# Patent

## Title
Method for spray tank cleanout

## Abstract

A method for spray tank cleanout. In particular, the invention further relates to a method for reducing residual sulfonylurea pesticide contamination of a spray tank from which the sulfonylurea is applied, and a composition for achieving this method.

## Background
This application is a 371 of PCT/CN2013/073222, filed 26 Mar. 2013, which claims benefit of GB 1207097.5, filed 20 Apr. 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
Field
This present disclosure provides a method for spray tank cleanout. In particular, the disclosure further relates to a method for reducing residual sulfonylurea pesticide contamination of a spray tank from which the sulfonylurea is applied.
Description of Related Art
Sulfonylureas, as a class, are highly active pesticides. For this reason, it is desirable to clean out spray equipment before the equipment is subsequently used to treat crops sensitive to the sulfonamide herbicide used in the previous application. Adequate cleanout may require a rinsing procedure that is time-consuming and results in wastewater requiring proper environmental disposal. Furthermore, cleanout can be affected if the spray equipment contains organic deposits remaining from previous crop protection chemical applications or from other chemicals tank-mixed with the sulfonamide herbicide composition.
PCT patent application publication WO93/16596 describes a method for reducing residual sulfonylurea herbicide contamination of spray equipment by requiring as the first step the formulation of the sulfonylurea active ingredient in the form of an agriculturally suitable water soluble salt. The method for reducing residual sulfonylurea pesticide contamination of a spray tank from which the sulfonylurea is applied, comprising the steps: i) formulating the sulfonylurea the steps: agriculturally suitable water soluble salt composition before spray tank application, thereby increasing solubility of the sulfonylurea and decreasing the amount of insoluble sulfonylurea available for residual contamination of the spray tank; ii) applying the sulfonylurea salt composition to the crop while minimizing buildup of insoluble sulfonylurea in the spray tank; and (iii) rinsing the spray tank substantially free of residual sulfonylurea, after application, in an operation in which the sulfonylurea remaining in the spray tank is reduced significantly versus the amount remaining when sulfonylurea is not formulated as a water-soluble salt before application. But this method has disadvantages. In the tank cleanout protocol I, step 4, step 5, step 6, and step 7 all mentioned a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution can be water, or an ammonium hydroxide, or sodium hypochlorite solution. Especially in step 7, ammonium hydroxide solution was used. So even using sulfonylurea water soluble salt in the composition, washing the spray equipment with the cleaning solution was also necessary after finishing spraying.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provided a composition with sulfonylurea which has improved spray equipment clean-out properties and reduces residual sulfonylurea herbicide contamination of spray equipment. There is no need for using a cleaning solution to wash the spray equipment after application. Simple washing with fresh water after application is enough. This facilitates the farmers' washing step and saves time.
An embodiment of the invention relates to a composition comprising:
(i) from 2% to 90% by weight sulfonylurea water soluble salt;
(ii) from 1% to 50% by weight ethanolamine;
(iii) from 0-95% of one or more additional formulating ingredients;
the sum of the weight percents of all the ingredients in the composition totaling 100%.
An embodiment of the invention further relates to a method for reducing residual sulfonylurea pesticide contamination of a spray tank from which the sulfonylurea is applied, comprising the steps:
(a) formulating the sulfonylurea as an agriculturally suitable water soluble salt;
(b) preparing a composition comprising by weight:
(i) from 2% to 90% sulfonylurea water soluble salt;
(ii) from 1% to 50% ethanolamine;
(iii) from 0-95% of one or more additional formulating ingredients;
the sum of the weight percents of all the ingredients in the composition totaling 100%;
(c) applying the sulfonylurea salt composition to the crop while minimizing buildup of insoluble sulfonylurea in the spray tank, and
(d) rinsing the spray tank substantially free of residual sulfonylurea, after application.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
It has been discovered that the sulfonylureas herbicide composition according to an embodiment of the invention has improved spray equipment clean-out properties and reduces residual sulfonylurea herbicide contamination of spray equipment. In addition, there is no need for using a cleaning solution to wash the spray equipment after application. Simple washing with fresh water after application is enough. This facilitates the farmers' washing step and saves time.
The sulfonylureas whose spray tank buildup is curtailed by the method of an embodiment of this invention are the sulfonylurea acids either when used alone or with one or more tank mix partners. The benefits achieved by this invention have been found to be more pronounced when the sulfonylurea is employed with a tank mix partner. The benefits are even more noteworthy when earlier tank mixes have left organic deposits on inside spray tank surfaces. In such instances, it is believed that undissolved particles of the sulfonylurea are held by the organic deposit and kept from becoming resuspended or dissolved in the spray tank water. Thereafter, should the spray tank be employed on a crop sensitive to the sulfonylurea, damage may result either from migration into the tank water of particles formerly trapped by the organic deposit or by actual sloughing off of the organic deposit carrying embedded sulfonylurea particles with it.
The problem of difficult spray tank cleanout is exacerbated by sulfonylureas used at relatively high concentrates. Since water solubility of the sulfonylurea active ingredient in its acid form is so low, tank mixes of the sulfonylureas are primarily suspensions. Suspended particles can collect on tank walls, in tubing, or be trapped by organic deposits that may be present inside the tank. If a later tank mix sends the sulfonylurea into solution or suspension, sensitive crops can be damaged.
This problem is avoided partly by employing sulfonylureas in a water-soluble salt form. The sulfonylurea salt form shows a faster dissolution rate than the corresponding sulfonylurea acid. In order to avoid this problem completely, a washing with the clean solution is necessary after application.
The invention, in an embodiment, provides a composition comprising by weight:
(i) from 2% to 90% sulfonylurea water soluble salt;
(ii) from 1% to 50% ethanolamine;
(iii) from 0-95% of one or more additional formulating ingredients; the sum of all the ingredients in the composition totaling 100%.
The invention, in an embodiment, further provides a method for reducing residual sulfonylurea pesticide contamination of a spray tank from which the sulfonylurea is applied, comprising the steps:
(a) formulating the sulfonylurea as an agriculturally suitable water soluble salt;
(b) preparing a composition comprising by weight:
(i) from 2% to 90% sulfonylurea water soluble salt;
(ii) from 1% to 50% ethanolamine;
(iii) from 0-95% of one or more additional formulating ingredients;
the sum of all the ingredients in the composition totaling 100%;
(c) applying the sulfonylurea salt composition to the crop while minimizing buildup of insoluble sulfonylurea in the spray tank, and
(d) rinsing the spray tank substantially free of residual sulfonylurea after application.
The composition of the present invention has improved spray equipment clean-out properties and reduces residual sulfonylurea herbicide contamination of spray equipment. In addition, there is no need for using a cleaning solution to wash after application. Simple washing with fresh water after application is enough. This facilitates the farmers' washing step and saves time.
The sulfonylureas for use in the invention include:

