump runs continuously to maintain minimum flow rate, then NH3 delivery is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boost pump operation transitions from static (continuous or off) to dynamic (on-demand). The controller continuously monitors ambient temperature and NH3 pressure, adjusting pump operation in real-time based on actual conditions. The pump activates only when temperature indicates insufficient vaporization pressure and deactivates when natural vaporization becomes sufficient, optimizing energy use while maintaining reliable delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the controller monitors both ambient temperature and actual NH3 pressure/flow conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust boost pump operation dynamically, activating the pump only when monitoring data indicates insufficient natural vaporization pressure, thereby minimizing power consumption while ensuring reliable NH3 delivery.
3Device complexity
If the NH3 pressure varies with temperature, then no additional equipment is needed, but the application uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boost pump serves as a pressure-regulating intermediary that compensates for temperature-induced pressure variations. When ambient temperature causes pressure to drop below the threshold for uniform application, the pump supplements pressure to maintain consistent flow rates, ensuring uniform NH3 distribution across the treatment area regardless of temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system actively manages the pressure parameter by introducing mechanical pressure supplementation when thermal pressure becomes insufficient. The controller adjusts the boost pump output to maintain pressure within the optimal range for uniform application, transforming the passive temperature-dependent pressure system into an actively regulated pressure system that delivers consistent application rates.
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
Ensures a continuous and uniform application of NH3 into the soil regardless of ambient temperature, maintaining a target flow rate and pressure for efficient nitrogen content increase in agricultural fields.
Implementation Method 1
a boost pump is used to assist in transferring at least a minimum pressure and flow rate of NH3 from storage tank to tool bar
Implementation Method 2
A pressure sensor and control logic monitors the pressure of the NH3 flow
Implementation Method 3
NH3 expands nearly 100 times its stored volume when vaporized or in its gaseous state. Thus, if the ambient temperature is sufficiently high to move the temperature of the stored NH3 above its vaporization temperature of −28 degrees F., at least some of the NH3 in the storage tank vaporizes at its vaporization temperature, generating pressure within the tank
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus and method for enabling at least a minimum pressure and flow rate of stored NH3 from a storage tank to knives for injection into soil, regardless of ambient temperature. A pressure sensor and control valve monitors the pressure of the NH3 flow. If the sensed pressure drops below a desired minimum, e.g., 0.5 psi, a controller drives the control valve to open and also signals ramping up of a boost pump. The boost pump pumps NH3 from the storage tank to ensure maintenance of a minimum flow rate and pressure of NH3 from the tank to the soil. The pump runs on-demand only as needed, thereby reducing power requirements when the pump is not needed to supplement NH3 tank pressure.