U.S. patent application number 09/757911 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for process for mixing , diluting and dispensing water dilutable formulations of insecticides utilizing an injector system.
Invention is credited to German, William K., Heller, Larry D., Wooldridge, Allen W..
Application Number | 20010029995 09/757911 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26871312 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010029995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heller, Larry D. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2001 |
Process for mixing , diluting and dispensing water dilutable
formulations of insecticides utilizing an injector system
Abstract
A process for mixing an insecticide formulation with an injector
system that uses water to mix, dilute and dispense the insecticide.
An injector system that includes a water dilutable formulation, a
means of mixing or agitating the concentrated formulation, a water
source, an injector for the purpose of diluting and mixing the
formulation with water at pre-selected ratios, and a means for
delivering the mixed and diluted formulation to application
equipment used to reduce populations of insects, pests or other
nuisance organisms of public health importance. A water dilutable
formulation, an injector system and a process are combined in the
present invention to provide an optional means of recirculating the
insecticide concentrate in its container, drawing concentrate
insecticide from the container and diluting and mixing it with
water at selected concentrations which are calculated to meet the
insecticide label application stipulations, and dispensing the
correctly mixed solution directly into the application equipment
(either aircraft, truck mounted or portable) selected for use.
End-users then spray this mixture to mitigate infestations.
Inventors: |
Heller, Larry D.; (Osteen,
FL) ; Wooldridge, Allen W.; (Orlando, FL) ;
German, William K.; (Greeley, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG LLP
745 Fifth Avenue
New York
NY
10151
US
|
Family ID: |
26871312 |
Appl. No.: |
09/757911 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60175548 |
Jan 11, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 1/0054 20130101;
B01F 35/831 20220101; B01F 33/834 20220101; A01M 7/0092 20130101;
B01F 23/49 20220101; B01F 35/834 20220101; B01F 25/50 20220101;
B01F 25/31 20220101; B01F 2101/04 20220101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/9 |
International
Class: |
B65B 001/04; B65B
003/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An injector system for preparing a water dilutable insecticidal
formulation which comprises: a container having an inlet and an
outlet for holding the water dilutable insecticidal formulation
prior to dilution with water; a mixing system for mixing the water
dilutable insecticidal formulation in the container prior to
dilution comprising a recirculation pump, fluid lines connecting
the outlet of the container to the recirculation pump and
connecting the recirculation pump to the inlet of the container
forming a recirculation loop for recirculating the water dilutable
insecticidal formulation through the recirculation loop and the
container, and a valve in the recirculation loop between the
container and the recirculation pump for diverting the water
dilutable insecticidal formulation from the recirculation loop and
the container to a water injection pump; a water source; the water
injection pump comprising a water inlet port, a water outlet port,
a water dilutable insecticidal formulation inlet port, and a water
dilutable insecticidal formulation outlet port, wherein the water
inlet port is connected to the water source providing a water
stream passing through the outlet of the water injection pump,
wherein the water dilutable insecticidal formulation inlet port is
connected to the valve for diverting the flow from the
recirculation loop providing a fluid stream for the water dilutable
insecticidal formulation passing through the water dilutable
insecticidal formulation outlet of the water injection pump; a
water line connecting the water outlet port of the water injector
pump to a dispensing system; a fluid line connecting the water
dilutable insecticidal formulation outlet of the water injection
pump and the water line, whereby the water injector pump injects a
predetermined amount of the water dilutable insecticidal
formulation into the water stream forming a final water diluted
insecticidal formulation; and the dispensing system connected to
the water line for dispensing the water diluted insecticidal
formulation into application equipment comprising a dispensing
nozzle, and a hose connecting the water line to the dispensing
nozzle.
2. An injector system for preparing a water dilutable insecticidal
formulation which comprises: a container having an inlet and an
outlet for holding the water dilutable insecticidal formulation
prior to dilution with water; a rotary mixer for mixing the water
dilutable insecticidal formulation prior to dilution connected to
the container comprising a mixing head, a motor for rotating a
shaft, and the shaft connected to the mixing head and a coupling
for connecting the shaft to the motor, whereby the mixing head is
inside the container, the shaft passes through the container, and
the coupling for connecting the shaft to the motor is outside the
container; a water source; the water injection pump comprising a
water inlet port, a water outlet port, a water dilutable
insecticidal formulation inlet port, and a water dilutable
insecticidal formulation outlet port, wherein the water inlet port
is connected to the water source providing a water stream passing
through the outlet of the water injection pump, wherein the water
dilutable insecticidal formulation inlet port is connected to the
outlet of the container and provides a fluid stream of the water
dilutable insecticidal formulation passing through the water
dilutable insecticidal formulation outlet of the water injection
pump; a water line connecting the water outlet port of the water
injector pump to a dispensing system; a fluid line connecting the
water dilutable insecticidal formulation outlet port of the water
injector pump and the water line, whereby the water injector pump
injects a predetermined amount of the water dilutable insecticidal
formulation into the water stream and forms a final water diluted
insecticidal formulation; and the dispensing system connected to
the water line for dispensing the water diluted insecticidal
formulation into application equipment comprising a dispensing
nozzle, and a hose connecting the water line to the dispensing
nozzle.