    2-chloro-N[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide (chlorsulfuron);
    Methyl 2-[[[[(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (sulfometuron-methyl);
    Ethyl 2-[[[[[4-chloro-6-methoxy-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (chlorimuron ethyl);
    Methyl 2-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (metsulfuron-methyl);
    Methyl 2-[[[[[4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-6(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridine-carboxylate (flupyrsulfuron-methyl);
    Methyl 2-[[[[[4-ethoxy-6-(methylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (ethametsulfuron-methyl);
    2-(2-chloroethyloxy)-N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]-benzenesulfonamide;
    Ethyl 5-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (pyrazosulfuron-ethyl);
    N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-pyridinesulfonamide (rimsulfuron);
    Methyl 3-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-2-thiophenecarboxylate (thifensulfuron-methyl);
    Methyl 2-[[[[N-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)N-methylamino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (tribenuron-methyl);
    Methyl 2-[[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]methyl]benzoate (bensulfuron methyl);
    2-[[[[[4,6-bis(difluoro methoxy)-2-pyrimidinyl]amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate;
    2-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidiny)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]N,N-dimethyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide (nicosulfuron);
    Methyl 2-[[[[[[4-dimethylamino]-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-3-methylbenzoate; and
    N-[[(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-1-methyl-4-(2-methy 1-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-sulfonamide (azimsulfuron).


