Does ammonium nitrate degrade over time?
At high enough temperatures, however, ammonium nitrate can violently decompose on its own. This process creates gases including nitrogen oxides and water vapour.
Does ammonium nitrate have a shelf life?
Shelf Life – ANFO has a maximum shelf life of six (6) months dependent on temperature and humidity conditions. Storage in a high humidity and high temperature environment will accelerate product breakdown and should be avoided.
How often should you apply ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate is only accessible to plants for two to four weeks, so it's usually reapplied at one-month intervals during the growing season.
Will ammonia nitrate explode by itself?
Ammonium nitrate would only explode on its own if its temperature was rapidly raised to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Compared to most combustible materials, ammonium nitrate itself is not exceptionally explosive. But the compound can contribute to explosions because it belongs to a chemical class known as oxidizers.
What happens if ammonium nitrate gets wet?
Ammonium nitrate forms a mild acid when mixed with water. This acid can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and skin.
Does ammonia lose its effectiveness over time?
Bleach, ammonia, dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, and other cleansers can go bad over time, losing potency and cleaning effectiveness.
What happens if you touch ammonium nitrate?
Irritation and burns Irritation and burns Nose, throat and lung irritation Methemoglobinemia with headache, fatigue and blue color to the skin and lips Cancer - Not tested No information available Remove the person from exposure. Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
What are the disadvantages of ammonium nitrate?
One of ammonium nitrate's advantages is that it is not usually subject to volatilization. One of the disadvantages is the high cost per pound of nitrogen. Due to production costs and increased regulations, ammonium nitrate currently costs 20 plus percent more per pound of nitrogen than other common sources.
Is ammonium nitrate the best fertilizer?
Ammonium nitrate fertilizers are very efficient and produce less greenhouse gas emissions than other fertilizers. Half of the nitrogen in ammonium nitrate fertilizer is quick release nitrogen which is immediately available to the plants.
What does ammonium nitrate mix with to explode?
fuel oilAmmonium nitrate is shock sensitive when mixed with titanium, tin, or aluminum. It will also explode more readily if contaminated or mixed with combustible materials such as fuel oil, the latter known as ANFO. Mixtures containing urea can also explode.
How much ammonium nitrate is explosive?
1678(E) dated 21/07/2011, Ammonium Nitrate having the chemical formula NH4NO3 or any combination containing more than 45 percent of ammonium nitrate by weight including emulsions, suspensions, melts or gels (with or without inorganic nitrates) shall be deemed to be an explosive under the meaning of the Explosives Act ...
Will ammonia nitrate explode in a fire?
Although it is not technically classified as an explosive or flammable material, under certain conditions, ammonium nitrate can present a significant explosive threat because it is an oxidizer — an oxygen-rich compound that can accelerate fires or explosions.
How do you store ammonium nitrate?
Because ammonium nitrate is hygroscopic, the tight containers should be stored in a well-ventilated area. The chemical can undergo explosive decomposition when heated in a confined space, so it should be stored in a cool area with proper fire suppression systems.
How much ammonium nitrate can you store?
Not more than 2,500 tons (2270 tonnes) of bagged ammonium nitrate shall be stored in a building or structure not equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.
Does nitrate expire?
Chemtrade suggests that under proper storage conditions, the shelf life for dry sodium nitrite is at least 3 years. While sodium nitrite may cake, clump and harden within 6 months of the manufacture date, the chemical assay will remain within manufacturing specifications for at least 3 years.
How long will ammonium sulfate last?
What is the application rate of Ammonium Sulfate for lawns? Apply 5 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. or 200 pounds per acre (application at the recommended rates will last about 4 to 6 weeks).
How to use urea in soil?
Urea can be applied to pastures as a solid or as a solution via foliar spray. After application to the soil, urea first reacts with water and is converted to ammonium bicarbonate (NH 4 HCO 3 ). In soils that exhibit high pH (>6.5), ammonium bicarbonate can be further converted to ammonia gas (NH 3 ). Under these circumstances, significant amounts of N can be lost via ammonia volatilization. Compared to ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate, urea produces less acidity and typically does not affect soil pH significantly.
How much energy is needed to make ammonium nitrate prills?
To produce liquids, the solution is used as made, but is diluted in the process. Production of ammonium nitrate prills requires about 8 million BTU/ton N in addition to the energy required to produce the ammonia (total of 50 million BTU/ton N).
How is ammonium nitrate fertilizer made?
Ammonium nitrate fertilizer is produced by oxidizing ammonia to nitric acid and then neutralizing the nitric acid with additional ammonia . Usually the neutralization gives a solution of about 80 to 90% concentration. For production of prills, the solution is evaporated to an essentially anhydrous melt prior to solidification. To produce liquids, the solution is used as made, but is diluted in the process.
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.
How much N is in ammonium nitrate?
It typically contains between 33% and 34% N, and despite its relatively high solubility in water, is stable under adequate storage conditions. When applied at agronomic rates, ammonium nitrate does not produce as much acidity as other N fertilizer sources (i.e., ammonium sulfate).
