Liquor Ammonia

Technical Details

Further Details:

Ammonia in Water (Ammoniacal Liquor) is an inorganic chemical, which is utilized as a liquid chemical in different industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Rubbers, and others. Usually called Aqua Ammonia, it is safe to use and helps avoid the risks that go with the use of Ammonia Gas by largely reducing its vapor pressure. With chemical formula NH4OH with UN No. 2672 and CAS registry: 1336-21-6, it is also known as Ammonium Hydroxide. The Ammonia Solution is manufactured with a concentration of approximately 25% w/w, and supplied in varied packaging capacities covering 5 Lt. To 235 Lt. HMHDPE Plastic containers, 6 MT to 15 MT Tankers, as well as 22 MT ISO Tankers.

Potential Health Effects

Inhalation

Mists and vapors cause irritation to respiratory tract, and higher concentrations may cause pulmonary edema, burns or death. Short exposure to 5000 ppm can be harmful. 

Ingestion 

It may create corrosion to esophagus and abdomen with peritonitis and perforation. Symptoms may consider pain in mouth, chest or stomach, with coughing, collapse or vomiting. Ingestion of as small as 3-4 ml may be harmful. 

Skin Contact

Reason for irritation or burns to the skin. 

Eye Contact

Vapors can cause irritation, and splashes cause intense pain, eye damage or permanent blindness.

Chronic Exposure

Continual exposure may cause harm to mucous membranes tissues, upper respiratory tract, skin and eyes. 

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions

Individual with pre-existing impaired respiratory function and eye disorders may be susceptible to the effects of this material.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation

Remove to the fresh air, and if not breathing provide artificial respiration. If there difficulty in  breathing, give oxygen. Call a doctor immediately. 

Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting, if swallowed. Give a large quantity of water. Never provide anything by the mouth to an individual who is unconscious. Get immediate medical attention.

Skin Contact

Right away flush the skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, and remove contaminated clothing, shoes etc. Immediately call a physician. Wash clothing before re-use. 

Eye Contact

Flush the eyes immediately with soft but large stream of water for 15 minutes at least, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Immediately call a physician. Fast action is critical to decrease the possibility of blindness.  

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire

Autoignition temperature: 651C (1204F)
Flammable extents in air % by volume: lel: 16 & uel: 25

Explosion

Flammable vapors may collect in the confined areas.


Fire Extinguishing Media

Use any way appropriate for extinguishing the surrounding fire. Blanket fire, cool fire exposed containers and flush vapors and non-ignited spill with water spray.

Special Information

In case of a fire, wear fully protective clothing and NIOSH approved, self-contained breathing apparatus with full face-piece functioned in the pressure demand, or other positive mode of pressure.

Accidental Release Measures

Ventilate leak or spill area. Keep unprotected and unnecessary people away from the area of spill. Wear proper personal protective equipment. Recover and contain liquid when possible. Do not flush caustic matters to sewer. Spills residues can be diluted with water, and neutralized with dilute acid such as hydrochloric, acetic or sulfuric. Absorb neutralized caustic residue on vermiculite, clay, or other inert matter, and package in an appropriate container for disposal.  

US Regulations (CERCLA) need reporting spills and releases to water, soil and air in excess of reportable amounts. Toll-free number for the US Coast Guard National Response Center is: (800) 424-8802.  

Handling & Storage 

Store in a tightly-closed container, and place in a cool, dry & ventilated area. Protect from physical damages and separate from the incompatibilities. Protect from direct sunlight and store below 25C. This material's containers may be unsafe when empty since they carry product residues (liquid, vapors,); observe all precautions and warnings listed for the product.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 50 ppm (NH3)
ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 25 ppm (NH3) (TWA) 35 ppm (STEL)

Ventilation System

A local and/or general exhaust system is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Limits of Airborne Exposure. Generally, the local exhaust ventilation is preferable because it can control the contaminant emissions at its source, preventing the dispersion of it into the work area. Refer to the ACGIH document, A Manual of Recommended Practices, Industrial Ventilation, Most Recent Edition, for details.  

Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved)

If exposure limit is surpassed and engineering controls are not working, a full face-piece respirator with an ammonia/methylamine cartridge can be used to 50 times the limit of exposure, or the maximal use concentration specified by the right regulatory authority or respirator supplier. For instances where the exposure levels are not known or emergencies, use a full face-piece positive pressure, air-supplied respirator.

Warning: Air-purifying respirators do not assist workers in oxygen deficient atmospheres.

Skin Protection

Use impervious protective clothing, including gloves, lab coat, apron and boots, as suitable to prevent skin contact. Recommended materials are neoprene and nitrile rubber. Polyvinyl alcohol not recommended.  

Eye Protection

Use chemical safety eyeglasses and/or full-face shield where splashing or dusting of solution is possible. Keep eye wash fountain and quick drench facilities in the work area.