To produce a solid product, the ammonium nitrate solution is concentrated in an evaporator or concentrator. The resulting "melt" contains about 95 to 99.8 percent ammonium nitrate at approximately 149°C (300°F). This melt is then used to make solid ammonium nitrate products.
How is ammonium nitrate made?
Large tonnages of ammonium nitrate are made in the form of highly concentrated (80 – 90 %) hot solutions that are used for the production of urea-ammonium nitrate solutions or are further concentrated for particulation (granulation, prilling, pastillation). Ammonium nitrate production is composed of the following process unit operations:
Is ammonium nitrate aqueous or solid?
All ammonium nitrate plants produce an aqueous ammonium nitrate solution through the reaction of ammonia and nitric acid in a neutralizer. Approximately 60 percent of the ammonium nitrate produced in the U. S. is sold as a solid product. To produce a solid product, the ammonium nitrate solution is concentrated in an evaporator or concentrator.
What is the heat of solution for ammonium nitrate?
The heat (qrxn) for this reaction is called the heat of solution for ammonium nitrate. When the reaction is finished, the system contains two substances, the calorimeter itself and the aqueous solution, and there is a heat associated with each component. The heat balance for this experiment is thus
How do you make ammonium salt of nitric acid?
The ammonium salt of nitric acid is prepared by treating the acid with ammonia, removing essentially all of the water, and prilling or granulating the resulting melt. Various processes have been developed and used to prepare the solid product. These include crystallization, flaking, prilling, and granulation.
How do you get solid ammonium nitrate?
First, ammonium nitrate solution is prepared by reacting preheated ammonia with nitric acid in a neutralizer. The heat of reaction is utilized for evaporation and 80–83% ammonium nitrate solution is obtained. This concentrated solution is further concentrated to obtain 92–94% solution in a vacuum concentrator.
How is ammonium nitrate made?
Ammonium nitrate is made by reaction of ammonia with nitric acid in water followed by careful evaporation of the water. Ammonia is most often prepared from atmospheric nitrogen, while nitric acid is prepared from the combustion of ammonia, and so ammonium nitrate is most conveniently manufactured where ammonia is made.
Is ammonium nitrate solution a solid?
Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula NH 4NO 3. It is a white crystalline salt consisting of ions of ammonium and nitrate. It is highly soluble in water and hygroscopic as a solid, although it does not form hydrates.
How does ammonium nitrate turn calcium ammonium nitrate?
1:503:41Ammonium Nitrate from Cold Packs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgent. After filtration the solution was heated up to boil off of the water. Now ammonium nitrateMoreAgent. After filtration the solution was heated up to boil off of the water. Now ammonium nitrate will decompose above 210 degrees Celsius. So you do have to make sure not to heat it to that point.
Is ammonium nitrate a solid liquid or gas?
crystalline solidAmmonium nitrate is commercially available both as a colorless crystalline solid and processed into prills for specific applications. Soluble in water.
How do you make ammonia nitrate at home?
Dissolve your nitrate salt in the minimum amount of water (amount depends on the salt). Mix the two solutions. Next you want to neutralize the solution, which is quite acidic. Stir in ammonia until the pH of the mixture is 7 or higher.
What happens when you mix ammonium nitrate with water?
Ammonium nitrate forms a mild acid when mixed with water. This acid can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and skin.
What is ammonium nitrate solution?
ammonium nitrate, (NH4NO3), a salt of ammonia and nitric acid, used widely in fertilizers and explosives. The commercial grade contains about 33.5 percent nitrogen, all of which is in forms utilizable by plants; it is the most common nitrogenous component of artificial fertilizers.
How do you dry ammonium nitrate?
You should recrystallize before you dry it, most instant cold packs contain an anti-caking agent on the ammonium nitrate pellets. Then you should dry in an oven around 120-130 C.
What happens when ammonium nitrate is heated?
When ammonium nitrate is heated, it decomposes exothermically into nitrous oxide and water.
What is the difference between calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate?
The key difference between calcium ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate is that calcium ammonium nitrate contains some amount of calcium along with ammonium nitrate whereas ammonium nitrate is the nitrate salt of ammonium cation which has no calcium in it.
How do you make nitric acid from ammonium nitrate?
0:243:11How to Make Nitric Acid - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin by mixing by wait five parts concentrated sulfuric acid with four parts ammonium nitrate orMoreBegin by mixing by wait five parts concentrated sulfuric acid with four parts ammonium nitrate or any other suitable nitrate salt.
Who is the largest producer of ammonium nitrate?
China, India, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea are the major manufactures of Ammonium Nitrate in the World and thus, the use of ammonium nitrate is high in these countries due to increased food safety concerns around the globe.
Why do farmers put ammonium nitrate on their farmland?