More preferred sulfonylurea compounds are:

    Methyl 3-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-2-thiophenecarboxylate (thifensulfuron-methyl);
    Methyl 2-[[[[(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (sulfometuron-methyl);
    Methyl 2-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (metsulfuron-methyl);
    Ethyl 5-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (pyrazosulfuron-ethyl);
    N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-pyridinesulfonamide (rimsulfuron);
    Methyl 2-[[N-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)-N-methylamino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (tribenuron-methyl);
    2-[[[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidiny)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]N,N-dimethyl-3-pyridinecarboxamide (nicosulfuron);
    2-chloro-N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide (chlorsulfuron)


Salts of the sulfonylureas are generally known as are methods for making them. Preferred salt cations are the sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium and alkylammonium cations. Preferred sulfonylurea salts are the sodium and calcium salts of tribenuron methyl; the potassium salt of thifensulfuron methyl; the ammonium salt of chlorsulfuron and the potassium salt of metsulfuron methyl.
In the composition of an embodiment of the invention, the amount of ethanolamine present may present depend upon the concentrate of the sulfonylurea water soluble salt active ingredient and may be determined by routine experimentation. The ethanolamine is preferably present in an amount such as to give a weight ratio of the sulfonylurea water soluble salt to the ethanolamine of from 1:90 to 90:1.
The composition of embodiments of the present invention may be provided in the form of liquid or solid. Use formulations include dusts, granules, pellets, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gels, actives in plastic, wettable powders, emulsion concentrates, dry flowables and the like, consistent with the physical properties of the active ingredient, mode of application and environmental factors such as soil type, moisture and temperature. Sprayable formulations can be extended in suitable media and used at spray volumes from about one to several hundred liters per hectare. High strength compositions are primarily used as intermediates for further formulation.
The composition of embodiments of the present invention can contain one or more additional formulating ingredients in a total amount by weight of 0 to 95%. Additional formulating ingredients can include liquid diluents, solid diluents, wetting agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, chemical stabilizers and other formulation ingredients.
Liquid diluents include, for example water, N,N-dimethylamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N-alkylpyrrolidone, ethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene carbonate, dibasic esters, paraffines, alkylbenzenes, alkyl naphthalenes, glycerine, triacetine, oils of olive, castor, linseed, sesame, corn, peanut, cotton-seed, soybean, rape-seed and coconut, ketones such as cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, isophorone and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetates such as hexyl acetate, heptyl acetate and octyl acetate, and alcohols such methanol, cyclohexanol, decanol, benzyl and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.
Solid diluents can be water-soluble or water-insoluble. Water-soluble solid diluents include salts such as alkali metal phosphates (e.g., sodium dihydrogen phosphate), alkaline earth phosphates, sulfates of sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc, sodium and potassium chloride, and sodium benzoate and sugars and sugar derivatives such as sorbitol, lactose and sucrose. Examples of water-insoluble solid diluents include, but are not limited to clays, synthetic and diatomaceous silicas, calcium and magnesium silicates, titanium dioxide, aluminum, calcium and zinc oxide, calcium and magnesium carbonate, calcium and barium sulfate, and charcoal.
The emulsifiers can be cationic, anionic or nonionic, but are more typically anionic or nonionic. Examples of particularly suitable anionic surfactants for this purpose are sulfonates such as calcium dodecyl benzesulfonate. Examples of particularly suitable nonionic surfactants are polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitan esters such as POE(20) sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitol esters such as POE(40) sorbitol hexaoleate. POE(20) sorbitan trioleate is commercially available under the tradenames ATLAS G1086 and CIRRASOL G1086 marketed by UniqEMA. Combination of a POE sorbitan ester with a POE sorbitol ester allows optimizing the HLB (hydrophiliclipophilic balance) value of the surfactant to obtain the highest quality emulsion (smallest suspended droplets) when the composition is added to water. High quality of emulsions typically leads to optimal herbicidal performance.
Wetting agents include but are not limited to alkyl sulfosuccinates, laureates, alkyl sulfate and phosphate esters, acetylenic diols, ethoxyfluorinated alcohols, ethoxylated silicones, alkyl phenol ethoxylates, benzene sulfonates, alkyl-substituted benzene sulfonates, alkyl α-olefin sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl-substituted naphthalene sulfonates, condensates of naphthalene sulfonates and alkyl-substituted naphthalene sulfonates with formaldehyde, and alcohol ethoxylates. Of note are compositions comprising up to 10% by weight of wetting agent.
Dispersants include, but are not limited to, sodium, calcium and ammonium salts of ligninsulfonates (optionally polyethoxylated); sodium and ammonium salts of maleic anhydride copolymers; sodium salts of condensed phenolsulfonic acid; and naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensates. Of note are compositions comprising up to 10% by weight of dispersant. Ligninsulfonates, such as sodium ligninsulfonates, are particularly useful for the composition of embodiments of the invention.
Chemical stabilizers prevent decomposition of active ingredient during storage. Inorganic bases such as lithium, sodium and potassium phosphates can help prevent decomposition of active ingredient. Chemical stabilizers include, but are not limited to lithium, sodium, and potassium phosphates, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sulfates of alkaline earth metals and transition metals such as magnesium, zinc, aluminum and iron; calcium chloride and oxide; and boric anhydride. Of note are compositions comprising up to 10% by weight of chemical stabilizer.
Other formulation ingredients can be used in embodiments of the present invention, such as dyes, defoamers, drying agents, and the like. These ingredients are known to one skilled in the art.
Solutions are prepared by simply mixing the ingredients. Fine solid compositions are made by blending and, usually, grinding as in a hammer mill or fluid energy mill. Water-dispersible granules can be produced by agglomerating a fine powder composition; suspensions are prepared by wet-milling; granules and pellets can be made by spraying the active ingredient upon preformed granular carriers or by agglomeration techniques. Pellets can be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,714. Water-dispersible and water-soluble granules can also be prepared as taught in DE3246493.
Sulfonylurea salts of this invention can be used alone or in combination with other commercial herbicides (including other sulfonylureas or sulfonylurea salts), insecticides, or fungicides. Mixtures containing sulfonylurea and other commercial herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides with ethanolamine are particularly useful in minimizing spray tank cleanout when compared to the same mixture without ethanolamine
In the following examples, all percentages are by weight and all formulations are worked up in conventional ways.
PREPARATION EXAMPLES
Examples
Example 1
















