Urea-Based Composition with Magnesium Sulfate for Inhibitor Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Urease inhibitors of the type phosphoric triamide, such as N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (nBTPT), are not stable upon prolonged storage when combined with urea in a particulate form, leading to ammonia volatilization and loss of nitrogen availability for plants.
Innovation Solution
A solid, particulate, homogeneous urea-based composition is formulated with urea, 0.0001 to 1 weight% of a urease inhibitor (nBTPT), and magnesium sulfate, enhancing the stability of the inhibitor and reducing ammonia emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a urease inhibitor of the type phosphoric triamide is combined with particulate urea, then the rate of urea hydrolysis is reduced and ammonia volatilization is minimized, but the inhibitor becomes unstable upon prolonged storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coating layer as an intermediary barrier between the urease inhibitor and the urea core. This coating physically separates the inhibitor from direct contact with urea during storage, preventing degradation reactions while still allowing the inhibitor to function when the fertilizer is applied to soil. The coating acts as a protective mediator that resolves the contradiction between stability during storage and effectiveness during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The fertilizer is segmented into distinct functional layers: a core containing urea and a coating layer containing the urease inhibitor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function - the urea provides nitrogen nutrition while the coated inhibitor protects against ammonia loss. The physical separation through layering prevents the stability issue that arises from intimate mixing during storage.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the amount of urease inhibitor is increased to ensure effectiveness, then ammonia loss is reduced, but the cost and complexity of the fertilizer composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of the urease inhibitor within the coating layer to achieve maximum effectiveness at minimal doses. By carefully controlling the inhibitor concentration and the thickness of the coating layer, the formulation achieves potent ammonia loss prevention without requiring excessive amounts of inhibitor material, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness and compositional simplicity.
3Reliability
If the urease inhibitor is applied in intimate contact with urea particles, then the inhibition effect is maximized, but the homogeneous mixing becomes difficult and segregation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where the urease inhibitor is embedded within a coating matrix that is applied to the urea particles. This composite approach ensures uniform distribution of the inhibitor across all particles while maintaining physical integrity during handling and storage. The coating material acts as a binding matrix that prevents segregation of the inhibitor from the urea core, achieving both homogeneous mixing and reliable inhibition effectiveness.
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 composition maintains the effectiveness of the urease inhibitor, allowing for lower usage amounts and consistent nutrient release, thereby increasing nitrogen availability and reducing ammonia volatilization.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing the stability of the inhibitor
Implementation Method 2
Urea is first hydrolysed in the soil under the action of an enzyme, commonly called urease, to produce ammonia and carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 3
Urease inhibitors are compounds that are capable of temporarily reducing the activity of the enzyme and slow down the rate at which urea is hydrolysed
Implementation Method 4
allowing for lower usage amounts and consistent nutrient release, thereby increasing nitrogen availability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a solid, particulate, homogeneous urea-based composition comprising urea in particulate form and 0.0001 to 1 weight% of a urease inhibitor of the type phosphoric triamide, in particular N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (nBTPT), wherein the urea-based composition is further characterized in that it comprises a magnesium sulfate. The composition according to the invention has been stabilized against the degradation of a urease inhibitor of the type phosphoric triamide, in particular N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (nBTPT) in the presence of urea. The invention further relates to a method for the manufacture of the claimed solid, particulate, homogeneous urea-based composition.