CA2565373C - Apparatus and method to improve field application of anhydrous ammonia in cold temperatures - Google Patents
Apparatus and method to improve field application of anhydrous ammonia in cold temperatures Download PDFInfo
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- CA2565373C CA2565373C CA2565373A CA2565373A CA2565373C CA 2565373 C CA2565373 C CA 2565373C CA 2565373 A CA2565373 A CA 2565373A CA 2565373 A CA2565373 A CA 2565373A CA 2565373 C CA2565373 C CA 2565373C
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C23/00—Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
- A01C23/02—Special arrangements for delivering the liquid directly into the soil
- A01C23/023—Special arrangements for delivering the liquid directly into the soil for liquid or gas fertilisers
- A01C23/024—Special arrangements for delivering the liquid directly into the soil for liquid or gas fertilisers for ammonia
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C23/00—Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
- A01C23/007—Metering or regulating systems
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus and method to improve flow of liquid anhydrous ammonia from a portable liquid NH3 tank in cold temperatures includes an air compressor coupled to the vapor port of a portable liquid NH3 tank used to supply liquid anhydrous ammonia to an anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicator. The air compressor injects compressed air into the tank to maintain head pressure within the tank at between 80 and 150 psi to facilitate flow of liquid NH3 from the tank to the applicator when atmospheric temperatures are low as well as when the level of liquid NH3 present in the tank declines.
Description
18523P0021CAO]
APPARATUS AND METHOD TO IMPROVE FIELD APPLICATION
OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA IN COLD TEMPERATURES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to applicators for injection of anhydrous ammonia (NH3) into soil as a fertilizer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the application of anhydrous ammonia as a fertilizing agent, it is usual to utilize an applicator which includes a number of injection knives which are drawn on a tool bar with each knife making a small furrow in the soil. A conduit to carry anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is carried on each knife shank and terminates at the lower end of the knife, thereby permitting a stream of NH3 to be inserted in the furrow. The furrow is then closed, trapping the NH3 in the soil.
For purposes of supplying an anhydrous ammonia applicator, a portable tank containing liquid NH3 under pressure is drawn behind the applicator and NH3 from the tank is permitted to escape through a liquid conduit which couples to a control/distribution unit which distributes NH3 to the knives on the applicator. The NH3 is forced from the tank by vapor pressure within the tank in the vapor head above the liquid level of the tank. As the tank empties or as atmospheric temperatures decline, the head pressure declines and less pressure is available in the tank to urge liquid NH3 into the liquid conduit.
In addition to having a port for intake or discharge of liquid pressurized NH3, portable tanks for transport of liquid NH3 include a vapor port which communicates with the interior of the tank and is controlled by a shut off valve to prevent escape of NH3 gas from the tank. When liquid NH3 is being pumped into a portable tank, a vapor hose is connected to the vapor port on the tank and its shut off valve opened in order to allow movement of gaseous NH3 from the tank while liquid NH3 is being pumped into the tank. The vapor being allowed to exhaust from the tank is ported back to the main NH3 supply container.
When NH3 is being applied to a field, the head pressure of the NH3 vapor in the tank forces liquid NH3 from the tank. As the atmospheric temperature drops, the pressure of the gaseous NH3 in the pressure head of a portable NH3 tank drops, providing less pressure on the liquid NH3 in the tank resulting in the slowing of movement of the liquid NH3 from the tank and into the ducts carried on the applicator knives. For example, at an outdoor temperature of 30 F, the pressure may only be forty pounds per square inch. This is a pronounced problem for application of NH3 fertilizer because application is preferably accomplished in the fall season, after harvest of grain crops from the field. Therefore, NH3 application on a cold day is slowed and may become erratic because insufficient pressure remains in the pressure head of the portable tank to supply a steady stream of liquid NH3. Additionally, as the NH3 portable tank is emptied, the pressure of the head declines and liquid NH3 is discharged more slowly even if atmospheric temperatures are summer like. To adjust for the problem of low head pressure, the operator of the fertilizer applicator must slow greatly to be sure adequate NH3 is being applied to the soil. This need substantially reduces productivity of the application equipment and the operator.