Thifensulfuon methyl potassium salt
1%



Ethanolamine
90% 



Sorbitan trioleate (Uniqema Tween 85)
5%



Calcium dodecyl benzesulfonate (Clariant 70B)
3%



Water
balance to 




100% 










Example 2
High Strength Concentrate
















Metsulfuron-methyl sodium salt
90%



Ethanolamine
 1%



Silica aerogel
0.5% 



Synthetic amorphous fine silica
balance to




100% 










Example 3
Wettable Power













Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl sodium salt
20%


Ethanolamine
10%


Sodium alkyl naphthalenesulfoate (Morwet EFW, Akzo Nobel)
 3%


Sodium ligninsulfonates (Polyfon H, Westvaco)
 3%


Clay
balance to



100% 









Example 4
Water Dispersible Granule













Tribenuron methyl sodium salt
75%


Ethanolamine
15%


Sodium alkyl naphthalenesulfoate (Morwet EFW, Akzo Nobel)
 2%


Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H, Westvaco)
 3%


Clay
balance to



100% 









Example 5
Suspensions















Mesosulfuron methyl calcium salt
20% 



Ethanolamine
20% 



Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H, Westvaco)
5%



Sorbitan trioleate (Uniqema Tween 85)
5%



PG
5%



Water
balance to




100% 









Example 6
Soluble Granules
















Metsulfuron methyl potassium salt
50%



Ethanolamine
30%



Sodium alkyl naphthalenesulfoate (Morwet 
 2%



EFW, Akzo Nobel)




Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H, Westvaco)
 3%



Sucrose
balance to




100% 










Example 7
Soluble Powder















Chlorsulfuron ammonium salt
5%



Ethanolamine
15% 



Sodium alkyl naphthalenesulfoate
2%



(Morwet EFW, Akzo Nobel)




Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H,
3%



Westvaco)




Sucrose
balance to 100%









Example 8
Solutions















Rimsulfuron sodium salt
2%



Ethanolamine
80% 



Sorbitan trioleate (Uniqema Tween 85)
5%



Calcium dodecyl benzesulfonate
3%



(Clariant 70B)




Water
balance to 100%









Example 9
Suspensions















Trifluoxyfluron calcium salt
4%



Ethanolamine
80% 



Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H,
5%



Westvaco)




