Anhydrous Ammonia

	Anhydrous Ammonia
	Anhydrous ammonia is not dangerous when handled properly, but if not handled carefully it can be extremely dangerous. About 80% of anhydrous ammonia accidents are the result of using improper procedures, lack of training in equipment operation or failure to follow prescribed practices.

Uses
Production of hexamine for explosives
Neutralizing sulfuric acid in the production of paraminophenol (used in the production of acetaminophen)
Manufacture of plastics and intermediates
MDI and TDI
Metal processing
Etching gas in semiconductor manufacturing
Mixed with silane to make silicon nitride
Raw material in the textile industry
Acid production, dyes, insecticides, fertilizers, synthetic resins and related industries
Catalytic agent in manufacturing processes
Refrigerant

What is Anhydrous Ammonia?

First Aid
Equipment/Valve Operation
Safety Checklist
Unloading Procedures

Analysis & Specs for
Refrigeration Grade
Metallurgical Grade
Commercial Grade

Haz Mat Info
Shipping Name: Ammonia, Anhydrous or Anhydrous Ammonia
Hazard Class:
Nonflammable gas
ID Number: 1005
DOT Placard: Nonflammable gas/ Nonflammable gas

Anhydrous means "without water." Thirteen hundred gallons of ammonia vapor will dissolve in one gallon of water. Because of its high affinity for water, it readily absorbs water to create a dilute ammonium hydroxide, which is a component of lye. Anhydrous ammonia is a hydroscopic compound, which means that it seeks water from the nearest source, any source, including the human body. This attraction places the eyes, lungs, and skin at greatest risk because of their high moisture content. Caustic burns result when the anhydrous ammonia dissolves into body tissue. Most deaths from anhydrous ammonia are caused by severe damage to the throat and lungs from a direct blast to the face. When large amounts are inhaled, the throat swells shut and the victims suffocate. Exposure to vapors or liquids also can cause blindness.

An additional concern is the low boiling point of anhydrous ammonia as it is stored at -28 degrees. The chemical freezes on contact at room temperature. It will cause burns similar to, but more severe than, those caused by dry ice. Under normal temperature and air pressure, anhydrous ammonia is a colorless gas. However, anhydrous ammonia is used and transported as a liquid under pressure. For example at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the pressure is 93 pounds per square inch. At 100 degrees, the pressure is nearly 200 pounds per square inch. All equipment used to store or transfer liquid anhydrous ammonia must be designed for use under high pressure to avoid ruptures or breaks.

Anhydrous ammonia has a distinct odor, which humans can detect in concentrations as small as 5 parts per million (PPM). Anhydrous ammonia used as ammonia in industrial uses has a concentration of 1,000,000 PPM. Brief exposure to concentrations of 2,500 to 2,600 can result in death.

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