Anhydrous Ammonia

Further Details:

With the formula NH3, Ammonia is a hydrogen and nitrogen compound. Ammonia is the simplest pnictogen hydride. With a typical pungent smell, it is a colorless gas. It significantly brings to the nutritional requirements of terrestrial organisms by working as a precursor to fertilizers & food. Either directly or indirectly, Ammonia is a building block for the synthesis of numerous pharmaceuticals, as well as it is used in a range of commercial cleaning products.

An efficient & broadly used nitrogen fertilizer source, Anhydrous ammonia has various advantages including its ready availability and relatively easy application. It is compressed into a colorless, clear liquid when utilized for agricultural fertilizers.

However, there are disadvantages and potential dangers concerned with the handling of anhydrous ammonia. It should be stored & handled under high pressure that requires specially designed, well-maintained equipments. Also to insure their safety, workers should be educated about the processes and personal protective equipment needed to safely handle the product.

Ammonia Properties:

Flammability

Anhydrous ammonia is categorized by DOT as a non-flammable gas. Ammonia vapors are flammable over a range of 16% to 25% by volume in the air, and a strong source of ignition must be present.

Compatibilities & Incompatibilities

Anhydrous ammonia is compatible with iron and carbon steel. It is not compatible with brass, copper, bronze, mercury or zinc. Ammonia corrodes brass and copper into a blue-green salt.

Ammonium Hydroxide (Aqua)

Anhydrous, means without water. When anhydrous ammonia gas is dissolved in the water, the consequent material is aqua ammonia or ammonium hydroxide.

Storage & Handling

Ammonia is stored as well as transported as a liquid under pressure. Here the pressure on tank is liquid pressure, and it remains same whether the tank is 10% full or 80% full. Maximum filling level for tank is: 85%. Ammonia has a large affinity for water, therefore special care must be provided to hold the ammonia dry.