Dust suppressing aggregate

Abstract

A dust suppressing aggregate includes a core particle and a dust suppressing agent. The dust suppressing agent comprises polyurethane and is disposed about the core particle for suppressing dusting of the core particle. A method of forming the dust suppressing aggregate includes the steps of providing the core particle and encapsulating the core particle with the polyurethane.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61 / 648,707, filed on May 18, 2012, 61 / 648,766, filed on May 18, 2102 and 61 / 648,884, filed on May 18, 2012, which are incorporated herewith by reference in their entirety.[0002]This application is related to the following U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application assigned to the same assignee, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on May 17, 2013, entitled “ENCAPSULATED PARTICLE”, claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 648,697, having Attorney Docket No. PF-72188 / 065322.00185, with Alice Hudson, Lillian Senior, Bernard Sencherey, and Victor Granquist as inventors.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The subject invention generally relates to a dust suppressing aggregate. More specifically, the subject invention relates t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method of using polyurethane to protect and minimize the generation of dust from a core particle. Polyurethane is a solid and does not volatilize or migrate over time, ensuring its effectiveness as a dust suppressant. The polyurethane also promotes consistent and minimal encapsulation of the core particle, preventing clumping and agglomeration. While polyurethane protects the core particle, it allows for the rapid permeation of water and does not significantly inhibit the dissolution / release of the core particle.

Problems solved by technology

Fertilizers comprising particulate materials tend to generate dust during manufacturing, handling, storage, and application.

The generation of dust during manufacturing, handling, storage, and application of fertilizers is problematic for a number of reasons.

Typically, dust generated is ultimately wasted, i.e., it does not reach its intended application.

The dust generated does, however, typically enter the air and surrounding environs which may cause health and environmental concerns.

There are disadvantages associated with such dust suppressants.

Liquid dust suppressants, such as mineral oils, may volatilize and / or migrate into the fertilizer with time and lose their effectiveness.

Solid dust suppressants, such as waxes, can be difficult to handle, require special application equipment, cause clumping or agglomeration, and can inhibit the dissolution / release of the fertilizer once applied.

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