Polyhalite Potassium Sulphate Fertilizer Granule Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chloride-free potash fertilizers have limitations such as complex operations and potential pollution, and existing fertilizers do not effectively control the release of nutrients to plants, leading to chloride toxicity and reduced crop yield.
Innovation Solution
A fertilizer granule comprising 30-70% Polyhalite and 70-30% potassium sulphate, with an optional binder, is produced through a compaction process involving mixing, heating, and sieving, which results in a chloride-free granule with enhanced strength and controlled nutrient release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional chloride-free potash fertilizers are used, then potassium and sulphate nutrients are provided, but the operation becomes complex and pollution may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polyhalite (containing K, Ca, Mg, S) and potassium sulphate into a single composite granule fertilizer, merging multiple nutrient sources into one product. This eliminates the need for separate application of multiple fertilizers, simplifying operations while providing comprehensive nutrients including potassium and sulphate without chloride
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite fertilizer granule containing polyhalite and potassium sulphate in specific ratios (30-70% polyhalite and 70-30% potassium sulphate). This composite material approach provides multiple nutrients in a single formulated product, reducing operational complexity compared to using separate fertilizers while maintaining chloride-free conditions
2Quantity of substance
If traditional fertilizers are used to provide nutrients, then plant growth is supported, but nutrient release cannot be controlled leading to chloride toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the composition parameters by formulating a chloride-free composite granule with specific ratios of polyhalite (14% K2O, 48% SO3) and potassium sulphate. By controlling the chemical composition and excluding chloride entirely, the fertilizer provides nutrients in a safe form that prevents chloride toxicity while maintaining effective nutrient availability for plant growth
3Quantity of substance
If fertilizer granules are produced with high nutrient content, then plant growth is enhanced, but granule strength is insufficient leading to poor handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding binders (such as starch, bentonite, or lignosulfonates) and water to the polyhalite and potassium sulphate mixture before granulation. This preliminary binding action ensures that when the granules are formed through compaction, they achieve sufficient strength (at least 1.3 Kg granule strength) to handle high nutrient concentrations without crumbling during storage or application
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 granule provides superior strength and controlled release of potassium and sulphate nutrients, reducing chloride toxicity and improving crop yield by maintaining chloride-free conditions and optimizing nutrient absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the binder may be selected from the group including organic or inorganic binders, such as, starch, bentonite, sodium silicate, lignosulfonates, molasses, hydrated lime, bitumen, Portland cement, clay, acids (nitric, hydrochloric, phosphoric, sulphuric), cellulose gum, sucrose, water, water glass, cements, or combinations thereof
Implementation Method 2
heating the mixture to a temperature between 80-180° C.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some demonstrative embodiments, there is provided herein a fertilizer granule comprising Polyhalite and potassium sulphate, wherein said Polyhalite is present in a concentration of 30-70% w/w and said Potassium Sulphate is present in a concentration of 70-30% w/w, wherein the strength of granule immediately after production 1.3 Kg granule.