Previous efforts to overcome the problem of reduced flow of liquid NH3 when the atmospheric temperature is low include increasing the size of the liquid conduit from the tank, drawing from two or more tanks at the same time, and drawing liquid NH3 from a port in the bottom of the tank instead of from the standard dip tube provided on the top of the tank. These methods provide additional shortcomings or are ineffective. Drawing a second or third tank over the soil causes increased fuel consumption of the tractor or other power unit, as well as increasing compaction of the soil from additional wheels passing over the soil. Adding a bottom port to a standard dip tube equipped tank adds expense and increases the possibility for leakage from the tank, while doing little to solve the problem.
APPARATUS AND METHOD TO IMPROVE FIELD APPLICATION
OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA IN COLD TEMPERATURES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to applicators for injection of anhydrous ammonia (NH3) into soil as a fertilizer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the application of anhydrous ammonia as a fertilizing agent, it is usual to utilize an applicator which includes a number of injection knives which are drawn on a tool bar with each knife making a small furrow in the soil. A conduit to carry anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is carried on each knife shank and terminates at the lower end of the knife, thereby permitting a stream of NH3 to be inserted in the furrow. The furrow is then closed, trapping the NH3 in the soil.
For purposes of supplying an anhydrous ammonia applicator, a portable tank containing liquid NH3 under pressure is drawn behind the applicator and NH3 from the tank is permitted to escape through a liquid conduit which couples to a control/distribution unit which distributes NH3 to the knives on the applicator. The NH3 is forced from the tank by vapor pressure within the tank in the vapor head above the liquid level of the tank. As the tank empties or as atmospheric temperatures decline, the head pressure declines and less pressure is available in the tank to urge liquid NH3 into the liquid conduit.
In addition to having a port for intake or discharge of liquid pressurized NH3, portable tanks for transport of liquid NH3 include a vapor port which communicates with the interior of the tank and is controlled by a shut off valve to prevent escape of NH3 gas from the tank. When liquid NH3 is being pumped into a portable tank, a vapor hose is connected to the vapor port on the tank and its shut off valve opened in order to allow movement of gaseous NH3 from the tank while liquid NH3 is being pumped into the tank. The vapor being allowed to exhaust from the tank is ported back to the main NH3 supply container.
When NH3 is being applied to a field, the head pressure of the NH3 vapor in the tank forces liquid NH3 from the tank. As the atmospheric temperature drops, the pressure of the gaseous NH3 in the pressure head of a portable NH3 tank drops, providing less pressure on the liquid NH3 in the tank resulting in the slowing of movement of the liquid NH3 from the tank and into the ducts carried on the applicator knives. For example, at an outdoor temperature of 30 F, the pressure may only be forty pounds per square inch. This is a pronounced problem for application of NH3 fertilizer because application is preferably accomplished in the fall season, after harvest of grain crops from the field. Therefore, NH3 application on a cold day is slowed and may become erratic because insufficient pressure remains in the pressure head of the portable tank to supply a steady stream of liquid NH3. Additionally, as the NH3 portable tank is emptied, the pressure of the head declines and liquid NH3 is discharged more slowly even if atmospheric temperatures are summer like. To adjust for the problem of low head pressure, the operator of the fertilizer applicator must slow greatly to be sure adequate NH3 is being applied to the soil. This need substantially reduces productivity of the application equipment and the operator.
Previous efforts to overcome the problem of reduced flow of liquid NH3 when the atmospheric temperature is low include increasing the size of the liquid conduit from the tank, drawing from two or more tanks at the same time, and drawing liquid NH3 from a port in the bottom of the tank instead of from the standard dip tube provided on the top of the tank. These methods provide additional shortcomings or are ineffective. Drawing a second or third tank over the soil causes increased fuel consumption of the tractor or other power unit, as well as increasing compaction of the soil from additional wheels passing over the soil. Adding a bottom port to a standard dip tube equipped tank adds expense and increases the possibility for leakage from the tank, while doing little to solve the problem.
