Plasma NOx Absorption Loops for Ammonia Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively reduce ammonia loss, odor, and greenhouse gas emissions from organic materials like manure and organic waste, while maintaining nutrient balance and inhibiting biological nitrification and de-nitrification, leading to environmental and agronomic challenges.
Innovation Solution
A process using a plasma generator to produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) which are absorbed into multiple absorption loops with varying pH levels to form acidic solutions, controlling ammonia loss and odor, and inhibiting nitrification and de-nitrification by adjusting pH to 4-6 and using nitric acid to oxidize remaining gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If organic fertilizer is produced using conventional aerobic or anaerobic digestion, then organic waste is converted into nutrient-rich fertilizer, but the nitrogen content remains insufficient for optimal plant growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the fertilizer by introducing nitrate (NO3-) at concentrations of 10-50 mM, transforming it from a nitrogen-deficient organic fertilizer into a nitrogen-enriched product that supports optimal plant growth without requiring synthetic nitrogen additives
2Quantity of substance
If synthetic nitrogen is added to organic fertilizer to increase nitrogen content, then plant growth support is improved, but the organic and natural composition of the fertilizer is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nitrate as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between organic fertilizer and plant nitrogen needs. The nitrate is incorporated into the organic matrix, providing bioavailable nitrogen while maintaining the fertilizer's organic certification and natural composition, avoiding the need for synthetic nitrogen additives
3Quantity of substance
If nitrate is added to organic fertilizer to enrich nitrogen content, then plant growth support is improved, but bacterial growth in the fertilizer is promoted which can deplete nutrients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by specifying precise nitrate concentration ranges (10-50 mM) that provide sufficient nitrogen for plant growth while remaining below thresholds that would trigger excessive bacterial proliferation. This localized optimization of nitrate concentration balances nutrient availability with microbial stability
4Quantity of substance
If conventional aerobic or anaerobic digestion is used to process organic waste, then organic fertilizer is produced, but the process requires large volumes and extended time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-enriching the organic fertilizer with nitrate before application to plants. This preliminary nitrogen enrichment eliminates the need for lengthy aerobic or anaerobic digestion processes, reducing processing time from months to days while maintaining fertilizer quality and eliminating the need for large processing volumes
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 process significantly reduces ammonia loss, odor, and greenhouse gas emissions, enhances nutrient balance, and inhibits biological processes, achieving efficient nitrogen recovery and utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The organic fertilizer is then treated with air plasma to enrich it with nitrogen.
Implementation Method 2
The organic fertilizer is then treated with air plasma to enrich it with nitrogen, thereby converting it into a high-quality plant nutrient
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process suitable for reducing ammonia loss and odor from organic material to the atmosphere. The process comprises feeding air to a plasma generator to produce a concentration of 0.1-12% by volume of NOx in the air by direct nitrogen fixation. Cooled air containing NOx from the plasma generator is fed to an absorption system comprising at least two absorption loops, wherein a first absorption liquid is circulating in the first absorption loop and a second absorption liquid is circulating in the second absorption loop. The air containing NOx is absorbed into the first absorption liquid to form an acidic solution comprising nitrates and nitrites. Off gases containing NO from the first absorption loop is fed to the second absorption loop, and the off gases containing NO are absorbed into the second absorption liquid having a lower pH than the first absorption liquid. The remaining NO in off gases from the second absorption loop is oxidized to NO2.