3. The injector system of claim 1, wherein the water injection pump
further comprises a water driven piston for injecting the
predetermined amount of the water dilutable insecticidal
formulation into the water line for dispensing the final water
diluted insecticidal formulation.
4. The injector system of claim 2, wherein the water injection pump
further comprises a water driven piston for injecting the
predetermined amount of the water dilutable insecticidal
formulation into the water line for dispensing the final water
diluted insecticidal formulation.
5. The injector system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing system
for the water diluted insecticidal formulation further comprises a
flow meter totalizer.
6. The injector system of claim 2, wherein the dispensing system
for the water diluted insecticidal formulation further comprises a
flow meter totalizer.
7. The injector system of claim 1, wherein the water source further
comprises: a check valve, a pressure reducer, optionally, and a
pressure gauge.
8. The injector system of claim 2, wherein the water source further
comprises: a check valve, a pressure reducer, optionally, and a
pressure gauge.
9. The injector system of claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet of
the container holding the water dilutable insecticidal formulation
differentiates between different types of water dilutable
insecticidal formulation in the container.
10. The injector system of claim 2, wherein the inlet and outlet of
the container holding the water dilutable insecticidal formulation
differentiates between different types of water dilutable
insecticidal formulation in the container.
11. The injector system of claim 1, wherein the container further
comprises: a tamper evident device, and the container is
refillable.
12. The injector system of claim 2, wherein the container further
comprises: a tamper evident device, and the container is
refillable.
13. A process for preparing a water dilutable insecticidal
formulation which comprises: mixing the water dilutable
insecticidal formulation in a container prior to passing the water
dilutable insecticidal formulation through an injector system for
dilution with water; passing the mixed water dilutable insecticidal
formulation from the container to a water injection pump; providing
water to the water injection pump and forming a water stream
through the water injection pump; passing the water stream through
the water injection pump into a dispensing system; diluting the
water dilutable insecticidal formulation by adding a predetermined
amount of the water dilutable insecticidal formulation from the
water injection pump to the water stream and forming a water
diluted insecticidal formulation; and dispensing the water diluted
insecticide with the dispensing system into a target tank.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of now abandoned
provisional application Ser. No. 60/175,548 filed Jan. 11,
2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an injector system for preparing
and distributing water dilutable insecticidal formulations and a
process for mixing, diluting and dispensing an insecticidal
formulation to be used for general insect control, especially
mosquito control.
[0003] This injector system includes a formulation of a water
dilutable insecticide, components for mixing or agitating the
concentrated formulation, a water source, an injector for the
purpose of diluting the formulation with water in pre-selected
ratios, and a dispensing system for delivering the mixed and
diluted formulation to application equipment. The injector system
can be used to reduce populations of insects of public health
concern or annoyance insects.
[0004] The injector system of the present invention can accurately
mix and dilute insecticides with water in the proper proportions
and dispense the diluted insecticide for subsequent application.
Application equipment used to apply the diluted insecticide
includes units such as ground ultra low volume (ULV) aerosol
generators and portable spray units used for ground or aerial
application.
[0005] The process for preparing the insecticidal formulation
includes mixing the concentrated formulation in its container,
drawing the formulation from the container and diluting it with
water at selected concentrations which are calculated to meet the
manufacturer's label application specifications, and dispensing the
correctly mixed solution directly into the application equipment
(for example, aircraft, truck mounted or portable/handheld
sprayers) selected for use.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the invention is to provide a process for
mixing and diluting water dilutable insecticide formulations with
water and dispensing the diluted insecticide. In the past,
insecticides applied as space sprays are normally mixed and diluted
with oil in order to form and to maintain the recommended droplet
size once dispensed. The formulations used within the present
invention allow the insecticide to be mixed and diluted with water
while still forming and maintaining the recommended droplet size
once dispersed.