2 A method to maintain a preset pressure in the pressure head of the portable tank would be very desirable for use by operators of NH3 application equipment.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a solution to the problem of reduced head pressure in a portable anhydrous ammonia transport tank supplying an anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicator. An air compressor is coupled to the vapor port of the portable NH3 tank to cause increase of the pressure in the pressure head in the portable NH3 tank as needed, particularly when the atmospheric temperature is low or the liquid NH3 level is low, which results in a reduced pressure of the NH3 vapor present above the liquid NH3 in the tank. A regulator controls the flow of air under pressure being injected through the vapor port into the tank such that the pressure in the pressure head can be maintained at least approximately 80 psi under all conditions. As the atmospheric temperatures varies on an autumn day, the pressure regulator will control the pressure of the vapor head in the tank, causing the compressor to operate as needed to maintain a desired pressure.
The invention includes an air compressor which is driven by power supplied by the tractor pulling the NH3 applicator, and therefore preferably, the air compressor is hydraulically driven. A compressed air hose or pipe couples the output of the compressor to the vapor port of the portable NH3 tank. A pressure regulator controls the level of pressure in the pressure head in the tank by selective addition of compressed air to the pressure head. The compressed air could be substituted with another gaseous working fluid such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide. However, compressed air works satisfactorily and creates no hazards and is therefore obviously the working fluid of choice.
Though a hydraulically powered air compressor may be used, an air compressor powered by other power sources may be used. Furthermore, some power units may be equipped with an air compressor capable of providing a sufficient supply of compressed air without addition of an air compressor to the application equipment.
Because a
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a solution to the problem of reduced head pressure in a portable anhydrous ammonia transport tank supplying an anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicator. An air compressor is coupled to the vapor port of the portable NH3 tank to cause increase of the pressure in the pressure head in the portable NH3 tank as needed, particularly when the atmospheric temperature is low or the liquid NH3 level is low, which results in a reduced pressure of the NH3 vapor present above the liquid NH3 in the tank. A regulator controls the flow of air under pressure being injected through the vapor port into the tank such that the pressure in the pressure head can be maintained at least approximately 80 psi under all conditions. As the atmospheric temperatures varies on an autumn day, the pressure regulator will control the pressure of the vapor head in the tank, causing the compressor to operate as needed to maintain a desired pressure.
The invention includes an air compressor which is driven by power supplied by the tractor pulling the NH3 applicator, and therefore preferably, the air compressor is hydraulically driven. A compressed air hose or pipe couples the output of the compressor to the vapor port of the portable NH3 tank. A pressure regulator controls the level of pressure in the pressure head in the tank by selective addition of compressed air to the pressure head. The compressed air could be substituted with another gaseous working fluid such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide. However, compressed air works satisfactorily and creates no hazards and is therefore obviously the working fluid of choice.
Though a hydraulically powered air compressor may be used, an air compressor powered by other power sources may be used. Furthermore, some power units may be equipped with an air compressor capable of providing a sufficient supply of compressed air without addition of an air compressor to the application equipment.
Because a
3 relatively low pressure compressor is needed, the compressor can easily be carried on the fertilizer applicator, the portable tank, or the power unit.
It is accordingly a primary object of the invention to provide a method to maintain the head pressure within a portable anhydrous ammonia tank used to supply a fertilizer application device so that sufficient flow of NH3 continues regardless of the atmospheric temperature at the time the application device is used.
It is additionally an object of the invention to provide apparatus which prevents the slowing of flow of liquid NH3 from a portable tank used to supply liquid NH3 to an applicator which injects the NH3 into the soil.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus to maintain the efficient application of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer in a range of atmospheric temperatures encountered in the autumn season.
It is also an object of the invention to maintain vapor head pressure in a portable NH3 tank within the range of 80 to 150 psi regardless of the liquid NH3 level or the atmospheric temperature. These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from examination of the detailed description of the invention which follows.
In a first broad embodiment, the invention seeks to provide a method to improve injection of anhydrous ammonia into soil comprising the steps of injecting compressed gas into a portable anhydrous ammonia tank as it is transported over a field coupled to a liquid anhydrous ammonia applicator.