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 O2. 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.
Why is organic fertilizer more complex than inorganic fertilizer?
Management of organic fertilizer sources such as animal manure, broiler litter, or biosolids is more complex than that of inorganic fertilizers, primarily because the nutrient composition of organic sources is extremely variable, and not all nutrients are available immediately for plant uptake . Organic fertilizer strategies that synchronize rate of nutrient mineralization and crop demand result in greater manure utilization by plants and reduce losses of nutrients to the environment [61]. However, predicting and achieving this goal for organic fertilizer sources has proved elusive. Choice of fertilizer source will ultimately rely on goals in production, environmental and regulatory constraints, cost, and availability of materials.
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.
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 the difference between a low density prill and a high density prill?
Low density prills, in the range of 1.29 specific gravity, are formed from a 95 to 97.5 percent ammonium nitrate melt, and high density prills, in the range of 1.65 specific gravity, are formed from a 99.5 to 99.8 percent melt. Low density prills are more porous than high density prills.
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).
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 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).
What is the name of the salt that is produced by the reaction of ammonia and nitric acid?
Ammonium nitrate is an odorless, colorless or white, crystal salt produced by the reaction of ammonia and nitric acid. How is Ammonium Nitrate used?
How to get rid of a swollen eyelid?
IMMEDIATELY flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open. Obtain medical attention if irritation persists. Wash irritated skin with soap and water. Dry and cover skin with a good quality dermatologic skincare lotion. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. Loosen tight clothing.
How to prevent severe inhalation?
For severe inhalation: Use proper respiratory protection to evacuate affected individuals to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing around the neck and waist. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Perform artificial respiration if not breathing.
How to stop toxic vapors?
If there has been a release of toxic vapors follow these steps: Go indoors immediately and close all doors, windows, and openings. Turn on your radio or television to a local news station. (Be prepared to wait a few minutes for news.) Follow any special instructions given over the radio or television, or by someone in authority.
Can ammonium nitrate explode?
Only under extreme conditions of heat and pressure in a confined space will ammonium nitrate explode. Should such an incident occur, there may be a visible cloud of ammonia, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
How to induce vomiting?
For ingestion: If conscious, drink several glasses of water or milk and induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Lower the head so that the vomit will not reenter the mouth and throat. Obtain medical attention.
Can ammonium nitrate cause diarrhea?
When swallowed in high concentrations, ammonium nitrate may cause headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, a tingling sensation, heart and circulation irregularities, convulsions, collapse, and suffocation. Ammonium nitrate forms a mild acid when mixed with water. This acid can cause irritation to ...
What is Ammonium Nitrate?
Nitrogen comes in many forms. This major plant nutrient can be taken in by plants through the roots or from the stoma in the leaves and stems. Additional sources of nitrogen are often added to soil and plants in areas without sufficient natural sources of nitrogen.
How is ammonium nitrate fertilizer made?
Ammonium nitrate fertilizer is a simple compound to make. It is created when ammonia gas reacts with nitric acid. The chemical reaction produces a concentrated form of ammonium nitrate, which produces prodigious amounts of heat. As a fertilizer, the compound is applied as granules and fused with ammonium sulfate to minimize the volatile nature of the compound. Anti-caking agents are also added to the fertilizer.
What is the most important nutrient for plant growth?
One of the key needs for successful plant growth is nitrogen. This macro-nutrient is responsible for the leafy, green production of a plant and enhances overall health. Nitrogen is derived from the atmosphere, but this form has a strong chemical bond that is difficult for plants to uptake. Easier forms of nitrogen that occur in processed fertilizers include ammonium nitrate. What is ammonium nitrate? This type of fertilizer has been widely used since the 1940’s. It is a fairly simple compound to make and is inexpensive, making it a top choice for agricultural professionals.
What are the sources of nitrogen in soil?
One of the first solid nitrogen sources produced in a large scale capacity is ammonium nitrate.
What is fertilizer used for?
The most common uses for the fertilizer are in vegetable gardens and in hay and pasture fertilization due to the high nitrogen content.
Is ammonium nitrate a stable compound?
Ammonium nitrate in gardens is made stable with other compounds. The fertilizer is an almost instantly useable form of nitrogen due to its porosity and solubility. It provides nitrogen from both ammonia and nitrate. The standard method of application is by broadcast spreading the granules.
Is ammonium nitrate explosive?
In addition to its usefulness as a fertilizer, ammonium nitrate is also employed in certain industrial and construction settings. The chemical compound is explosive and useful in mining, demolition activities, and quarry work.
How long does nitrogen stay in the soil?
How long will the nitrogen fertilizer stay around? The short answer is until it rains enough for crop removal or for losses to occur from very heavy rainfall. After it's incorporated into the soil through tillage, irrigation or rainfall, nitrogen can be lost through crop removal, leaching or denitrification.
How deep should soil samples be to determine nitrogen?