[0007] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
injector system that agitates the concentrated formulation and that
accurately dilutes the formulation with the proper amount of water.
The injector system also dispenses the diluted formulation directly
into application equipment.
[0008] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
container for the concentrated insecticidal formulation that could
be returned to the manufacturer for refilling and that could
optionally include a tamper evident device.
[0009] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent upon reading the following specification in
conjunction with the accompanying figure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0010] All documents discussed herein, and all documents in
provisional application Ser. No. 60/175,548 filed Jan. 11, 1999,
are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0011] Insect control in the United States, for example, mosquito
control, is almost always done for the control of annoying biting
insects and for disease prevention. The control and reduction of
mosquito populations is done by either larviciding (killing larvae
in the water in which they breed) or adult control using various
insecticides.
[0012] Substantial efforts have been expended by a wide variety of
entities in attempting to develop highly effective pesticides,
particularly insecticides, which are capable of eradicating or
controlling insects which destroy ornamental and agricultural
plants, crops, and trees, or which attack, harm, or annoy humans
and animals. Particularly bothersome to humans and animals are
blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and lice.
These insects are annoying as well as potentially harmful due to
the potential transmission of diseases. It is not only for the
suppression of disease that insect control is needed. There is a
perennial call for abatement of the nuisance of insects, such as
mosquitoes, which make unprotected outdoor activities all but
impossible at certain seasons of the year in many parts of the
world. Although substantial need has existed in the industry for
products which control or eradicate these insects and for systems
to effectively prepare these products for application, prior
attempts have failed to provide systems that are optimized for the
preparation of particular insecticidal formulations.
[0013] A number of injector devices have been used for dispensing
chemical substances for a variety of applications. Such devices
include the non-electric proportional injection systems, such as
the DOSMATIC.RTM. injector available commercially from Dosatron
International, Rue Pascal-BP-6, 33370 Tresse (Bordeaux), France,
which operates without electricity by using water pressure as the
power source. On its way through such a system, the water pressure
activates the dispenser which takes up the required percentage of
concentrate directly from the container and injects the concentrate
into a fluid stream for dilution. These units are precise and
relatively simple and have been used in a wide range of
applications, including irrigation, livestock hygiene and crop
spraying.
[0014] Other devices for mixing concentrated insecticides with a
carrier, such as water, include the use of a variety of pumps.
Pumps, including positive displacement pumps, vane pumps, rotary
lobe pumps, or any type of metering pump, can be used to add a
concentrated insecticidal formulation with a carrier. These pumps
can be configured to pump a concentrated insecticide into a carrier
such as oil or water. Alternatively, these pumps can be used to
inject the concentrated insecticidal formulation into a water
stream or a carrier stream, thereby diluting the concentrated
insecticide when it mixes with the fluid stream.
[0015] Space spray insecticides are generally dispersed as ultra
low volume (ULV) space treatments or fogs to kills adult
mosquitoes. An insecticide is diluted and atomized by a ULV fogging
machine. The insecticide would then be released from the ground or
from the air. Air currents would carry the droplets downwind of the
application equipment. The droplets would collide with the insects,
coating the insect with a lethal dose of the active ingredient. A
system for dispersing an insecticide in this manner is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,448, entitled Aerosol Generator Apparatus with
Control and Recording, and is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0016] Space spray aerosol insecticides, such as mosquito
adulticides, are generally diluted with oil because this was the
only carrier that distributed the insecticide accurately and evenly
over a wide range of conditions. However, there are a number of
disadvantages and problems associated with oil-based carriers.
These include potential storage liability, environmental concerns,
inconvenience and additional cost.
[0017] Water dilutable insecticides include formulations such as
the FFAST.TM. (an acronym for Film Forming Aqueous Spray
Technology) insecticide formulations described in this application,
which allow for the use of water as a diluent. U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,466,458 and 5,527,823 describe insecticidal formulations suitable
for dilution with water to form a space spray aerosol. These
patents are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0018] It is generally less expensive and more desirable to have
the option of using a water-based product. However, at ambient
temperatures, conventional water-based sprays tend to evaporate
quickly and fail to deliver the insecticide to the target insects
or pests efficiently. To overcome this problem in the past,
dispersing insecticides in water required the creation of large
droplets. However, these large droplets did not drift efficiently
and did not reach the target at all.