In a second broad embodiment, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus to improve flow of anhydrous ammonia from a tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia to a liquid anhydrous ammonia applicator comprising a source of compressed gas coupled to a vapor port on the tank.
In a third broad embodiment, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus to apply liquid anhydrous ammonia to soil of a field comprising an anhydrous ammonia applicator moveable over the field, a tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, a source of compressed gas coupled to a vapor port on the portable anhydrous ammonia tank.
It is accordingly a primary object of the invention to provide a method to maintain the head pressure within a portable anhydrous ammonia tank used to supply a fertilizer application device so that sufficient flow of NH3 continues regardless of the atmospheric temperature at the time the application device is used.
It is additionally an object of the invention to provide apparatus which prevents the slowing of flow of liquid NH3 from a portable tank used to supply liquid NH3 to an applicator which injects the NH3 into the soil.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus to maintain the efficient application of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer in a range of atmospheric temperatures encountered in the autumn season.
It is also an object of the invention to maintain vapor head pressure in a portable NH3 tank within the range of 80 to 150 psi regardless of the liquid NH3 level or the atmospheric temperature. These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from examination of the detailed description of the invention which follows.
In a first broad embodiment, the invention seeks to provide a method to improve injection of anhydrous ammonia into soil comprising the steps of injecting compressed gas into a portable anhydrous ammonia tank as it is transported over a field coupled to a liquid anhydrous ammonia applicator.
In a second broad embodiment, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus to improve flow of anhydrous ammonia from a tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia to a liquid anhydrous ammonia applicator comprising a source of compressed gas coupled to a vapor port on the tank.
In a third broad embodiment, the invention seeks to provide an apparatus to apply liquid anhydrous ammonia to soil of a field comprising an anhydrous ammonia applicator moveable over the field, a tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, a source of compressed gas coupled to a vapor port on the portable anhydrous ammonia tank.
4 In accordance with another aspect, there is provided an apparatus to apply liquid anhydrous ammonia to soil of a field comprising:
an anhydrous ammonia applicator movable over the field, a portable tank constructed and arranged to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, a source of compressed gas coupled to a port on the portable tank, and a control apparatus coupled to the source of compressed gas, wherein the control apparatus is constructed and arranged to selectively supply compressed gas from the source of compressed gas to the port on the portable tank when vapor pressure in a pressure head in the portable tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia drops below a preselected pressure.
In accordance with another aspect, there is provided an apparatus to apply liquid anhydrous ammonia to soil of a field, the apparatus comprising:
an anhydrous ammonia applicator movable over the field and comprising soil penetrating knives and liquid ducts attached to the knives, the knives being constructed and arranged to be drawn through the soil while liquid anhydrous ammonia passes through the ducts, a portable tank constructed and arranged to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, the portable tank comprising a vapor head therein, the vapor head being disposed above a liquid surface of the liquid anhydrous ammonia and comprising gaseous anhydrous ammonia, a source of compressed gas coupled to a port on the portable tank, the port being in communication with an interior of the portable tank, and a controller coupled to the source of compressed gas for controlling addition of compressed gas to the vapor head and monitoring a head pressure in the vapor head, wherein 4a the controller is constructed and arranged to selectively supply compressed gas to the vapor head when a preselected minimum head pressure in the vapor head is detected by the controller, whereby liquid hydrous ammonia is urged from the tank by the head pressure in the vapor head.
4b BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary NH3 applicator and supply tank according to the invention, being drawn over a field by a tractor.
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the NH3 application system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fig. 1 discloses a tractor 8 drawing an applicator 4 over soil 12. Portable tank 10 is also drawn by tractor 8, with tank 10 following applicator 4. Applicator comprises a tool bar 6 on which are mounted soil interrupting knives 16 which are followed by paired coulters 14. Liquid anhydrous ammonia (NH3) within tank 10 is distributed to knives 16 and the liquid NH3 is injected into soil 12 behind each of knives 16 as knives 16 create shallow trenches by movement of knives 16 through soil 12. The trenches are closed by the pairs of coulters 14 associated with each of the knives 16.
Referring now to both Figs. 1 and 2, compressed gas supply means 2 comprises compressor 18 which is coupled by compressed gas duct 20 to vapor port 22 of tank 10.