Using ammonium nitrate in gardens and large-scale agricultural fields enhances plant growth and provides a ready supply of nitrogen from which plants can draw. Ammonium nitrate fertilizer is a simple compound to make. It is created when ammonia gas reacts with nitric acid.
How is ammonium nitrate extracted from fertilizer?
Ammonium nitrate is very soluble in water and can be separated from calcium carbonate, which is not soluble, by dissolving the fertilizer in hot water and decanting the concentrated ammonium nitrate solution. Excess water is evaporated, and the ammonium nitrate is dried and crushed.
Is ammonium nitrate harmful to humans?
What are the potential hazards? Under normal handling conditions, ammonium nitrate is not harmful. However, inhalation of high concentrations of ammonium nitrate dust can cause respiratory tract irritation. Symptoms may include: coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, or even suffocation.
What is the formula for ammonium nitrate?
Chemical compound. Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula NH 4 NO 3. It is a white crystalline solid consisting of ions of ammonium and nitrate. It is highly soluble in water and hygroscopic as a solid, although it does not form hydrates.
How does ammonium nitrate decompose?
However, it can be induced to decompose explosively by detonation. Large stockpiles of the material can also be a major fire risk due to their supporting oxidation, a situation which can easily escalate to detonation. Explosions are not uncommon: relatively minor incidents occur most years, and several large and devastating explosions have also occurred. Examples include the Oppau explosion of 1921 (one of the largest artificial non-nuclear explosions ), the Texas City disaster of 1947, the 2015 Tianjin explosions in China, and the 2020 Beirut explosion.
What is the effect of ammonium nitrate on rocket propellant?
One practical consequence of this is that ammonium nitrate formed as solid rocket motor propellant develops cracks, leading to the development of phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN), which incorporates metal halides as stabilisers.
What is the process of oxidizing ammonia?
Ammonia produced by the Haber process can be oxidized to nitric acid by the Ostwald process. Another production method is a variant of the nitrophosphate process : The products, calcium carbonate and ammonium nitrate, may be separately purified or sold combined as calcium ammonium nitrate .
How much humidity does ammonium nitrate have?
Ammonium nitrate has a critical relative humidity of 59.4%, above which it will absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Therefore, it is important to store ammonium nitrate in a tightly sealed container. Otherwise, it can coalesce into a large, solid mass. Ammonium nitrate can absorb enough moisture to liquefy.
Why is ammonium nitrate being phased out?
Many countries are phasing out its use in consumer applications due to concerns over its potential for misuse. Accidental ammonium nitrate explosions have killed thousands of people since the early 20th century.
What explosives were used in the Sterling Hall bombing?
Ammonium nitrate-based explosives were used in the Sterling Hall bombing in Madison, Wisconsin, 1970, the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, the 2011 Delhi bombings, the 2011 bombing in Oslo, and the 2013 Hyderabad blasts .
How long does it take for ammonium to nitrate?
The ammonium N is typically nitrified to nitrate over a period of 1–4 weeks. Worldwide, urea is by far the most commonly used form of nitrogen fertilizer. Before becoming available for plant uptake, the N in urea first has to be converted to ammonium (the process of urea hydrolysis) but this occurs within a few days.
What is the color of ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate (NH4 NO 3, CAS RN: 6484-52-2) is a crystalline powder varying in color from almost white to brown. It is classified as an oxidizer and will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. Ammonium nitrate itself does not burn, but in contact with other combustible materials it increases fire hazard and supports fire even in the absence of O 2. When a fire or a heat source is sequestered in a closed container of ammonium nitrate (e.g., tank, shipping container), the reaction can transition to a violent explosion in a phenomenon known as deflagration-to-detonation transition, or DDT.
How to determine %N of ammonium sulfate?
The %N from ammonium sulfate is determined by multiplying the percentage ammonium sulfate by 0.212. Ammonium nitrate in UAN can be determined by this method since the urea will not react.
What is ammonium nitrate used for?
Ammonium nitrate is used commonly in fertilizers; in pyrotechniques, herbicides, and insecticides; and in the manufacture of nitrous oxide. It is used as an absorbent for nitrogen oxides, an ingredient of freezing mixtures, an oxidizer in rocket propellants, and a nutrient for yeast and antibiotics. It is also used in explosives (especially as an oil mixture) for blasting rocks and in mining. Nitrates and nitrites are used to cure meats and to develop the characteristic flavor and pink color, to prevent rancidity, and to prevent growth of Clostridium botulinum spores in or on meats.
What temperature does ammonium nitrate decompose?
Thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate occurs >200 °C. However, the presence of organic and metallic impurities reduces this temperature. Once ammonium nitrate starts to decompose, a runaway reaction may occur as the heat of decomposition increases.
What are the steps of fertilizer production?