[0019] A formulation, such as the FFAST.TM. formulation, using long
chain alcohol molecules to form a protective film around each
droplet of insecticide as it leaves the nozzle of the sprayer,
allows for the formation of droplets that do not evaporate too
quickly and that efficiently deliver the insecticide to the target
insect. The incorporation of long chain alcohols into the
formulation provides a means of coating the individual droplets of
insecticides when mixed with water so as to control the rate of
evaporation. This film retards the evaporation of the droplets and
they maintain the desired optimum size.
[0020] The FFAST.TM. insecticide formulations therefore offer the
benefits of using water as a diluent with the performance of
oil-based dilution. For example, AQUA-RESLIN.RTM. insecticide is a
concentrated formulation of a water dilutable mosquito adulticide
that has as its active ingredient the pyrethroid permethrin,
synergized with piperonyl butoxide, and is formulated in such a way
as to be diluted with water, as opposed to oils, for subsequent
application. By using the process and injector system of the
present invention, the end user has the economic benefit of being
able to purchase a concentrated insecticide that can be easily
diluted with water and has the benefit of limiting the risks
normally associated with worker exposure to the oils previously
used to dilute an insecticide.
[0021] A specific injector system that could mix the concentrated
insecticide, accurately dilute the insecticide with water, and
dispense water diluted insecticides has not been available.
Further, a process for mixing, diluting and dispensing water
soluble formulations of insecticides using an injector system as an
ultra low volume (ULV) space spray aerosol for the control of
mosquitoes has heretofore not been available.
[0022] Accordingly, a need remains for a process for preparing
insecticides that can be diluted with water and for an injector
system which can mix the concentrated insecticide, accurately
dilute with water, and dispense the water diluted insecticidal
formulation into application equipment, thereby eliminating the
problems associated with the use of oil as a diluent or carrier of
the insecticide. It is to this injector system and process for
preparing an insecticide that the present invention is primarily
directed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] With the development of water dilutable insecticides, such
as FFAST.TM. insecticides, came the need for a process for diluting
and dispensing the water-based formulation by the use of an
injector system that would properly mix and dilute the concentrated
insecticide with water and that would dispense the water diluted
insecticide into the application equipment. The present invention
is directed to the process of mixing a formulation of a water
dilutable insecticides, accurately diluting with water and
dispensing the water diluted formulation, and the injector
system.
[0024] The present invention is directed to a process that includes
the steps of: agitating, recirculating, mixing or re-suspending the
water dilutable insecticide formulation within a container; drawing
the water dilutable formulation from the container and accurately
diluting the insecticide with water at concentrations selected to
meet the manufacturer's label application specifications; and
dispensing the water diluted insecticide directly into the
application equipment (for example, aircraft, truck mounted or
portable) selected for use.
[0025] The present invention is also directed to a specific type of
injector system that is used to mix, dilute and dispense an
insecticide with water. The injector system includes: a container
and a mixing system for mixing the concentrated insecticide; a
water source and a water stream through the injector system; a
water injection pump for accurately injecting a predetermined
amount of the insecticide into the water stream; and a dispensing
system for dispensing the water diluted insecticide into
application equipment.
[0026] The injector system can properly mix the concentrated
insecticide, properly dilute the insecticide with water and
dispense the water diluted insecticide into the application
equipment. This is accomplished by providing a means for mixing,
agitating, re-circulating or re-suspending the concentrated
formulation to assure a homogeneous state, and then diluting the
insecticide by injecting the insecticide into a water stream at a
specified rate, which results in a pre-selected concentration of
the insecticide. Once mixed and diluted, the injector system
provides a means for dispensing the solution into application
equipment for subsequent dispersal.
[0027] The injector system can optionally include a tamper-evident
container. The container of the injector systems can also
optionally be returnable to the manufacturer for refilling with the
concentrated insecticide.
[0028] The injector system of the present invention for preparing a
water dilutable insecticidal formulation includes: a container
having an inlet and an outlet for holding the water dilutable
insecticidal formulation prior to dilution with water; a mixing
system for mixing the water dilutable insecticidal formulation in
the container prior to dilution; a water source; a water injection
pump; a water line connecting the water outlet port of the water
injector pump to a dispensing system; a fluid line connecting the
water dilutable insecticidal formulation outlet of the water
injection pump and the water line, whereby the water injector pump
injects a predetermined amount of the water dilutable insecticidal
formulation into the water stream forming a final water diluted
insecticidal formulation; and a dispensing system connected to the
water line for dispensing the final water diluted insecticidal
formulation into application equipment.
