Apparatus: Cryo-Blade
The Cryo-Blade™ is an ultra high-capacity cryogenic grinder for comminution and processing capability up to 1 kg. The homogeneity of the sample is very efficient.
Shop Now > Application: Cryongenic Grinding of Crab Legs to Enhance Soil Fertility and Encourage Plant Growth
Abstract
Cryogenic grinding, also know as cryomilling, utilizes liquid nitrogen or other cryogens to cool materials to extremely low temperatures. This process induces brittleness in the materials, thereby enhancing grinding efficiency and minimizing thermal degradation and contamination. By exploiting the unique physical properties of materials at cryogenic temperatures, this technique finds applications across scientific research, industrial processes, and medical advancements. Specifically, in the agricultural sector, cryogenic techniques have been proven particularly efficacious in the production of high-quality organic fertilizers.
Introduction
The production of fertilizers using crab shells represents an innovative and sustainable approach to enhance soil fertility and plant growth. Crab shells, rich in chitin, calcium carbonate, and essential nutrients, are converted into fine powder to enhance soil fertility and plant growth. Traditional methods to prepare fine powder fertilizer often result in mechanical damage and thermal degradation, affecting the accuracy of subsequent analyses. The Cryo-Blade™, with its cryogenic capabilities, offers a solution by maintaining sample integrity during the homogenizing process.
Methods
- Sample Preparation:Crab shells were selected and cleaned to remove any unwanted parts. The shell samples were chopped and weighed to approximately 400 grams. These were then put in the Cryo-Blade bowl.
- Cryo-Blade Setup:The Cryo-Blade was connected to a nitrogen gas supply and calibrated to achieve a blade temperature of -150 ºC to -110 ºC. The system was tested to ensure consistent cooling and accurate temperature control.
- Grinding Procedure:The Cryo-Blade was used to grind the crab shell samples into fine homogenized powder,using the parameters as listed below.
| Sample | Quanitity | Pre-condition Time | LN2 Volume | Temperature | Evaoporation Time | Grinding Time |
| Crab Shell | 400 g | 2 min. 30 sec. | 1000ml | -140 °C | 2 min. 30 sec. | 3 min. 20 sec. |
The protocols were saved for future operations. The homogenized powder was immediately collected and stored in cryogenic conditions to prevent thawing and degradation.
Post-Grinding Analysis
Our customer used this finely homogenized powder to make organic fertilizer that enhanced the extraction process significantly..
Knowledge Point: “Extraction process of fertilizer” refers to the method and procedures involved in obtaining theraw materials or components that are used to manufacture fertilizers. Cryogenic grinding helps in enhancing the process significantly.
Before and After
Results
Cryogenic grinding with the Cryo-Blade produced fine, homogenized powder from crab shell samples whilepreserving their cellular structures and biochemical properties. This method resulted in high-quality samples ideal for precise microscopic and biochemicals analyses. In fertilizer production, cryogenically ground crab shell samples demonstrated preserved nutrients, finer particle sizes for improved nutrient absorption, enhanced solubility, easier application, and positive environmental impacts through waste reduction, and sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Cryogenic grinding of crab shells is an efficient method for producing high-quality fertilizers. This techniquepreserves essential nutrients, increases surface area for enhanced nutrient absorption, and improves handling andapplication. Using crab shells as fertilizer also supports sustainability by reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices.