The process involves several unit process operations including (1) solution formation and concentration, (2) solids formation, (3) finishing, (4) screening and coating, and (5) product bagging and/or bulk shipping . In some cases, solutions may be blended for marketing as liquid fertilizers. The number of operating steps employed depends on the specification of the product. For example, plants producing ammonium nitrate solutions alone use only the solution formation, solution blending and bulk shipping operations. Plants producing a solid ammonium nitrate product may employ all of the operations. Approximately 15%–20% (v/v) of the ammonium nitrate prepared in this manner is used for explosives and the balance for fertilizer.
What is nitrate used for?
Nitrates and nitrites are used to cure meats and to develop the characteristic flavor and pink color, to prevent rancidity, and to prevent growth of Clostridium botulinum spores in or on meats. View chapter Purchase book.
How much ammonium nitrate is produced annually?
Every year, almost 20 million tons of ammonium nitrate are produced worldwide. It is so far the most potent, economical and convenient fertilizer on the market, supporting farmers in feeding billions. However, the recent catastrophic explosion in Beirut is a reminder of the hazards associated with improper storage and transportation ...
What is the best substitute for ammonium nitrate?
Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), prepared from ammonium nitrate and calcium carbonate, is used in some cases as an alternative to ammonium nitrate. Aluminum sulfate has also been used as a drying additive for ammonium nitrate.
What are the OSHA regulations for ammonium nitrate?
The primary U.S. regulations for ammonium nitrate are “OSHA 29 CFR 1910.109 (i) – Storage of Ammonium Nitrate”, and the Memorandum of “Guidance on the Ammonium Nitrate Storage ...
Is ammonia made from nitrogen?
Ammonia is most often prepared from atmospheric nitrogen, while nitric acid is prepared from the combustion of ammonia, and so ammonium nitrate is most conveniently manufactured where ammonia is made. The formation of ammonium nitrate gives off significant amounts of heat, thus it is made in aqueous solution to better dissipate that heat.
Which gas has the highest nitrogen content?
Unfortunately, the alternative with the highest nitrogen content is anhydrous ammonia, which is a toxic gas at ambient temperature. Other alternatives with high nitrogen content, such as ammonium hydroxide solutions and urea, are attractive due to their low cost and effectiveness; however, they are volatile.
Can ammonium nitrate be tamed?
What can be done to ensure that tragedies like Beirut are avoided in the future? The key to driving future innovation in this space is understanding the molecular structure and reactions that cause these powerful explosions. Ammonium nitrate is made by reaction of ammonia with nitric acid in water followed by careful evaporation of the water.
How to make ammonium nitrate?
You can make ammonium nitrate by reacting nitric acid with ammonia, but if you don't have access to nitric acid (or don't want to mess with it), you can make ammonium nitrate from readily available home chemicals.
How to make a nitrate salt solution?
Ingredients. Dissolve the sodium bisulfate in the mininum amount of water (about 300 ml). Dissolve your nitrate salt in the minimum amount of water (amount depends on the salt). Mix the two solutions. Next you want to neutralize the solution, which is quite acidic.
What will give you sodium sulfate?
Reacting ammonia, sodium bisulfate, and nitrates will give you sodium sulfate and ammonium nitrate. Sodium sulfate and ammonium nitrate have different solubilities in water, so boil the solution to get the sodium sulfate to crystallize. Remove the liquid from heat when crystals of sodium sulfate form in the bottom of the pan.
How much sodium bisulfate is in a pool?
138 g sodium bisulfate (found with pool chemicals, used to lower pH) 1 mole equivalent of a nitrate salt... any of the following. 85 g sodium nitrate (common food preservative) 101 g potassium nitrate (which you can buy or make yourself) 118 g calcium nitrate (tetrahydrate) ammonia (common household cleaner)
What is the name of the compound that evaporates from methanol?
Allow the methanol to evaporate from the solution to obtain crystalline ammonium nitrate.
How to get sodium sulfate out of a solution?
Chill the solution in the freezer to get as much of the sodium sulfate as possible to drop out of the solution.
Is ammonium nitrate good for chemistry?
Allow the ammonium nitrate solution to evaporate, which will give you ammonium nitrate, with some sodium sulfate impurity. This is 'good enough' for most chemistry projects.
How is ammonium nitrate produced?
Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is produced by neutralizing nitric acid (HNO3) with ammonia (NH3) . ... All ammonium nitrate plants produce an aqueous ammonium nitrate solution through the reaction of ammonia and nitric acid in a neutralizer.
How much ammonium nitrate is in a solid?
Approximately 60 percent of the ammonium nitrate produced in the U. S. is sold as a solid product. To produce a solid product, the ammonium nitrate solution is concentrated in an evaporator or concentrator. The resulting "melt" contains about 95 to 99.8 percent ammonium nitrate at approximately 149 °C (300 °F).