[0029] Prior to each dispensing event utilizing the injector
system, the insecticide concentrate may need to be re-circulated
within its container to assure proper performance of the
formulation of the concentrate. The amount of time of recirculation
will vary according to the amount of concentrate remaining in the
container and the manufacturer's instructions. Recirculation
insures that the concentrated insecticide (for example,
AQUA-RESLIN.RTM. or other FFAST.TM. formulated insecticides) is
uniformly mixed prior to being drawn out of the container to the
injector and injected into the water stream.
[0030] The injector system of the present invention may include a
re-circulation loop for recirculating or agitating the insecticide.
The injector system may include a water stream, a concentrate
injector to inject concentrate into the water stream and a
dispensing system to allow for filling of the application
equipment. As a further embodiment, the injector system may include
a concentrate recirculation loop incorporating the insecticide
concentrate container, a recirculation pump, and a three-way valve
to divert the flow of the concentrate from the recirculation loop
to the injector.
[0031] The injector system requires a water source that can be from
a standard water line. The connection between the water source and
the injector systems may include a check valve to prevent the
backflow of the water after injection of the concentrated
insecticide, a pressure reducer if required, an inlet or shut-off
valve for restricting the water flow when the injector is not in
operation, a pressure gauge, and a water line allowing the water
stream to pass to the dispensing system of the injector system. The
injector system allows for the injection of concentrate into the
water stream for mixing and prior to dispensing.
[0032] In the injector system with a three way valve in the
recirculation loop, the valve is oriented to allow the concentrate
to be injected into the water stream by diverting flow from the
recirculation loop to the injector in the injector system. The
injector would inject concentrated insecticide at a pre-selected
rate into the water stream, thereby diluting and mixing the
insecticide with water. A dispensing system on the outlet side of
the injector system allows the water/insecticide solution to pass
through the dispensing system into the application equipment. The
dispensing system may include a nozzle and valve, and a flow meter.
The dispensing system of the injector system may optionally include
a bypass loop to be used for flushing the system after use.
[0033] The injector system may also include an agitation system
that includes a mixing unit is incorporated into the concentrated
insecticide container. One example of a mixing unit that is an
integral part of the container includes a rotary mixer with the
shaft of the mixer extending outward from the inside of the
container. In this example, the end of the shaft of the rotary
mixer inside the container includes a mixing head. The operator
would then attach a mixing motor onto the shaft of the mixing unit
on the outside of the container to turn the rotary mixer. This
allows the concentrated insecticide to be mixed in the container
without the use of a recirculation loop and pump. The motor could
be connected with a standard quick connect coupling between the
shaft of the mixer and the drive shaft of the motor. If the mixing
unit is incorporated into the container, the container would
require only one outlet since the inlet port and the outlet port
required for a recirculation loop would not be required. A
tamperproof or tamper-evident device could be included in a
container with only one port. These containers with a single outlet
can also be designed to be product specific, whereby different
concentrated insecticides could be assigned different container
port configurations. This avoids the potential of using the wrong
concentrated insecticide for a given application.
[0034] Other mixing apparatus could be used to provide specific
modes of agitation by modifying the mixing unit. Another injector
system could include a shaker platform to agitate the concentrate
in the container prior to dilution. The concentrate container would
be placed on the shaker unit and the container would be shaken to
agitate the contents of the concentrate container prior to
dilution.
[0035] In another injector system, the container could be designed
for refilling with concentrated insecticide by the supplier of the
insecticide.
[0036] A preferred embodiment of the injector system for water
dilutable insecticidal formulations is described in FIG. 1. This
injector system uses standard components and includes, for example,
an optional recirculation pump, a container for the concentrated
insecticide, a three way valve, an injector, a water stream and a
water line for mixing, a dispensing nozzle with flow meter, and
associated electrical connections, valving and hoses. Additionally,
the system could include a selector switch controlling the
three-way valve in the recirculation loop (to select between
recirculation and dispensing) and a pressure gauge to monitor the
water inlet pressure.
[0037] The injector system described in FIG. 1 includes two water
injection pumps. These could include a DOSMATIC.RTM. injector
available from Dosatron International, Rue Pascal--BP-6, 33370
Tresse (Bordeaux), France. The setting on the water injector pump
is selected to correspond to the desired final concentration of
water/insecticide to be prepared. For example, if a 10%
volume/volume solution is desired, the injector pump is set
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Following
re-circulation to mix the concentrated insecticide, the water
source coming to the injector system is turned on at the water
inlet. The injector system is set to produce the desired
concentration for the water/insecticide solution following the
manufacturer's instructions for use of the water injector pump
selected. The water injection pump continuously injects the proper
amount of concentrated insecticide into the water stream. As the
water stream exits the nozzle into the application equipment
reservoir, the water diluted insecticide is ready for use. By
incorporating two water injector pumps into the injection system,
the concentration of the insecticide in water can be increased to
twice the concentration possible utilizing a single water injection
pump.
