Prohexadione Calcium Granulate with Solid Acidifier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formulations of carboxy-containing growth regulators like prohexadione salts require complex preparation, involve handling irritant citric acid, and are prone to errors, making them difficult and time-consuming for farmers to use, especially when mixed with hard water.
Innovation Solution
A granulate comprising prohexadione calcium and a solid acidulant, such as hydrogen sulfate or hydrogen phosphate, which is easy to handle, storage-stable, and can maintain high biological effectiveness even when diluted with hard water, produced using extrusion or fluidized bed granulation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If citric acid is added to adjust pH and improve solubility, then absorption of active ingredient is faster, but preparation complexity increases and handling safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the growth regulator (prohexadione calcium) with the acidulant (citric acid) into a single pre-formulated granulate product. This merging eliminates the need for farmers to separately handle and mix citric acid with the growth regulator, thereby reducing preparation complexity and handling safety risks while maintaining the fast absorption benefit through the pre-acidified formulation.
2Quantity of substance
If citric acid is added to adjust pH, then solubility in water improves, but storage space requirements and handling safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the growth regulator and acidulant into a single pre-formulated granulate, eliminating the need for farmers to separately store and handle citric acid. The acidulant is already incorporated at the appropriate concentration to ensure good solubility while removing the safety hazards associated with handling pure citric acid during application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then formulation flexibility is maintained, but preparation time and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-formulating the growth regulator with the acidulant and other necessary components into a complete granulate product before delivery to the farmer. This preliminary formulation eliminates the need for farmers to perform complex mixing operations at the time of application, significantly reducing preparation time and minimizing errors while maintaining the flexibility to adjust application rates based on crop needs.
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 granulate simplifies the preparation process, eliminates the need for additional acidulants, and ensures quick dispersion in water, enhancing the absorption and efficiency of the active ingredient, particularly under unfavorable application conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The granules are very stable in storage and can be diluted with hard water without homogenization. The granules advantageously disperse quickly and completely in water.
Implementation Method 2
The spray mixture is usually prepared by adding water (e.g. tap water or well water) to the prohexadione salt in the spray tank and then setting a slightly acidic pH value by adding citric acid.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a granulate comprising a carboxylic growth regulator and a solid acidifier. The invention further relates to a method for producing the granulate by extrusion or fluidized bed granulation. The invention further relates to a use of the granulate for producing an aqueous spray mixture, in which the granulate is brought into contact with water, and the use of the granulate for regulating the growth of plants.