Ammonium sulfate suspension intermediates for nitrogen-sulfur fluids

Abstract

The present invention utilizes inexpensive, low-quality by-product ammonium sulfate (AS) characterized as having poor storage, handling, and use properties and normally unsuitable for use as a solid fertilizer because crystals thereof are very fine and of a undesirably high-moisture content. This invention involves production of high-quality, long-storing suspension intermediates directly from AS slurries or AS crystals, followed by storage of the resulting suspensions as intermediate raw materials, and further followed by production of solution fertilizers from such suspension intermediates. The instant invention provides for: (1) successful storage, handling, and use of a converted low-quality, inexpensive forms of AS, which would otherwise be difficult to handle and use; (2) production of fluid sulfur sources from such converted and stored AS materials for one-third or less the cost of other fertilizer sulfur sources such as ammonium thiosulfate solution; (3) production of solution fertilizers from such intermediates; (4) elimination of the need for costly crystallizer systems normally required for production of AS crystals large enough for satisfactory storage and use as solid fertilizer; and (5) elimination of the need for the costly steps of centrifuging and drying of AS crystals subsequent to their production, which subsequent drying treatment is required to ensure satisfactory storage and subsequent use.