Soil Slurry Recirculation for As-Collected Nutrient Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil sampling processes are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring drying and grinding of samples before analysis, which slows down the process and limits the ability to analyze multiple samples simultaneously for various chemical properties.
Innovation Solution
An automated computer-controlled sampling system that processes agricultural samples, such as soil, in their 'as collected' condition, using a sample preparation subsystem to create a slurry and a chemical analysis subsystem for rapid and simultaneous analysis of multiple samples for different analytes and chemical properties without the need for drying and grinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional drying and grinding processes are used for soil samples, then sample preparation is thorough, but the analysis process becomes slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the sample from dried and ground solid to wet slurry form. This parameter change eliminates the need for drying and grinding steps while still allowing for effective chemical analysis, thereby reducing analysis time while maintaining adequate sample preparation quality for nutrient extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential preparation steps needed for analysis by removing the drying and grinding operations. By taking out these time-consuming steps and using a slurry-based approach, the system achieves rapid analysis while still obtaining sufficient sample preparation for accurate chemical property measurement
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple samples are processed sequentially through traditional methods, then each sample receives adequate preparation, but the overall productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous processing where multiple samples can be prepared and analyzed in a continuous flow manner using the slurry system. The automated sample preparation and analysis system maintains continuous operation without the need to stop between samples for drying and grinding, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining analysis accuracy through consistent chemical extraction processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sample processing operations into a unified slurry-based system. By merging sample preparation, mixing, and analysis into an integrated continuous process, the system can handle multiple samples simultaneously or in rapid succession, improving overall productivity while maintaining adequate preparation quality for accurate results
3Productivity
If automated sample processing is implemented, then analysis speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal automated sample preparation system that handles multiple sample types and analysis requirements through a single integrated platform. The system uses standardized slurry preparation and chemical extraction processes that can analyze various agricultural parameters (nutrients, pH, organic matter) without requiring separate equipment for each test, thereby increasing productivity while managing system complexity through multi-functionality
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
Enables rapid and efficient analysis of multiple agricultural samples for various chemical properties, improving the speed and accuracy of soil testing and other agricultural analyses, allowing for real-time data collection and informed decision-making in agricultural field management.
Implementation Method 1
a mixing device which mixes the collected raw soil sample in the 'as sampled' condition with a diluent such as water to form a sample slurry
Implementation Method 2
The unfiltered slurry is then coarsely filtered through a coarse filter unit to remove larger than desired oversized solid particles
Implementation Method 3
The filtered slurry (filtrate) then enters a closed slurry recirculation flow loop configured to circulate the slurry for determining the water to solids ratio of the slurry
Implementation Method 4
various components forming integral parts of the flow loop are configured to circulate the slurry in the closed flow loop, suppress pressure surges, measure slurry density
Implementation Method 5
the slurry is extracted from the slurry recirculation flow loop and filtered through a fine filter unit which forms an integral component of the slurry recirculation flow path
Implementation Method 6
The extracted and filtered slurry is then processed through chemical analysis sub-system which quantifies the concentration or level of the analyte(s) of interest
Data Source
AI summary
An automated computer-controlled sampling system and related methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural samples for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The sampling system allows multiple samples to be processed and analyzed for different analytes or chemical properties in a simultaneous concurrent or semi-concurrent manner. Advantageously, the system can process soil samples in the “as collected” condition without drying or grinding. The system generally includes a sample preparation sub-system which receives soil samples collected by a probe collection sub-system and produces a slurry (e.g., mixture of soil, vegetation, and/or manure and water), and a chemical analysis sub-system which processes the prepared slurry samples for quantifying multiple analytes and/or chemical properties of the sample. The preparation sub-system may comprise a slurry recirculation flow loop configured with devices to stir, measure, and adjust a water to solids ratio of the slurry.