[0038] The injector system is designed to inject liquid into water
and can be applied to a variety of other applications. Other
chemicals can also be applied in a wide range of other
applications, including irrigation, livestock hygiene and crop
spraying.
[0039] The injector system mixes the concentrated insecticide, such
as the FFAST.TM. formulated insecticide AQUA-RESLIN.RTM., in proper
proportions with water, and then dispenses the water diluted
insecticide into application containers. End users then spray this
water diluted insecticide to kill mosquito and other insects.
[0040] The injector system can be portable and can be placed in a
location convenient for connection to a standard electrical outlet
and water source.
[0041] The insecticidal formulations that can be used with the
injector system are those insecticides that are suitable for
dilution with water to form a space sprayable preparation. These
insecticidal formulations generally comprise an active ingredient,
an emulsifier and an evaporation retardant. The formulation can
optionally contain a carrier or solvent for the active ingredient.
The active ingredient in the formulation may be a pyrethroid or
natural pyrethrins or other insecticide classes possibly combined
with a synergist. Other active ingredients can include both
non-biologically and biologically active compounds. For example,
the active ingredients may be selected from insecticides alone or
in combination with insecticides or biological larvicides or other
active ingredients.
[0042] Carriers and solvents may include lower alkyl esters, lower
ketones, lower alkanols, lower alkanes, kerosene, mineral oil,
heptyl acetate, 4-methylpentan-2-one, or butane.
[0043] Emulsifier may include anionic compounds, such as calcium
dodecyl benzene sulphate or sodium diisopropyl naphthalene
sulphonate, and non-ionic compounds, such as polyoxyethylene
stearyl ethers, polyoxyethylene monolaurates, polyoxyethylene
mono-oleates, sorbitan mono-oleates, nonylphenol ethoxylate,
polyethylene glycol, and blends of olyel ethoxylate and PEG20
glyceryl oleate.
[0044] An evaporation retardant may include any film-forming
compound, preferably an alkanol and is preferably a primary alcohol
with no more than one or two side substituents selected from
methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl and halogen, with such substitutions
preferably remote from the alcohol group (preferably at least 7
carbon atoms away from the hydroxyl group,) and preferably the
alkanol is not substituted at all, preferably C.sub.16-20,
preferably saturated. Hexadecan-1-ol (also known as cetyl alcohol)
is usually available commercially as a mixture with a minor
proportion of octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol) and such cetostearyl
alcohol is satisfactory. Heptadecan-1-ol performs adequately. Other
effective film forming agents include 1-hexadecylamine,
1heptadecylamine and 1-octodecylamine. Less preferred film-forming
agents include hexadecan-2-ol, 1,2-hexadecandiol, methyl stearate,
stearyl acetate, methyl palmirate, and 1,2-octadecandiol.
N-alkoxyalkanols may be used, for example
CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2OC.sub.2H.sub.4OH,
CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.21OCH.sub.3H.sub.6OH,
CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.17OC.- sub.2H.sub.4OH, or
CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.15OCH.sub.2H.sub.4OH, as may
oxyethylene-docosanol and mixtures of any of the said evaporation
retardants.
[0045] Such a formulation allows droplets to remain stable while
drifting over a given swath area necessary to obtain effective
coverage and to obtain and to maintain an optimum droplet size. For
maximum impact, the droplets need to be sized within tight
parameters: too big and they fall to the ground before reaching the
target, too small and they may not impact the intended target, such
as an insect. An example of such a formulation that allows water
dilutable insecticide droplets (for example, the mosquito
adulticide AQUA-RESLIN.RTM.) to remain stable with less evaporative
loss is currently available under the name FFAST.TM.. The mosquito
adulticide AQUA-RESLIN.RTM. utilizes anti-evaporant technology
which allows for the use of water as a diluent while maintaining a
stable ULV droplet of an insecticide which allows the water
droplets to perform the same, or very similar to the oil based
solvent droplets. The benefits are many, including the almost
complete elimination of oil as an environmental insult.
