Thomas Coleman Day

US Patent:

57169039, Feb 10, 1998

Filed:

Jan 3, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/778890

Inventors:

Richard M. Kramer - Chesterfield MO
Thomas M. Day - Creve Coeur MO
Ralph E. Lindemann - St. Louis MO
Jane L. Gillespie - University City MO

Assignee:

Monsanto Company - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

A01N 5702

US Classification:

504206

Abstract:

Solid N-phosphonomethylglycine or glyphosate acid is charged to a substantially closed system and then partially pre-dried as by continuously recirculating it through a hot air grinding/drying system. A cooled solution of ammonium hydroxide is then metered into and reacted with the partially dried glyphosate acid as it is being recirculated in a manner such that the moisture content of the reaction mass so formed is continuously decreased throughout the reaction. Following completion of the ammonium hydroxide addition, a powdered reaction mass/product having a moisture content of about 2 wt. % is formed. Significantly, at this stage, the ammonium glyphosate product is suitable for end use and it can be readily dissolved in water and immediately used as a herbicide or plant growth regulator. More importantly, however, this product is capable due to its highly sorptive character to be further formulated into a product exceptionally highly loaded with adjuvants and particularly surfactants.

US Patent:

56144687, Mar 25, 1997

Filed:

Jun 7, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/472152

Inventors:

Richard M. Kramer - Chesterfield MO
Thomas M. Day - Creve Coeur MO
Ralph E. Lindemann - St. Louis MO
Jane L. Gillespie - University City MO

Assignee:

Monsanto Company - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

A01N 5702

US Classification:

504206

Abstract:

Solid N-phosphonomethylglycine or glyphosate acid is charged to a substantially closed system and then partially pre-dried as by continuously recirculating it through a hot air grinding/drying system. A cooled solution of ammonium hydroxide is then metered into and reacted with the partially dried glyphosate acid as it is being recirculated in a manner such that the moisture content of the reaction mass so formed is continuously decreased throughout the reaction. Following completion of the ammonium hydroxide addition, a powdered reaction mass/product having a moisture content of about 2 wt. % is formed. Significantly, at this stage, the ammonium glyphosate product is suitable for end use and it can be readily dissolved in water and immediately used as a herbicide or plant growth regulator. More importantly, however, this product is capable due to its highly sorptive character to be further formulated into a product exceptionally highly loaded with adjuvants and particularly surfactants.