If you want to take a soil sample to determine how much residual nitrogen is present, take 0- to 6-inch and 6- to 12-inch deep samples.
How much urea would you lose if it didn't rain for 2 weeks?
If you had the worst-case conditions listed before and it did not rain for two weeks, you could have lost 30 to 40 percent of the urea applied. If you used a different nitrogen source, like ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate, losses to the atmosphere were minimal.
What happens if you don't have enough rainfall?
If you didn't have enough rainfall for crop growth, it stands to reason that you didn't have enough for erosion to occur.
Can potassium be lost in sandy soil?
Potassium losses are much like phosphorus losses, except that K can also be lost to leaching in very sandy soils. However, since rainfall has been very limited, it's unlikely you've had leaching losses of potassium.
Can you still have P and K in soil?
If you applied P and/or K this spring under the conditions listed above, you almost certainly still have them in the soil, although the P may be less available to plants if your soil pH is either highly acidic or basic. The amount of nitrogen left is a more difficult question.
How Long Do Disposable Cold Packs Last?
There are two types of cold packs: disposable and reusable. A disposable ice pack is an ice pack that needs to be refrigerated before it can be used. A reusable icy pack has to be stored in the freezer. Single-use cold packs can be activated immediately and can go from room temperature to freezing in a matter of seconds. These icy packs are lightweight, making them ideal for emergency situations such as first aid treatments.
Do Medline Perineal Cold Packs Expire?
The question “do Medline perineal cold packs expire?” is one that many women have. Gel ice packs are great for relieving discomfort during menstruation, but they can be bulky to wear under your underwear. The reusable pack is a good choice because you can reuse it, which will save you money and the environment. They are long and narrow, which means they can fit comfortably in your underwear. They cover the entire area of the perineum. They are also covered with a plastic covering to keep them from getting wet and dirty.
What Brands of Instant Cold Packs Contain Ammonium Nitrate?
Instant cold packs usually contain ammonium nitrate, which is the primary chemical in these products. In packs, this compound is held separate from the water. This causes the ammonium salt to dissolve in the water, resulting in a reversible endothermic reaction. The ammonium nitrate in the packs absorbs heat from the surrounding environment. Some instant cold packs also contain calcium ammonium chloride.
What is the Ratio of Ammonium Nitrate to Water For Cold Packs?
A warm pack will be cooler and more effective for relieving muscle aches and pains. In a cold pack, the ratio of ammonium nitrate is equal to one-third ammonium to one-half water.
Why is Ammonium Nitrate the Best Substance to Use in a Cool Pack?
Ammonium nitrate is a white, crystalline substance that dissolves in water. When it dissolves, it breaks up into positive and negative ions . As a result, water molecules lose energy and cool down. As a result, the amount of heat lost increases with the quantity of ammonium nitrate added. The following equation illustrates the process by which ammonium nitrate dissolves in water.
What Do I Need to Buy to Neutralize Ammonium Nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound used in farming and for industrial purposes. It is also used to create controlled explosions in mining and pyrotechnics. It is a naturally occurring mineral in Chile and is widely available in farm supply stores. Although the process of manufacturing ammonium nitrate is relatively simple, the chemicals involved are hazardous. It can become explosive if it is mixed with fuels or other chemicals.
Can Calcium Ammonium Nitrate Be Used Instead of Ammonium Nitrate?
It is also flammable at ambient temperatures. Calcium ammonium nitrate is an effective and inexpensive alternative. It is soluble in water and is a non-toxic fertilizer. Its use in agriculture has become popular due to its effectiveness and low cost.
How much nitrogen does an avocado plant absorb?
It turns out that most plants when actively growing absorb nitrate at about 5 pounds of nitrogen per day . So with a 100% efficiency, applying 20 pounds of nitrogen, all of it would be taken up in four days. Of course, nothing in nature is that efficient. But the point is a big slug of nitrogen applied is not going to be taken up immediately and if more water is applied after that than is needed by the crop, it likely is pushed out of the avocado root zone.
What happens if more water is applied to a plant than is needed?
This is an important question, since if more water is applied than is needed by the plant, the nitrate is going to move out of the root system and no longer be available to the plant and ends up heading to ground water. Reading the literature, growers get the sense that all this transformation takes time, maybe a long time.
Where does nitrogen come from in plants?
Of course all the nitrogen a plant uses does not come from applied fertilizer. The bulk is coming from soil organic matter that is slowly decomposing. This nitrogen is being released at a rate that is probably in balance with the growth of the tree.
Does California have a lot of nitrogen?
It turns out that soils in coastal California have a pretty rapid conversion of nitrogen. Francis Broadbent at UC Davis did a bunch of studies back in the 1950's and 60's and found enzyme hydrolysis of urea to ammonium occurring within hours. Other researchers have looked at nitrification, the conversion of ammonium to nitrate by soil bacteria, occurring within days and much of the conversion occurring within a week depending on soil temperature (see chart below).