[0046] The AQUA-RESLIN.RTM. insecticide is a concentrated
formulation of a water dilutable mosquito adulticide that can be
provided by the manufacturer in a container can be installed onto
the injector system. The process of the present invention mixes the
formulation in its container, dilutes the insecticide, such as the
AQUA-RESLIN.RTM. insecticide, by injecting the concentrated
insecticidal formulation into a water stream to achieve a
predetermined concentration, and dispenses the diluted insecticide
into application equipment for subsequent dispersal. The container
is connected to the injector system of the present invention,
whereby the outlet of the container may or may not be connected to
the recirculation loop of the injector system which is used for
mixing the insecticide prior to dilution. Agitation and
resuspension can be achieved by drawing the concentrated
formulation out of the container, passing it through a
recirculation pump, and then returning the concentrated formulation
back into the container, or by any of the other methods previously
described. Once homogenized, the insecticide is injected and mixed
into the water stream of the injector system through the use of a
water injection pump, which accurately dilutes and mixes the
formulation with water. The water diluted insecticide is then
dispensed by the injector system into application equipment for
subsequent spraying.
[0047] In addition to the AQUA-RESLIN.RTM. insecticide, other
FFAST.TM. insecticide formulations can include products such as
AQUA-PYRENONE.TM., ESBIOL.RTM., AQUA-SCOURGE.TM., and other
products where the active ingredient in the formulation may be a
pyrethroid or natural pyrethrins or other insecticide classes.
AQUA-PYRENONE.TM. contains the active ingredient pyrethrins
synergized with piperonyl butoxide, which can be applied undiluted
or diluted with water and can be used for structural insect and
pest control and as a ULV mosquito adulticide over crops.
ESBIOL.TM. contains the active ingredient S-bioallethrin combined
with piperonyl butoxide and is also formulated in such a way as to
be dilutable with water and can be used for structural pest
control, food protection and as a ULV mosquito adulticide.
AQUA-SCOURGE.TM. contains synergized resmethrin for ULV mosquito
control.
[0048] As described above, oil was used in the past as a diluent
for these formulations in order to prevent evaporation of the
diluent during the application of droplets during spraying of the
insecticide. The present invention includes formulations that allow
for dilution with water and for forming stable droplets that remain
intact during application without significant loss of water due to
evaporation. These water diluted droplets further eliminate
problems associated with the use of oils in general, such as the
difficulty in handling, additional storage requirements for the
oil, environmental concerns associated with handling of oils and
safety issues. Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the
problems inherent in insecticide formulations that must be diluted
with oil.
[0049] The present invention further improves upon the prior art in
that it includes a complete injector system for mixing, diluting
and dispensing the water diluted formulations directly into the
application equipment used to disperse insecticides. Some of the
more notable benefits of the process and the injector system
include:
[0050] Environmental, since the process and formulation minimizes
oil in the environment and insures consistent dilution and
minimizes the chance of over-application;
[0051] Economic, since the process and the formulation no longer
requires the purchase of large quantities of oil for dilution, and
the easy dilution using this process results in manpower time
savings. There is also a quick turn around of trucks and aircraft
tank refilling; and
[0052] Safety, since the closed system minimizes worker contact
with the insecticide and eliminates the hazards of storing
flammable oils.
[0053] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description, are effectively
attained. Since certain changes may be made in the injector systems
detailed herein, as well as in carrying out the process described
above, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is
intended that all matter contained in this specification shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0054] All attachments, exhibits and referenced appended to
provisional application Ser. No. 60/175,548 filed Jan. 11, 1999 are
hereby incorporated by reference.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic of the injector system in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] The overall operation of the injector system of one of the
embodiments of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 1. This particular embodiment of the injector
system includes: a container (1) for holding the water dilutable
insecticide formulation; a recirculation loop including insecticide
lines (2), (4), and (6), a recirculation pump (5) for mixing the
concentrate by recirculation, and a three way valve (3) connected
to the recirculation loop to divert flow of the concentrated water
dilutable insecticide after mixing from the recirculation loop and
container; two water injection pumps (11a) and (11b) connected to a
water source (13) and the three way valve (3) of the recirculation
loop; a water stream flowing through the water injector pumps (11a)
and (11b) and passing into water line (23), which includes
individual connections for water dilutable insecticide lines (22a)
and (22b) and wherein the water dilutable insecticide is mixed with
water; and a hose (24) and dispensing nozzle (26) through which the
water diluted insecticide is dispensed into the target tank (27) of
the application equipment.
