TVA Fertilizer Research
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Browsing TVA Fertilizer Research by Subject "Liquid fertilizers"
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- ItemFluid Fertilizer Application Equipment(1967-10) Achorn, Frank P.This document provides an overview of fluid fertilizer application equipment, focusing on metering and pumping systems used in various agricultural applications. The material examines different types of equipment, their operational principles, and their effectiveness in delivering liquid fertilizers accurately and uniformly. The discussion begins with exploring two common methods of metering anhydrous ammonia, utilizing variable orifice meters and piston-type metering pumps. Details are provided on their functioning, including the maintenance of constant pressure and the role of diaphragms and springs. The document then explores different approaches for broadcasting non pressure solutions. It describes a truck-mounted system with a flooding-type nozzle, where application rates are adjusted based on pressure and air agitation. Another technique uses multiple nozzles and a recirculating pump, highlighting the challenges of achieving uniform application rates due to overlapping. Additionally, a slinger-type applicator is presented as an effective solution for suspensions. Row and pre-plant applications of nonpressure solutions are addressed, focusing on gravity-flow systems and constant head metering. The latter involves converting a drum into a metering system, ensuring airtightness, and utilizing an orifice disk for rate control. The material also discusses positive displacement pumps, such as piston-type pumps suitable for liquid fertilizers and aqua ammonia. It introduces squeeze pumps for row applications, where a liquid is drawn into rubber tubes and expelled through variations in roller speed. Internal gear pumps and roller-impeller pumps are examined as alternative positive displacement options. It also provides a concise overview of various fluid fertilizer application equipment, outlining their mechanisms, functionalities, and application suitability. It is a valuable resource for agricultural professionals seeking to understand and select appropriate equipment for precise and efficient fluid fertilizer application.
- ItemNew Developments in Manufacture and Use of Liquid Fertilisers(1973-02-15) Slack, A.V.; Achorn, Frank P.This document provides an overview of the developments in the manufacture and use of liquid fertilizers over the past five years. While using liquid fertilizers on a large scale is relatively new, spanning only about 20 years, it has proven to be an area ripe with opportunities for innovation. The paper explores the historical context of liquid fertilizer use and highlights significant advancements and trends in the field. It discusses the objectives of liquid fertilizer production, such as cost efficiency, high nutrient concentration, product quality, low pollutant emission, and uniform application. The challenges and advantages associated with liquid fertilizers are examined, with a focus on nutrient concentration and the use of polyphosphates. The paper summarizes recent polyphosphate chemistry and hydrolysis research, offering insights into improving liquid fertilizer production and addressing associated issues.
- ItemSome Liquid and Bulk Blending Fertilizer Facilities Now in Existence(1963-09) Achorn, Frank P.The establishment of liquid and bulk-blending fertilizer plants has increased significantly over the past decade. These plants, with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 tons of fertilizer per year, offer low investment and operating costs, making them attractive to nitrogen, P2O5, and K2O producers. This presentation provides a general discussion of the equipment used in manufacturing liquid and bulk-blended fertilizers, focusing on plants currently in use. Liquid fertilizer plants can be classified as liquid hot-mix or liquid cold-mix plants. Liquid hot-mix plants neutralize phosphoric acid with aqua ammonia or anhydrous ammonia, generating chemical heat. Liquid cold-mix plants mix high-phosphate liquid base solutions with urea-ammonium nitrate and potash. The presentation describes the equipment and processes involved in these types of plants. Bulk blending plants, which have gained popularity in the Midwest and other regions, involve dry-mixing solid raw materials to create customized mixtures with different nutrient contents. The raw materials are weighed, mixed, and conveyed to bulk trucks or bagging machines. The various types of mixers used in bulk blending plants, such as rotary mixers, mixing screw conveyors, ribbon mixers, and gravity-flow mixers, are discussed. The presentation also touches on materials handling systems, weighing devices, and different mixing techniques used in these fertilizer manufacturing facilities. While other types of liquid plants and blending systems are available, the focus is on the plants currently in general use.
- ItemThe Role of the Engineer in Providing Technical Information(1996-05-19) Achorn, Frank P.This material highlights the evolving role of engineers in the United States fertilizer industry, specifically in providing technical assistance and information regarding the production, marketing, and application of various fertilizer products. Over the past few decades, the industry has undergone significant changes, transitioning from a byproduct-focused approach to a more chemical-intensive and technologically advanced sector. This shift necessitated the expertise of engineers to supply technical guidance in areas such as product formulation, process design, equipment recommendation, and storage and handling procedures. The material emphasizes the instrumental role of engineering field personnel in developing newer fertilizer products, such as granular triple superphosphate, as well as the introduction of high-analysis grades and micronutrient incorporation techniques. Furthermore, it discusses the engineers' involvement in designing and operating bulk blending plants and liquid cold-mix plants, which have revolutionized fertilizer marketing systems. The material also highlights the engineers' contributions to developing liquid suspensions and their efforts in conducting demonstrations and providing technical support for applying these innovative fertilizers. Additionally, it mentions the importance of technical service groups within fertilizer companies and the division of the United States into regions to ensure effective consumer assistance and support. The material concludes by recognizing the potential for engineers to provide technical services internationally and overcome challenges related to fertilizer production, transportation, distribution, and application.
- ItemThe Spectrum of Fluid Fertilizers(1967-02) Achorn, Frank P.This material provides an overview of the development and adoption of liquid fertilizers in the United States. The document highlights the growth of the liquid fertilizer industry, particularly nitrogen solutions, and ammonia, which now supply a significant portion of the total nutrient consumption. The use of superphosphoric acid and its role in sequestering impurities in wet-process phosphoric acid is discussed. The document further explores the different types of liquid fertilizer production plants, including liquid hot-mix and liquid cold-mix plants. The potential of suspension fertilizers, their production process, and the benefits of using a base suspension with gelling agents are also addressed. Overall, this document offers valuable insights into the evolution and utilization of fluid fertilizers in agricultural practices.