Compressor 18 compresses a gas, preferably air, though other gases may be used, and the compressed gas is delivered by compressed gas duct 20 to vapor port 22 where the compressed gas enters tank 10 and is joined with NH3 vapor in the pressure head 36 above the liquid NH3 34 present in tank 10.
Head pressure within tank 10 forces liquid NH3 to exit tank 10 through liquid port 24 and to pass through liquid pipe 26 to be distributed to knife ducts 42 leading down each of knives 16. A pressure regulator 30 may be connected to duct 20 such that pressure in duct 20 and therefore within the pressure head 36 of tank 10 may be monitored and maintained at a preselected pressure, preferably approximately psi and more preferably approximately 100 psi. When the vapor pressure in the pressure head 36 within tank 10 drops below the preselected pressure, flow of liquid NH3 from tank 10 will be slowed. When pressure below the preselected pressure is
an anhydrous ammonia applicator movable over the field, a portable tank constructed and arranged to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, a source of compressed gas coupled to a port on the portable tank, and a control apparatus coupled to the source of compressed gas, wherein the control apparatus is constructed and arranged to selectively supply compressed gas from the source of compressed gas to the port on the portable tank when vapor pressure in a pressure head in the portable tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia drops below a preselected pressure.
In accordance with another aspect, there is provided an apparatus to apply liquid anhydrous ammonia to soil of a field, the apparatus comprising:
an anhydrous ammonia applicator movable over the field and comprising soil penetrating knives and liquid ducts attached to the knives, the knives being constructed and arranged to be drawn through the soil while liquid anhydrous ammonia passes through the ducts, a portable tank constructed and arranged to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, the portable tank comprising a vapor head therein, the vapor head being disposed above a liquid surface of the liquid anhydrous ammonia and comprising gaseous anhydrous ammonia, a source of compressed gas coupled to a port on the portable tank, the port being in communication with an interior of the portable tank, and a controller coupled to the source of compressed gas for controlling addition of compressed gas to the vapor head and monitoring a head pressure in the vapor head, wherein 4a the controller is constructed and arranged to selectively supply compressed gas to the vapor head when a preselected minimum head pressure in the vapor head is detected by the controller, whereby liquid hydrous ammonia is urged from the tank by the head pressure in the vapor head.
4b BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary NH3 applicator and supply tank according to the invention, being drawn over a field by a tractor.
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the NH3 application system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fig. 1 discloses a tractor 8 drawing an applicator 4 over soil 12. Portable tank 10 is also drawn by tractor 8, with tank 10 following applicator 4. Applicator comprises a tool bar 6 on which are mounted soil interrupting knives 16 which are followed by paired coulters 14. Liquid anhydrous ammonia (NH3) within tank 10 is distributed to knives 16 and the liquid NH3 is injected into soil 12 behind each of knives 16 as knives 16 create shallow trenches by movement of knives 16 through soil 12. The trenches are closed by the pairs of coulters 14 associated with each of the knives 16.
Referring now to both Figs. 1 and 2, compressed gas supply means 2 comprises compressor 18 which is coupled by compressed gas duct 20 to vapor port 22 of tank 10.
Compressor 18 compresses a gas, preferably air, though other gases may be used, and the compressed gas is delivered by compressed gas duct 20 to vapor port 22 where the compressed gas enters tank 10 and is joined with NH3 vapor in the pressure head 36 above the liquid NH3 34 present in tank 10.
Head pressure within tank 10 forces liquid NH3 to exit tank 10 through liquid port 24 and to pass through liquid pipe 26 to be distributed to knife ducts 42 leading down each of knives 16. A pressure regulator 30 may be connected to duct 20 such that pressure in duct 20 and therefore within the pressure head 36 of tank 10 may be monitored and maintained at a preselected pressure, preferably approximately psi and more preferably approximately 100 psi. When the vapor pressure in the pressure head 36 within tank 10 drops below the preselected pressure, flow of liquid NH3 from tank 10 will be slowed. When pressure below the preselected pressure is
5 detected by regulator 30, the compressor 18 may be activated and compressed gas forced into tank 10 up to the preselected pressure. With the increased head pressure within tank 10, liquid NH3 will flow more quickly to knives 16 such that the tractor 8 may draw the applicator 4 over the field at a desired speed and will not be required to slow to allow for adequate NH3 to reach soil 12.
