High-Concentration Sulphate Salt Suspension Without Sedimentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilizers, particularly polyhalite, face challenges in forming stable suspensions at high concentrations due to precipitation and sedimentation, which affects their application and efficacy in agricultural and industrial uses.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing a highly concentrated sulphate salt suspension using specific suspending agents like organically modified smectite clays and dispersants, such as Bentone® DY CE and N-octylphosphonic acid, to create a stable suspension with a viscosity of about 2000 cP and density of 1.9 g/cc, allowing for long-term stability without constant agitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of polyhalite are used in a suspension, then the fertilizer provides concentrated nutrients, but the suspension precipitates quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces suspending agents (such as polymers, proteins, or natural substances like starch and cellulose) as intermediary substances that mediate between the sulphate salt particles and the liquid medium. These agents form a protective barrier around particles and increase the liquid's viscosity, preventing direct particle-to-particle contact and aggregation, thereby maintaining suspension stability at high concentrations without requiring the suspending agent itself to be the active fertilizer ingredient
2Ease of manufacture
If dry powdered fertilizers are used, then they provide convenient storage and handling, but they scatter when winds are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from dry powdered form to a liquid suspension formulation. By dissolving or dispersing the fertilizer in a liquid medium, the product becomes immune to wind scattering while maintaining ease of application through spraying or irrigation systems. The liquid form allows the fertilizer to be delivered precisely to the target area without being affected by atmospheric conditions
3Shape
If granulated fertilizers are used, then they provide better structure than powder, but they do not provide even distribution of fertilizer to plants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses liquid suspension formulation combined with spray application technology to achieve uniform distribution. The liquid form allows for precise control of delivery through spray nozzles, ensuring even coverage across the target area. The suspension can be adjusted to have optimal viscosity for spray performance, and the liquid nature allows it to penetrate and distribute uniformly through soil or onto plant surfaces
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 solution enables the formation of a stable sulphate salt suspension that remains stable for at least one month, facilitating effective fertilization and industrial applications by preventing sedimentation and precipitation, thus enhancing nutrient delivery and usability.
Implementation Method 1
create a stable suspension with a viscosity of about 2000 cP
Implementation Method 2
dispersants, such as Bentone® DY CE and N-octylphosphonic acid
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided herein a suspension comprising at least one sulphate salt in a concentration of at least 50% w/w; and at least one suspending agent.