Multi-purpose lignin-carbohydrate binding system
AssigneeOMS Investments, Inc.
InventorsHarold E. Thompson, Toula Xenikis, Domini Upton, Keith Cochran
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a novel, dual purpose binder formulation or system. The invention also relates to a process of agglomerating dispersed particles or fines into substantially spherical and crush resistant granules. The invention further relates to a method of covering a seed and binding the seed with a material mixture beneficial for seed germination. The invention also relates to an all-in-one seed agglomerated by the dual purpose binder formulation.
Claims31
A granule comprising (i) particles comprising an active agent and (ii) a binding agent comprising a lignin-derived material and a mixture of polyols, wherein the ratio of said lignin-derived material to said mixture of polyols is sufficient to generate granules which are substantially spherical and/or crush resistant;
- and wherein the active agent is an agriculturally active agent, a pharmaceutically active agent, or a food product.
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A method of making spherical and crush resistant granules comprising admixing:
- a. a particle;
- b. a lignosulfonate;
- and
- c. a mixture of polyols;
- in a sufficient ratio to generate an agglomerated particle, wherein each particle is at least 85% spherical, has an aspect ratio of 0.78, and is crush resistant at 2.0 lbs/force;
- wherein the particle includes fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, micronutrients, seeds, soil conditioners, inert carriers, plant growth hormones, plant growth regulators, soil moisture enhancers, seeds, and wetting agents or combinations thereof;
- and
- wherein the lignosulfonate includes calcium lignosulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate, ammonium lignosulfonate, magnesium lignosulfonate, aluminum lignosulfonate, chromium lignosulfonate or combinations thereof;
- wherein the mixture of polyols includes monosaccharides, disaccharides, HSH, or combinations thereof;
- and
- wherein the lignosulfonate and mixture of polyols is premixed into a binder solution.
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A method of preparing highly spherical and crush resistant granules comprising the steps of:
- d. admixing particulate material to form a homogeneous blend, wherein the particulate materials are herbicides, pesticides, micronutrients, seeds, or combinations thereof;
- e. incorporating at ambient temperatures and humidity, the blend of (a) and a binding solution into a mixing apparatus to produce granules, wherein said binding solution comprises lignin-derived material and a mixture of polyols, which is incorporated as an atomized solution;
- and
- f. recycling granules back into the mixing apparatus.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.