[0057] The process begins by mixing the concentrated water
dilutable insecticidal formulation in the container (1). In the
injector system depicted in FIG. 1, mixing is accomplished by
recirculating the concentrate in the recirculation loop connected
to the container (1). The recirculation loop includes insecticide
line (2) connected to the outlet of the container (1) and the
three-way valve (3). The three-way valve (3) can be oriented to
keep the flow of concentrated water dilutable insecticide in the
recirculation loop by directing flow to insecticide line (4) or can
be oriented to divert the flow of the concentrated water dilutable
insecticide from the recirculation loop into the injector system
through insecticide line (7). When the three-way valve (3) is
oriented to keep the flow of insecticide formulation in the
recirculation loop, the insecticide is pumped through this loop by
recirculation pump (5). The recirculation pump (5) is connected to
the inlet of the container through insecticide line (6).
Recirculation continues until mixing is complete and the three-way
valve (3) is switched from the recirculation flow direction to the
bypass flow direction.
[0058] Once the water dilutable insecticide has been mixed
according to the manufacturer's instructions, the three-way valve
(3) is set to divert the flow of the insecticide into the remainder
of the injector system for dilution with water. A water source (13)
is connected to the injector system and can be any pressurized
water source including a standard connection to a municipal water
supply. Water provided by the water source (13) is directed into
one inlet of a water injection pump. The concentrated water
dilutable insecticide from container (1), which is diverted from
the recirculation loop through the three-way valve (3), is directed
to the other inlet of a water injection pump. Water is directed
through the water injection pump and passes through a water outlet
port which is connected to a water line (23) and dispensing hose
(24). The water dilutable insecticide is simultaneously metered
from the water injection pump by a water driven piston through a
water dilutable insecticide outlet port and is injected into the
water line (23) connected to dispensing hose (24). At this point,
the water dilutable insecticide is diluted with water as the
formulation is injected into the water stream in water line
(23).
[0059] The embodiment detailed in FIG. 1 includes two water
injector pumps (11a) and (11b), each with individual water
dilutable insecticide inlet ports (10a) and (10b) and outlet ports
(21a) and (21b), water inlet ports (19a) and (19b) and outlet ports
(20a) and (20b), and water driven pistons (12a) and (12b). In the
injector system depicted in FIG. 1, a single water stream passes
through the two water injection pumps (11a) and (11b) which are
connected in series. The water source (13) is connected to the
injector system such that a water stream passes through the water
inlet (19a) of the first water injection pump (11a). The water
stream flows from the water outlet (20a) into the water inlet (19b)
of the second water injection pump (11b) and passes through the
water outlet (20b) of the second injection pump (11b) into water
line (23).
[0060] The insecticide fluid streams passing through water
injection pumps (11a) and (11b) are not connected in series and
include individual water dilutable insecticide lines (22a) and
(22b) connected to the water line (23). These individual
insecticide lines (22a) and (22b) are used to inject the water
dilutable insecticide into the water stream. Check valves (9a) and
(9b) can be placed in insecticide line (7) between the three-way
valve (3) and the insecticide inlet ports (10a) and (10b) of the
water injection pumps (11a) and (11b). Additionally, a check valve
(16) can be placed between the water source (13) and the water
inlet port (19a) of the first water injection pump (11a).
[0061] After injecting the water dilutable insecticide formulation
into the water stream in water line (23), the final water diluted
insecticide passes through the dispensing hose (24) and is ready
for dispensing into a variety of target tanks (27). The
configuration of the target tank is determined by the application
equipment for the final water diluted insecticide. The dispensing
nozzle (26) can be designed to accommodate a variety of target tank
(27) configurations.
[0062] Optional process control and measurement equipment utilized
in the injector system depicted in FIG. 1 includes: a tank empty
sensor (8) for sensing concentrated water dilutable insecticide in
insecticide line (7) coming from the container (1); a manual valve
(14) isolating the water source (13) from the injector system; a
water bypass line (17) coupled to a pressure switch (18) and an
electric valve (15), to further control the water pressure and flow
from the water source (13); and a flow meter totalizer (25)
connected to the dispensing hose (24) for measuring the amount of
water diluted insecticide dispensed into the target tank (27).
[0063] All of the components of the injector systems described in
FIG. 1 are commercially available and require no additional
description herein.
[0064] While the present invention has been disclosed in terms of a
preferred embodiment in order to facilitate a better understanding
thereof, it should be appreciated that the invention can be
embodied in various ways without departing from the principle of
the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to
include all possible embodiments and modifications to the shown
embodiment without departing from the principle of the invention as
set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *