Potassium Calcium Polyphosphate Aqueous Dispersion for Liquid Fertilizer Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Divalent metal phosphates have been limited as fertilizers due to their production as solid materials, restricting their application to solid forms like pellets, which do not leverage their slow, controlled release properties effectively for plant nutrients.
Innovation Solution
A stable aqueous dispersion of potassium calcium polyphosphate is created by reacting tetrapotassium pyrophosphate with a water-soluble calcium salt, resulting in a flowable liquid fertilizer with specific viscosity and particle size characteristics, allowing for novel liquid application methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If divalent metal phosphates are produced as solid materials, then they can be manufactured and stored easily, but their application methods are limited and nutrient release efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the physical state of divalent metal phosphates from solid to liquid dispersion form. This parameter change enables new application methods such as liquid spraying and irrigation while maintaining the controlled-release properties of the original solid material. The liquid dispersion contains suspended particles of the phosphate compound that can be delivered efficiently to plants through various liquid application systems.
2Reliability
If divalent metal phosphates are produced as solid pellets, then they are stable for storage, but nutrient mobility and plant uptake efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes liquid hydraulic systems to deliver the phosphate nutrients. By formulating the divalent metal phosphates as a liquid dispersion with suspended particles, the invention enables transport and application through liquid flow systems such as irrigation networks and spray equipment, significantly improving nutrient mobility and delivery efficiency compared to solid pellet forms.
3Duration of action of moving object
If concentrated potassium hydroxide and phosphoric acid are co-reacted to produce potassium divalent metal phosphate, then the controlled-release fertilizer is formed, but the product remains water-insoluble and requires solid application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system consisting of water-insoluble divalent metal phosphate particles suspended in an aqueous dispersion medium. This composite structure maintains the controlled-release properties of the original phosphate compound while the liquid dispersion vehicle provides ease of application. The suspended particles remain intact and functional while being delivered in a convenient liquid form.
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 stable aqueous dispersion provides a flowable liquid fertilizer that effectively delivers nutrients to plants, enhancing nutrient mobility and availability while maintaining stability and shelf life, overcoming the limitations of solid forms.
Implementation Method 1
reacting tetrapotassium pyrophosphate with a water-soluble calcium salt, resulting in a flowable liquid fertilizer
Implementation Method 2
aqueous dispersion comprising water and potassium calcium polyphosphate dispersed within the water
Implementation Method 3
potassium calcium polyphosphate dispersed within the water as described in claim 1
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous dispersion comprising water and potassium calcium polyphosphate dispersed within the water.