Sorbitan trioleate (Uniqema Tween 85)
5%



PG
5%



Water
balance to 100%









Example 10
Water Dispersible Granule















Sulfometuron methyl magnesium salt
40% 



Ethanolamine
2%



Sodium alkyl naphthalenesulfoate
2%



(Morwet EFW, Akzo Nobel)




Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H,
3%



Westvaco)




Clay
balance to 100%









Example 11
Granules















Bensulfuron-methyl ammonium salt
10%



Ethanolamine
20%



Attapulgite granules
balance to 100%









Example 12
Wettable Powders















Nicosulfuron calcium salt
75% 



Ethanolamine
15% 



Sodium alkyl naphthalenesulfoate
3%



(Morwet EFW, Akzo Nobel)




Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H,
3%



Westvaco)




Clay
balance to 100%









Example 13
Solutions















Triflusulfuron-methyl sodium salt
15% 



Ethanolamine
50% 



Sorbitan trioleate (Uniqema Tween 85)
5%



Calcium dodecyl benzesulfonate
3%



(Clariant 70B)




N-methylpyrrolidone
balance to 100%









Example 14
Solutions















Chlorsulfuron ammonium salt
2%



Ethanolamine
60% 



Sorbitan trioleate (Uniqema Tween 85)
5%



Calcium dodecyl benzesulfonate
3%



(Clariant 70B)




Water
balance to 100%









Example 15
Soluble Powders















Ethamesulfuron-methyl sodium salt
60% 



Ethanolamine
2%



Sodium alkyl naphthalenesulfoate
2%



(Morwet EFW, Akzo Nobel)




Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H,
3%



Westvaco)




Sucrose
balance to 100%









Example 16
Soluble Granules















Azimsulfuron potassium salt
50% 



Ethanolamine
1%



Sodium alkyl naphthalenesulfoate
2%



(Morwet EFW, Akzo Nobel)




Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H,
3%



Westvaco)




Sucrose
balance to 100%









Example 17
Suspensions















Chlorimuron-ethyl calcium salt
1%



Ethanolamine
50% 



Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H,
5%



Westvaco)




Sorbitan trioleate (Uniqema Tween 85)
5%



PG
5%



Water
balance to 100%









Example 18
Soluble Granules















Flupyrsulfuron-methyl sodium salt
50% 



Ethanolamine
5%



Sodium alkyl naphthalenesulfoate
2%



Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H,
3%



Westvaco)




Sucrose
balance to 100%









Example 19
Suspensions















Flupyrsulfuron-methyl calcium salt
5%



Ethanolamine
50% 



Sodium ligninsulfonate (Polyfon H,
5%



Westvaco)




Sorbitan trioleate (Uniqema Tween 85)
5%



PG
5%



Water
balance to 100%









COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES
In Comparative examples A-S without using Ethanolamine, the other ingredients are the same as with the corresponding Examples 1-19, and ethanolamine was replaced using diluents in the composition.
The compositions were evaluated by the following clean-out test procedure that determines the sulfonamide herbicide residue that could potentially remain in organic deposits in a spray tank.
Tank Cleanout Protocol I
(Sulfonylurea Plus Tank Mix Partner)
Step 1
Add water to the tank and when half-filled, add a sample from Example 1-19 and Comparative example A-S in each separate tank with agitation. Fill tank to the 90% level with water. Agitate the tank for a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2
Spray the tank contents through the boom. Drain any remainder from the tank.
Step 3
Rinse the interior tank surfaces with water; use about 10% of the tank capacity. Spray this rinse through the boom. Drain the remainder from the tank.
Step 4
Remove all nozzles, nozzle screens, in-line filters, or filters of any type and clean thoroughly in a bucket of water. Remove any residues or deposits using a brush.
Step 5
Fill tank half full with fresh water. Sample water wash in tank (sample used for bioassay test). Spray 10 to 20 gallons through the boom and then the sample at a nozzle (sample used for bioassay test). Drain the remainder of the contents. Remark: In whole cleaning process, only fresh water was used. Additional cleaning solution or ammonium hydroxide is not used.