Figure 2 schematically illustrates the structure of the invention. A liquid storage tank 10 carried on wheels 40 contains a quantity of liquid NH3 34 therein.
Above the surface of the liquid NH3 34, there is a pressure head 36 of gases, including NH3 in vapor state. The tank 10 is provided with a liquid port 24 and a vapor port 22 which may be housed under a moveable valve cover 28. When the portable tank 10 is to be filled at a NH3 supply facility, a liquid duct from a bulk supply reservoir (not illustrated) is coupled to the liquid port 24 and vapor pressure building in the tank 10 is vented through vapor port 22 to the bulk supply reservoir through suitable vapor duct means (also not illustrated in the drawings).
When the portable tank 10 is attached to fertilizer applicator 4 and both are driven over a field, liquid NH3 is forced from the tank 10 by pressure of vapor in pressure head 36 so that liquid NH3 will flow to knife ducts 42 through liquid pipe 26.
As the environmental temperature drops, the vapor pressure of NH3 in the pressure head 36 of tank 10 declines, reducing the speed of transfer of liquid NH3 34 to the applicator 4. Therefore, compressor 18 may be operated to compress air to be injected through vapor port 22 into pressure head 36 of tank 10 which will force liquid NH3 34 from tank 10 at a sufficient transfer rate for efficient application speed to be maintained.
Similarly, as the tank 10 empties of liquid NH3, the pressure in pressure head declines and compressor 18 may be operated to compress air to be injected through vapor port 22 into pressure head 36 of tank 10 which will force liquid NH3 34 from tank 10 fast enough for efficient application speed to be maintained.
A manually operated liquid valve 44 is available to stop flow of liquid NH3 from tank 10 via liquid pipe 26. A manually operated vapor valve 46 is provided to stop flow of vapor from tank 10. These elements are standard on portable NH3 tanks.
Figure 2 schematically illustrates the structure of the invention. A liquid storage tank 10 carried on wheels 40 contains a quantity of liquid NH3 34 therein.
Above the surface of the liquid NH3 34, there is a pressure head 36 of gases, including NH3 in vapor state. The tank 10 is provided with a liquid port 24 and a vapor port 22 which may be housed under a moveable valve cover 28. When the portable tank 10 is to be filled at a NH3 supply facility, a liquid duct from a bulk supply reservoir (not illustrated) is coupled to the liquid port 24 and vapor pressure building in the tank 10 is vented through vapor port 22 to the bulk supply reservoir through suitable vapor duct means (also not illustrated in the drawings).
When the portable tank 10 is attached to fertilizer applicator 4 and both are driven over a field, liquid NH3 is forced from the tank 10 by pressure of vapor in pressure head 36 so that liquid NH3 will flow to knife ducts 42 through liquid pipe 26.
As the environmental temperature drops, the vapor pressure of NH3 in the pressure head 36 of tank 10 declines, reducing the speed of transfer of liquid NH3 34 to the applicator 4. Therefore, compressor 18 may be operated to compress air to be injected through vapor port 22 into pressure head 36 of tank 10 which will force liquid NH3 34 from tank 10 at a sufficient transfer rate for efficient application speed to be maintained.
Similarly, as the tank 10 empties of liquid NH3, the pressure in pressure head declines and compressor 18 may be operated to compress air to be injected through vapor port 22 into pressure head 36 of tank 10 which will force liquid NH3 34 from tank 10 fast enough for efficient application speed to be maintained.
A manually operated liquid valve 44 is available to stop flow of liquid NH3 from tank 10 via liquid pipe 26. A manually operated vapor valve 46 is provided to stop flow of vapor from tank 10. These elements are standard on portable NH3 tanks.
