Abstract: Improved gypsum fertilizer compositions are provided by coating of naturally-occurring or synthesized gypsum with low pH maleic-itaconic copolymers. The preferred copolymers are aqueous dispersions of acid or partial salt maleic-itaconic copolymers, and are applied by spraying or other means onto the surface of gypsum and allowed to dry. The copolymer coatings increase the solubility of sulfate and Ca ions from the gypsum, allowing accelerated plant availability and uptake of such nutrients.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing nitrate granules including a first fluidized bed which is supplied with air that has been conditioned to a relative humidity of less than 30% at 40° C. and heated to a temperature of 40° C. to 100° C. One or more spray nozzles are provided for spraying a nitrate melt into the first fluidized bed to form nitrate granules. The apparatus also includes a second fluidized bed which is in direct communication with the first fluidized bed. Nitrate granules formed in the first fluidized bed flow directly to the second fluidized bed where they are cooled to a temperature of less than 60° C. The nitrate granules produced by the apparatus and process of the invention are spherical in shape, hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling.

Abstract: Improved gypsum fertilizer compositions are provided by coating of naturally-occurring or synthesized gypsum with low pH maleic-itaconic copolymers. The preferred copolymers are aqueous dispersions of acid or partial salt maleic-itaconic copolymers, and are applied by spraying or other means onto the surface of gypsum and allowed to dry. The copolymer coatings increase the solubility of sulfate and Ca ions from the gypsum, allowing accelerated plant availability and uptake of such nutrients.

Abstract: Improved, low-pH aqueous polymer mixtures are provided which can be applied directly to soils or incorporated within ammoniacal nitrogen-containing fertilizers to inhibit nitrification in soils, thus enhancing plant uptake of ammonium and yields. The polymers are advantageously used as metal (e.g., Ca) salts or complexes at pH levels of up to about 2. The polymers have anionic functional groups and are highly water dispersible.

Abstract: Pesticidal compositions of improved effectiveness are provided, including a pesticide (e.g., an insecticide or herbicide) together with a copolymer adjuvant or additive selected from the group consisting of acid or salt copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The compositions of the invention provide multiple-fold increases in effectiveness, as compared with an equal amount of the pesticide in the absence of the copolymer.

Abstract: Multiple-component fertilizer materials and methods of use are provided, wherein the fertilizer materials include first and second fertilizer products respectively including an ammoniacal fertilizer (e.g., urea) in combination with a partial calcium salt of a selected copolymer, and a phosphorous fertilizer (e.g., DAP) in combination with a partial sodium salt of a selected copolymer. The copolymer fractions of the first and second fertilizer products are most preferably copolymers of itaconic acid and maleic anhydride. The fertilizer materials give synergistically enhanced crop yields when applied to soil or growing plants.

Abstract: A method for treating a waste product from a chemical processing plant. Chemical processing plants such as oil refineries produce sour water waste that includes ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. The sour water is typically steam stripped to form a vapor stream including water, the ammonia and the hydrogen sulfide. The vapor stream is converted into a concentrated ammonium sulfide solution using a scrubber unit that includes a cooling and quenching column. Concentrating the byproducts provides for more efficient transportation of the concentrate from several refineries to a remote, centralized purification facility.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fertilizer containing a sparingly water-soluble phosphatic fertilizer and an urea/aliphatic aldehyde condensation product. The process for controlling inorganizing speed of urea/aliphatic aldehyde condensation product comprises adding to the urea/aliphatic aldehyde condensation product a sparingly water-soluble phosphatic fertilizer having special elution characteristics. The fertilizer of the invention and the process for controlling inorganizing speed of urea/aliphatic aldehyde condensation product of the invention make it possible to control the inorganizing speed of the condensation product without changing the particle size or form. The fertilizers of the invention or the urea/aliphatic aldehyde condensation products can provide nitrogen components to plant in accordance with the periods of culture of desired crops and a pattern of absorbing nutrition. This is effective in saving of the number of additional fertilization or nitrogen components left in soil after the period of culture.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing calcium nitrate granules. A calcium nitrate melt is sprayed into a re-circulating bed of a first fluidized bed granulator, wherein the re-circulating bed is supplied with air that has been conditioned and heated to a temperature of between 60° C. and 100° C. Calcium nitrate granulates formed in the granulator are introduced to a primary cooler in the form of a second fluidized bed where the granules are cooled to from 50° C. to 60° C. by conditioned air. The granules are sorted in a sorter and then cooled in a secondary cooler to a temperature of less than 40° C. before being bagged. The granules so produced are hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling.

Abstract: Apparatus for adding liquid fertilizer to a water line of a sprinkler system includes a mechanical injector device powered by a paddle wheel turned by water flowing through the water line. The mechanical injector device includes a plunger that moves back and forth in the plunger chamber. Movement in one direction allows liquid fertilizer from a liquid fertilizer reservoir to flow into the plunger chamber and movement of the plunger in the opposite direction injects the liquid fertilizer from the plunger chamber into the water. The mechanical injector device is coupled to the paddle wheel which causes movement of the plunger in the plunger chamber in at least one direction. Spring bias can cause movement of the plunger in the other direction. The mechanical injector device can be disabled to stop fertilizer injection while still allowing rotation of the paddle wheel.

Abstract: Coatings for agricultural grade fertilizer particles and industrial grade ammonium nitrate are provided which when applied to particles form a protective film which acts as a barrier to inhibit or prevent hydrocarbon infiltration of the fertilizer particle pores and also to physically separate the fertilizer particles and hydrocarbon materials. In so doing, the coating greatly reduces the efficacy of the fertilizer particles as an oxidizing agent for use in incendiary devices, thereby deterring or preventing the use of agricultural grade fertilizers or industrial grade ammonium nitrate in creating weapons of terror.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers maybe complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly process for the production of precipitated calcium carbonate suitable for industrial application from a calcium carbonate-rich by-product of a nitrophosphate fertilizer plant. The process employs purification steps of calcination, carbonation and optional treatment with an emulsion of fatty acid or fatty acid derivatives.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly process for the production of finely divided calcium carbonate suitable for industrial application from a calcium carbonate-rich by-product of nitrophosphate fertilizer plant by adopting purification steps of thermal treatment, pulverization and coating using an emulsion of a fatty acid or it's a fatty acid derivatives.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.