TABLE I







Initial Sulfonylurea






concentration in the
Tank mix
Percent


Examples
Sulfonylurea
tank mix (ppm)
partner
injury1



















Example 1
Thifensulfuon methyl
400
2,4-D
0



potassium salt





Comparative
Thifensulfuon methyl
400
2,4-D
50


example A
potassium salt





Example 2
Metsulfuron-methyl
500
Propiconazole
0



sodium salt





Comparative
Metsulfuron-methyl
500
propiconazole
90


example B
sodium salt





Example 3
Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl
750
Flutriafol
0



sodium salt





Comparative
Metsulfuron methyl
750
Flutriafol
20


example C
sodium salt





Example 4
Tribenuron methyl
600
2,4-D
0



sodium salt





Comparative
Tribenuron methyl
600
2,4-D
40


example D
sodium salt





Example 5
Mesosulfuron methyl
775
propiconazole
0



calcium salt





Comparative
Tribenuron methyl
775
propiconazole
90


example E
calcium salt





Example 6
Metsulfuron methyl
500
MCPA
0



potassium salt





Comparative
Metsulfuron methyl
500
MCPA
0


example F
potassium salt





Example 7
Chlorsulfuron ammonium
660
Propiconazole
20



salt





Comparative
Chlorsulfuron ammonium
660
Propiconazole
90


example G
salt





Example 8
Rimsulfuron sodium salt
700
2,4-D
0


Comparative
Rimsulfuron sodium salt
700
2,4-D
60


example H






Example 9
Trifluoxyfluron calcium
1150
Propiconazole
0



salt





Comparative
Rimsulfuron calcium salt
1150
Propiconazole
30


example I






Example 10
Sulfometuron methyl
700
MCPA
0



magnesium





Comparative
Sulfometuron methyl
700
MCPA
40


example J
magnesium





Example 11
Bensulfuron-methyl
660
2,4-D
0



ammonium salt





Comparative
Bensulfuron-methyl
660
2,4-D
80


example K
ammonium salt





Example 12
Nicosulfuron calcium salt
720
Propiconazole
0


Comparative
Nicosulfuron calcium salt
720
Propiconazole
60


example L






Example 13
Triflusulfuron-methyl
280
2,4-D
10



sodium salt





Comparative
Triflusulfuron-methyl
280
2,4-D
60


example M
sodium salt





Example 14
Chlorsulfuron ammonium
570
Propiconazole
0



salt





Comparative
Chlorsulfuron ammonium
570
Propiconazole
70


example N
salt





Example 15
Ethametsulfuron-methyl
400
MCPA
10



sodium salt





Comparative
Ethametsulfuron-methyl
400
MCPA
60


example 0
sodium salt





Example 16
Azimsulfuron potassium
835
2,4-D
20



salt





Comparative
Azimsulfuron potassium
835
2,4-D
90


example P
salt





Example 17
Chlorimuron-ethyl
430
Propiconazole
0



calcium salt





Comparative
Chlorimuron-ethyl
430
Propiconazole
80


example Q
calcium salt





Example 18
Flupyrsulfuron-methyl
380
Flutriafol
0



sodium salt





Comparative
Flupyrsulfuron-methyl
380
Flutriafol
0


example R
sodium salt





Example 19
Flupyrsulfuron-methyl
190
MCPA
0



calcium salt





Comparative
Flupyrsulfuron-methyl
190
MCPA
10


example S
calcium salt





Percent injury1: injury to greenhouse sugarbeets after sprayed with final fresh water from the tank cleanout procedure.