6 Compressed gas duct 20 couples vapor port 22 of tank 10 to compressor 18.
Compressor 18 compresses a fluid, preferably air, and may be driven by a hydraulic motor which may be conveniently powered from the hydraulic fluid pumping system available on a standard farm tractor. Compressor 18 may alternately be powered by a separate gas engine or from other power sources and may be substituted with a pressurized storage tank of compressed gas. Some tractors or power units provide an onboard source of compressed air which may be used to pressurize pressure head 36.
The compressor 18 may be mounted to the tractor or to the applicator 4 or to the tank 10 at a convenient location which permits compressor 18 to be powered and to convey compressed air (or other gaseous fluid) to the vapor port 22 of tank 10 through compressed gas duct 20. A pressure regulator 30 may be optionally used to monitor and regulate the pressure of compressed air in the pressure head 36 of tank 10.
The pressure regulator 30 may signal the compressor 18 to operate within a preselected range of pressures. A pressure of approximately 80-150 psi in pressure head 36 is found to be satisfactory to force liquid NH3 34 from tank 10 via dip tube 38 to NH3 control unit 32 to supply liquid NH3 to each knife duct 42 for incorporation in the soil as knife 16 of applicator 4 is drawn through the soil.
The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible in light of the above disclosure or such may be acquired through practice of the invention. The embodiments illustrated were chosen in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
Compressor 18 compresses a fluid, preferably air, and may be driven by a hydraulic motor which may be conveniently powered from the hydraulic fluid pumping system available on a standard farm tractor. Compressor 18 may alternately be powered by a separate gas engine or from other power sources and may be substituted with a pressurized storage tank of compressed gas. Some tractors or power units provide an onboard source of compressed air which may be used to pressurize pressure head 36.
The compressor 18 may be mounted to the tractor or to the applicator 4 or to the tank 10 at a convenient location which permits compressor 18 to be powered and to convey compressed air (or other gaseous fluid) to the vapor port 22 of tank 10 through compressed gas duct 20. A pressure regulator 30 may be optionally used to monitor and regulate the pressure of compressed air in the pressure head 36 of tank 10.
The pressure regulator 30 may signal the compressor 18 to operate within a preselected range of pressures. A pressure of approximately 80-150 psi in pressure head 36 is found to be satisfactory to force liquid NH3 34 from tank 10 via dip tube 38 to NH3 control unit 32 to supply liquid NH3 to each knife duct 42 for incorporation in the soil as knife 16 of applicator 4 is drawn through the soil.
The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible in light of the above disclosure or such may be acquired through practice of the invention. The embodiments illustrated were chosen in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
7
Claims (13)
1. An apparatus to apply liquid anhydrous ammonia to soil of a field comprising:
an anhydrous ammonia applicator movable over the field, a portable tank constructed and arranged to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, a source of compressed gas coupled to a port on the portable tank, and a control apparatus coupled to the source of compressed gas, wherein the control apparatus is constructed and arranged to selectively supply compressed gas from the source of compressed gas to the port on the portable tank when vapor pressure in a pressure head in the portable tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia drops below a preselected pressure.
an anhydrous ammonia applicator movable over the field, a portable tank constructed and arranged to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, a source of compressed gas coupled to a port on the portable tank, and a control apparatus coupled to the source of compressed gas, wherein the control apparatus is constructed and arranged to selectively supply compressed gas from the source of compressed gas to the port on the portable tank when vapor pressure in a pressure head in the portable tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia drops below a preselected pressure.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the source of compressed gas is a compressor, and the compressor is constructed and arranged to selectively operate when the vapor pressure in the pressure head in the portable tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia drops below the preselected pressure.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the source of compressed gas is an air compressor, and the compressed gas is compressed air.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control apparatus comprises a pressure regulator coupled to the source of compressed gas and is constructed and arranged to monitor pressure in the vapor head of the tank, the source of compressed gas comprises an air compressor, the compressed gas is compressed air, and the pressure regulator is constructed and arranged to cause the air compressor to selectively supply the compressed air from the air compressor to the portable tank to increase pressure in the vapor head.