What is the Ammonium Nitrate Security Program?
Ammonium Nitrate Security Program; Proposed Rule: This proposed rule would implement anti-terrorism measures to better secure the homeland. The Department of Homeland Security would regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate pursuant to section 563 of the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act with the purpose of preventing the use of ammonium nitrate in an act of terrorism. This proposed rule seeks comment on both proposed text for such a regulation and on several practical and legal issues integral to the development of an Ammonium Nitrate Security Program.
How to prevent ammonium nitrate explosion?
Actions that may help to prevent explosions include: (1) Avoid heating ammonium nitrate in a confined space (e.g., processes involving ammonium nitrate should be designed to avoid this possibility). (2) Avoid localized heating of ammonium nitrate, potentially leading to development of high temperature areas. (3) Ensure that ammonium nitrate is not exposed to strong shock waves from explosives. (4) Avoid contamination of ammonium nitrate with combustible materials or organic substances such as oils and waxes. (5) Avoid contamination of ammonium nitrate with inorganic materials that may contribute to its sensitivity to explosion, including chlorides and some metals, such as chromium, copper, cobalt, and nickel. (6) Maintain the pH of ammonium nitrate solutions within the safe operating range of the process. In particular, avoid low pH (acidic) conditions.
What is ammonium nitrate?
CAMEO Chemicals. Ammonium Nitrate Emulsion, Suspension, or Gel is ammonium nitrate suspended in a liquid. The material itself does not readily burn but will readily do so if contaminated by combustible material.
How many people are exposed to ammonium nitrate?
According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of ammonium nitrate is 1000 or greater; the data may be greatly underestimated (1).
How much nitrogen is lost from fertilizer?
The total immediate loss of nitrous oxide - nitrogen after application of mineral fertilizer is estimated to be 0.004-1.2 teragram/yr.
How to determine the heat capacity of an aqueous solution?
One typically determines the heat capacity of the aqueous solution (Csoln) from the mass of the solution (msoln) and the specific heat capacity of the solution (ssoln). The mass of the solution is the sum of the masses of the water and ammonium nitrate originally placed in the calorimeter. The specific heat capacity of the aqueous solution is usually close to that of pure water (4.184 J oC-1 g-1).
What is the molar enthalpy of a solution?
More commonly, though, the molar heat of solution is reported. The molar enthalpy of solution ( ΔHsoln) is the heat of solution ( qrxn) per mole of solute ( n ).
Can you repeat the experiment with NaOH instead of NH4NO3?
6. If you have time, repeat the experiment with NaOH instead of NH4NO3. You will need a new Data Table.
Overview
Production, reactions and crystalline phases
The industrial production of ammonium nitrate entails the acid-base reaction of ammonia with nitric acid:
HNO3 + NH3 → NH4NO3
Ammonia is used in its anhydrous form (a gas) and the nitric acid is concentrated. The reaction is violent owing to its highly exothermic nature. After the solution is formed, typically at about 83% c…
Occurrence
Ammonium nitrate is found as the natural mineral gwihabaite (formerly known as nitrammite) – the ammonium analogue of saltpetre (mineralogial name: niter) – in the driest regions of the Atacama Desert in Chile, often as a crust on the ground or in conjunction with other nitrate, iodate, and halide minerals. Ammonium nitrate was mined there until the Haber–Bosch process made it possible to synthesize nitrates from atmospheric nitrogen, thus rendering nitrate mining obsolete.
Applications
Ammonium nitrate is an important fertilizer with NPK rating 34-0-0 (34% nitrogen). It is less concentrated than urea (46-0-0), giving ammonium nitrate a slight transportation disadvantage. Ammonium nitrate's advantage over urea is that it is more stable and does not rapidly lose nitrogen to the atmosphere.
Ammonium nitrate readily forms explosive mixtures with varying properties when combined with …
Safety, handling, and storage
Numerous safety guidelines are available for storing and handling ammonium nitrate. Health and safety data are shown on the safety data sheets available from suppliers and from various governments.
Pure ammonium nitrate does not burn, but as a strong oxidizer, it supports and accelerates the combustion of organic (and some inorganic) material. It should not be stored near combustible s…
Health hazards
Ammonium nitrate is not hazardous to health and is usually used in fertilizer products.
Ammonium nitrate has an LD50 of 2217 mg/kg, which for comparison is about two-thirds that of table salt.
Disasters
Ammonium nitrate decomposes, non-explosively, into the gases nitrous oxide and water vapor when heated. However, it can be induced to decompose explosively by detonation. Large stockpiles of the material can also be a major fire risk due to their supporting oxidation, a situation which can easily escalate to detonation. Explosions are not uncommon: relatively minor incidents occur most years, and several large and devastating explosions have also occurred. Examples include the O…
See also
• Resource recovery