The data summarized in Table I (using Protocol I) show that the compositions of Example 1-19 according to embodiments of the present invention plus tank mix partner has a failure rate of 0. The comparative example A-S plus tank mix partner suffered a failure rate of about 79%. (Note: Test failure corresponds to a greenhouse result of >20% injury to sugarbeets in the bioassay test).
These results show that simple cleaning with fresh water after application of the compositions according to embodiments of the present invention plus tank mix partner is successful without using additional cleaning solution or ammonium hydroxide in the whole process of cleaning. However the simple cleaning with fresh water after application of the corresponding sulfonylurea salt plus tank partner without Ethanolamine is a failure without using additional cleaning solution or ammonium hydroxide in the whole process of cleaning.
Tank Cleanout Protocol II (Sulfonylurea with No Tank Partner)
Step 1
Divide the Example 1-19 and Comparative example A-S to be tested into 2 equal portions. Prepare a concentrated slurry with one portion, and a paste with the other portion. Spread and/or spray the paste and slurry onto the tank interior and let sit overnight. This procedure produces dried deposits on the tank surfaces to simulate worse-case field conditions.
Step 2
Rinse the tank interior with clean water, using a volume of 10-20% of the tank capacity, allowing the rinse to flush through the boom and hoses.
Step 3:
Fill the tank with clean water and agitate for 10 minutes. Discard the water, flushing at least 10-20% through the boom and nozzles.
Step 4
Remove any nozzles, nozzle screens and in-line filters and clean with fresh water.
Step 5
Rinse the tank with clean water, using a volume of 10-20% of the tank capacity. Allow the rinse water to accumulate in the tank and then discard through the boom and nozzles. Drain any remaining rinse water from the tank.
Step 6
Fill the tank half full with water Sample water wash in tank (sample used for bioassay test). Spray 10 to 20 gallons through the boom and then sample at a nozzle (sample used for bioassay test). Drain the remainder of the contents.
Remark: In whole cleaning process, only fresh water was used. Additional cleaning solution or ammonium hydroxide is not used.










TABLE II







Initial Sulfonylurea





concentrate in the
Percent


Examples
Sulfonylurea
tank (ppm)
injury1


















Example 1
Thifensulfuon methyl
400
0



potassium salt




Comparative
Thifensulfuon methyl
400
50


example A
potassium salt




Example 2
Metsulfuron-methyl
500
0



sodium salt




Comparative
Metsulfuron-methyl sodium
500
60


example B
salt




Example 3
Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl
750
0



sodium salt




Comparative
Metsulfuron methyl sodium
750
10


example C
salt




Example 4
Tribenuron methyl sodium
600
0



salt




Comparative
Tribenuron methyl sodium
600
20


example D
salt




Example 5
Mesosulfuron methyl
775
0



calcium salt




Comparative
Tribenuron methyl calcium
775
85


example E
salt




Example 6
Metsulfuron methyl
500
0



potassium salt




Comparative
Metsulfuron methyl
500
20


example F
potassium salt




Example 7
Chlorsulfuron ammonium
660
10



salt




Comparative
Chlorsulfuron ammonium
660
70


example G
salt




Example 8
Rimsulfuron sodium salt
700
0


Comparative
Rimsulfuron sodium salt
700
50


example H





Example 9
Trifluoxyfluron calcium
1150
0



salt




Comparative
Rimsulfuron calcium salt
1150
20


example I





Example 10
Sulfometuron methyl
700
0



magnesium




Comparative
Sulfometuron methyl
700
20


example J
magnesium




Example 11
Bensulfuron-methyl
660
0



ammonium salt




Comparative
Bensulfuron-methyl
660
50


example K
ammonium salt




Example 12
Nicosulfuron calcium salt
720
0


Comparative
Nicosulfuron calcium salt
720
50


example L





Example 13
Triflusulfuron-methyl
280
0



sodium salt




Comparative
Triflusulfuron-methyl
280
70


example M
sodium salt




Example 14
Chlorsulfuron ammonium
570
0



salt




Comparative
Chlorsulfuron ammonium
570
60


example N
salt




Example 15
Ethametsulfuron-methyl
400
10



sodium salt




Comparative
Ethametsulfuron-methyl
400
20


example O
sodium salt




Example 16
Azimsulfuron
835
0



Potassium salt




Comparative
Azimsulfuron potassium
835
85


example P
salt




Example 17
Chlorimuron-ethyl
430
0



calcium salt




Comparative
Chlorimuron-ethyl calcium
430
75


example Q
salt




Example 18
Flupyrsulfuron-methyl
380
0



sodium salt




Comparative
Flupyrsulfuron-methyl
380
20


example R
sodium salt




Example 19
Flupyrsulfuron-methyl
190
0



calcium salt




Comparative
Flupyrsulfuron-methyl
190
50


example S
calcium salt





Percent injury1: injury to greenhouse sugarbeets after sprayed with final fresh water from the tank cleanout procedure.