5. An apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a pressure regulator coupled to the air compressor, wherein the pressure regulator is constructed and arranged to activate the air compressor when vapor pressure in the tank falls below about 80 psi.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pressure regulator is constructed and arranged to deactivate the air compressor when vapor pressure in the tank exceeds about 150 psi.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable tank is supported on wheels and is constructed and arranged to be drawn behind the anhydrous ammonia applicator, the anhydrous ammonia applicator is constructed and arranged to be drawn over the field by a power unit, the port to which the source of compressed gas is coupled comprises a vapor port, the source of compressed gas is an air compressor coupled to the vapor port, the compressed gas is compressed air, the anhydrous ammonia applicator comprises at least one injection knife, a liquid duct is associated with the at least one injection knife and is coupled to a liquid port on the tank and is constructed and arranged to discharge liquid anhydrous ammonia near a lower end of the at least one injection knife, the control apparatus comprises a pressure regulator coupled to the air compressor, the pressure regulator is constructed and arranged to activate the air compressor when vapor pressure in the tank falls below about 80 psi, and the pressure regulator is constructed and arranged to deactivate the air compressor when vapor pressure in the tank exceeds about 150 psi.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the source of compressed gas is coupled to a vapor port on the portable tank containing liquid anhydrous ammonia.
9. An apparatus to apply liquid anhydrous ammonia to soil of a field, the apparatus comprising:
an anhydrous ammonia applicator movable over the field and comprising soil penetrating knives and liquid ducts attached to the knives, the knives being constructed and arranged to be drawn through the soil while liquid anhydrous ammonia passes through the ducts, a portable tank constructed and arranged to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, the portable tank comprising a vapor head therein, the vapor head being disposed above a liquid surface of the liquid anhydrous ammonia and comprising gaseous anhydrous ammonia, a source of compressed gas coupled to a port on the portable tank, the port being in communication with an interior of the portable tank, and a controller coupled to the source of compressed gas for controlling addition of compressed gas to the vapor head and monitoring a head pressure in the vapor head, wherein the controller is constructed and arranged to selectively supply compressed gas to the vapor head when a preselected minimum head pressure in the vapor head is detected by the controller, whereby liquid hydrous ammonia is urged from the tank by the head pressure in the vapor head.
an anhydrous ammonia applicator movable over the field and comprising soil penetrating knives and liquid ducts attached to the knives, the knives being constructed and arranged to be drawn through the soil while liquid anhydrous ammonia passes through the ducts, a portable tank constructed and arranged to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and coupled to the anhydrous ammonia applicator, the portable tank comprising a vapor head therein, the vapor head being disposed above a liquid surface of the liquid anhydrous ammonia and comprising gaseous anhydrous ammonia, a source of compressed gas coupled to a port on the portable tank, the port being in communication with an interior of the portable tank, and a controller coupled to the source of compressed gas for controlling addition of compressed gas to the vapor head and monitoring a head pressure in the vapor head, wherein the controller is constructed and arranged to selectively supply compressed gas to the vapor head when a preselected minimum head pressure in the vapor head is detected by the controller, whereby liquid hydrous ammonia is urged from the tank by the head pressure in the vapor head.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the source of compressed gas is an air compressor and the air compressor is a part of a power unit constructed and arranged to draw the anhydrous ammonia applicator over the field.
11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the source of compressed gas is an air compressor, the controller is a pressure regulator, and the controller is constructed and arranged to activate the air compressor when pressure in the vapor head drops below about 100 psi.
12. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the source of compressed gas is an air compressor, the controller is a pressure regulator, and the controller is constructed and arranged to activate the air compressor when pressure in the vapor head drops below about 80 psi.
13. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the controller is constructed and arranged to deactivate the source of compressed gas when pressure in the pressure head exceeds about 150 psi.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2565373A CA2565373C (en) | 2006-10-23 | 2006-10-23 | Apparatus and method to improve field application of anhydrous ammonia in cold temperatures |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2565373A CA2565373C (en) | 2006-10-23 | 2006-10-23 | Apparatus and method to improve field application of anhydrous ammonia in cold temperatures |
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| CA2565373A1 CA2565373A1 (en) | 2008-04-23 |
| CA2565373C true CA2565373C (en) | 2012-03-27 |
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