Non-Aqueous Polymer Suspensions for Stable Drift Control Sprays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural spray formulations using guar gum derivatives in aqueous mediums face challenges such as hydration difficulties, agglomeration, and settling, leading to reduced drift control efficacy and nozzle plugging, while non-aqueous compositions lack stability and effective drift reduction.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous suspension comprising a carrier fluid, a water-soluble polymer, a suspending agent, and an emulsifier, specifically using glycols, polysaccharides, and a copolymer of monoethylenically unsaturated monomers with carboxylic groups and (meth)acrylic acid esters, to create stable and pourable formulations that reduce spray drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If powdery guar gum is added to aqueous spray formulations, then drift control is achieved, but agglomeration and lumps form causing spray difficulty and nozzle plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the drift control agent from solid powder to liquid concentrate form, and changes the continuous phase from aqueous to non-aqueous (oil-based) medium. This eliminates the hydration step that causes agglomeration while maintaining the polymer's drift control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a surfactant/emulsifier as an intermediary substance that enables stable dispersion of the water-soluble polymer in the non-aqueous oil-based carrier. This intermediary prevents phase separation and ensures homogeneous mixing without requiring water.
2Reliability
If concentrated liquid water-based guar containing compositions are used, then drift control is improved, but settling occurs on standing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the continuous phase parameter from water-based to oil-based non-aqueous medium. This fundamental parameter change prevents the settling issue that occurs in water-based concentrates while maintaining polymer functionality through appropriate surfactant selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation system combining oil-based carrier, water-soluble polymer, and surfactant in specific proportions. This composite structure provides both stability against settling and effective drift control performance.
3Productivity
If rapid addition of powder to aqueous medium occurs, then mixing speed is increased, but insufficient dispersion causes agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase system parameter from aqueous to non-aqueous medium, eliminating the need for gradual powder addition and hydration steps. The liquid concentrate form allows for rapid, complete mixing while maintaining uniform dispersion through the surfactant's stabilizing action.
4Reliability
If aqueous spray formulations are used, then drift control agents can be effectively applied, but environmental impact and chemical contact risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from water to non-aqueous oil-based carrier. This eliminates water from the formulation, preventing water-related environmental issues such as watercourse pollution and groundwater contamination while maintaining drift 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 provides stable, non-aqueous suspensions that maintain effective drift control, prevent settling, and ensure consistent application, reducing environmental impact and operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
The drift control agents (or anti-drift agents) change the viscoelastic properties of the sprayed liquid, more specifically its elongational viscosity, and its tendency to separate into smaller droplets.
Implementation Method 2
a) from 20 to 90 wt % (% by weight) of a carrier fluid selected from the group consisting of glycols, polyglycols, glycol ethers, glycol esters, lactate esters, or mixtures thereof; b) from 2 to 60 wt % of a water-soluble polymer dispersed in said carrier fluid; c) from 0.5 to 15 wt % of a suspending agent
Implementation Method 3
d) from 1 to 20 wt % of an emulsifier
Data Source
AI summary
Non-aqueous suspensions of water-soluble polymers may comprise water-soluble polymers selected among polysaccharides, derivatives of polysaccharides, and mixtures thereof and may further comprise a carrier fluid, an emulsifier, and a suspending agent. The suspending agent may be obtained by polymerization of: (I) from 20 to 70% by weight of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a carboxylic group; (II) from 20 to 70% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester; (III) from 0 to 3% by weight of a polyethylenically unsaturated monomer; and (IV) from 0 to 10% by weight of a nonionic acrylic associative monomer. The sum of I and II may represent at least 80% by weight of the monomer mixture.