The data summarized in Table II (using Protocol II) show that the compositions of Example 1-19 according to embodiments of the present invention in the absence of a tank partner has a failure rate of 0. The comparative example A-S in the absence of a tank mix partner suffered a failure rate of about 63%. (Note: Test failure corresponds to a greenhouse result of ≧20% injury to sugarbeets in the bioassay test).
The results show that simple cleaning with fresh water after application of the compositions according to embodiments of the present invention in the absence of a tank mix partner is successful without using additional cleaning solution or ammonium hydroxide in the whole process of cleaning. However the simple cleaning with fresh water after application of the corresponding sulfonylurea salt in the absence of a tank mix partner without Ethanolamine is a failure without using additional cleaning solution or ammonium hydroxide in the whole process of cleaning.
Bioassay Protocol
The bioassay protocol employed to determine the percent injury of the crop (sugarbeets) sprayed with the final rinse solution after tank cleanout is described herein. Sugarbeet seedlings (at the two-leaf stage) were grown in the greenhouse (14 hour photoperiod at 21° C. with light and 10 hours at 17° C. in the dark) and sprayed with unmodified samples of effluent from various sprayer cleanout procedures. An automatic belt sprayer was used, and the samples were applied at a rate of approximately 45 gal/A. Three replicate pots, with four sugarbeet plants/pot, were treated with each sample. The sprayer was rinsed 12 times between each sample to ensure that there would not be carryover between samples.
Plants were held in the greenhouse until they were evaluated, 14 to 23 days after treatment. Injury of treated plants was assessed visually on a scale of 0 to 100 (0=injury, 100=complete kill) compared to control plants. Injury ratings were based on the presence of various symptoms including reduced biomass, stunting, inhibited development, chlorosis, necrosis, leaf spotting, and leaf puckering or deformation.

## Claims

1. A composition comprising by weight:
(i) from 2% to 90% of a herbicidal sulfonylurea water soluble salt, wherein the sulfonylurea is selected from the group consisting of amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethametsulfuron-methyl, ethoxysulfuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, imazosulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl, mesosulfuron-methyl, metsulfuron-methyl, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron-methyl, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, triasulfuron, triflusulfuron-methyl, and tritosulfuron;
(ii) from 1% to 50% ethanolamine, wherein the composition having ethanolamine improves spray equipment clean-out and reduces residual sulfonylurea herbicide contamination left in the spray material in comparison to the composition without the ethanolamine;
(iii) from 0-95% of one or more additional formulating ingredients;
a sum of all the ingredients in the composition totaling 100%; and
wherein a weight ratio of the sulfonylurea water soluble salt to the ethanolamine is from 1:90 to 90:1.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the sulfonylurea is selected from the group consisting of:
metsulfuron-methyl, sulfometuron-methyl, rimsulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, chlorsulfuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, ethametsulfuron-methyl, bensulfuron methyl, mesosulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, azimsulfuron, and triflusulfuron-methyl.

3. A method for reducing residual sulfonylurea pesticide contamination of a spray tank from which the sulfonylurea is applied, comprising the steps:
(a) formulating the sulfonylurea as an agriculturally suitable water soluble salt;
(b) preparing a composition comprising by weight:
from 2% to 90% sulfonylurea water soluble salt, wherein the sulfonylurea is selected from the group consisting of amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethametsulfuron-methyl, ethoxysulfuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, imazosulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl, mesosulfuron-methyl, metsulfuron-methyl, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron-methyl, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, triasulfuron, triflusulfuron-methyl, and tritosulfuron;
(ii) from 1% to 50% ethanolamine, wherein the composition having ethanolamine improves spray equipment clean-out and reduces residual sulfonylurea herbicide contamination left in the spray material in comparison to the composition without the ethanolamine;
(iii) from 0-95% of one or more additional formulating ingredients;

a sum of all the ingredients in the composition totaling 100%; and
wherein a weight ratio of the sulfonylurea water soluble salt to the ethanolamine is from 1:90 to 90:1;
(c) applying the sulfonylurea salt composition to a crop while minimizing buildup of insoluble sulfonylurea in the spray tank, and
(d) rinsing the spray tank substantially free of the residual sulfonylurea after application.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the sulfonylurea salt is employed in the absence of a tank mix partner.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the sulfonylurea salt is employed in the presence of a tank mix partner.