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Ammonia is often classified according to the degree of purity and the form in which it is available. Each type has distinct characteristics, making it suitable for specific applications.
Aqua ammonia, or ammonia solution, is a mixture of water and ammonia gas dissolved in the former. It is widely used in agriculture as a nitrogen source for ammonia fertilizers. This is an affordable and easy-to apply fertilizer with moisture retention properties. This makes it suitable for areas of low rainfall.
It is ammonia without water, so it has a high nitrogen concentration. This means it is quite useful in small amounts. However, it needs to be handled with care because it evaporates quickly and is toxic. This ammonia is mostly applied in liquid form to farms with large acreage. This is because the application requires special equipment.
This is a white crystalline salt that contains nitrogen and is soluble in water. It is in the form of a white solid crystalline powder or a salt, which is mostly used as a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. In addition to agriculture, ammonium chloride is also used in the production of batteries, medicine, and other chemicals.
This is a byproduct of coke and tar processing in the steel industry, as well as a compound containing nitrogen and sulphur in fertilizer form. This makes it useful as a low-cost fertilizer with nitrogen and sulphur nutrients for crops. It is also used in chemical processes that require sulfate deposits.
Also called CAN, this consists of ammonium, calcium, nitrate, and carbonate. CAN is produced by mixing ammonium nitrate and calcium carbonate, or gypsum. This is also a byproduct of ammonium nitrate production. It is often used in agriculture as a fertilizer suitable for acidic soils and crops needing calcium. These include fruits and vegetables.
Ammonium hydroxide created from ammonia is used in agriculture to produce fertilizers. This is because ammonia contains high nitrogen levels essential for plant growth. Ammonia is thus converted into ammonium sulfate and urea. These are commonly used in nitrogenous fertilizers.
Ammonia is used as a refrigerant in industrial and commercial refrigeration systems. This is due to its efficient heat absorption and low energy consumption properties compared to other refrigerants.
Some direct or indirect uses of ammonia include producing nitric acid, which is largely used in fertilizers, explosives, and other chemical applications. It is also used to produce fibers, plastics, and solids. In this case, ammonium hydroxide is used to manufacture acrylic used in textiles and other products.
Ammonia is used to treat water, producing chloramine, which disinfects drinking water. Water treated this way is often used for irrigation.
Ammonium nitrate, a product of ammonia, is used to manufacture explosives, such as TNT andANFO (ammonium nitrate fuel oil). These are used in the construction and mining industries for blasting.
NH4OH is used in pharmaceutical products and topical preparations, such as skin ointments and creams. This is due to its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
Aqueous ammonia is used to produce ammonia-based glass cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, and bathroom cleaners. It is valued for its ability to cut grease, grime, and stains effectively.
Besides aqua ammonia, workstations also use other types of ammonia. For instance, ammonium chloride is used to clean soldering and welding equipment. Flux residues are removed from electrical components, circuit boards, and other metals and part.
Some of the key factors influencing the current price of ammonia include:
Naturally gas is the primary feedstock in ammonia production through the Haber process. Therefore, fluctuations in natural gas prices directly impact ammonia production costs. If natural gas prices increase, so do ammonia prices and vice versa.
Production shutdowns can cause ammonia prices to increase as supply levels decrease. Conversely, when production shuts down for seasonal maintenance or unexpected outages, it results in diminished supply, thus increasing the price's demand in the market and among buyers.
Ammonia is subject to tariffs and trade barriers because it is considered a sensitive agricultural commodity. Therefore, any changes in trade policies or regulations, such as tariffs and anti-dumping measures, can affect ammonia prices.
Geopolitical tensions in major ammonia-producing regions, such as the Middle East and Europe, can disrupt production and supply chains, impacting ammonia prices. For instance, the situation between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted ammonia production in Eastern Europe and Ukraine. Since Russia is a major supplier of natural gas to Europe, ammonia prices have skyrocketed due to the resultant shortage of the raw material in Europe.
Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, can disrupt the ammonia supply chain. These disrupt transportation, damage production facilities, or impact the availability of raw materials used in ammonia production. Thus affecting ammonia prices.
Ammonia prices were affected by the pandemic like most other products. There was a reduction in demand from industries like agriculture and mining. At the same time, supply was disrupted due to lockdowns, leading to lower prices. However, as the economy recovers, demand increased, and transportation and production became un-disrupted. This led to normal prices of ammonia.
Ammonia is a key component of nitrogen-based fertilizers. It is directly applied to fields and crops before other fertilizers to enhance the nutrients in the soil. It is also used to produce ammonium nitrate and urea, which are common nitrogen fertilizers.
Ammonia is used to manufacturing cleaning agents such as ammonia glass cleaner and all-purpose ammonia cleaner due to its dirt and grease-removing properties. Ammonia is also used in refrigeration systems because it absorbs heat and cools areas.
Food storage and transportation use ammonia refrigeration systems to keep perishable and temperature-sensitive products in controlled environments. This was before the rise of the COVID pandemic, which affected transportation and storage.
Ammonia is used in small quantities to treat drinking water and improve the safety of the water by disinfecting it and preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms.
However, while the treatment improves water safety, the ammonia residues in the treated water can be harmful to plants and animals. This is especially so for aquatic life, as they are sensitive to ammonia concentrations. This means water with high ammonia concentration cannot be used for irrigation or aquaculture.
Ammonium nitrate, an ammonia derivative, is used to manufacture explosives for mining, construction, and other civil engineering works. For instance, ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO), which contains ammonium nitrate and fuels, is used for blasting in underground and open-pit mining.
Aqua ammonia is used to adjust the pH of soils to improve their quality and that of water in aquaculture. It helps neutralize acids and thus create optimal conditions for microorganisms.
Ammonia is also explored as a potential solution for carbon capture and storage (CCUS). This is due to its ability to be efficiently transported at a relatively low cost compared to carbon dioxide.
Ammonia can be hazardous to human health since it irritates the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Therefore, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and masks, should be worn when handling ammonia to prevent contact. In addition, ammonia is toxic to aquatic life. Therefore, it should never get into water bodies. Furthermore, ammonia is corrosive and can damage metals and other materials. Store it in containers made of compatible materials, such as steel or certain plastics. Do not store ammonia in copper or brass containers, as these materials will be damaged by the chemical. Besides, aqua ammonia suppliers advise against mixing ammonia with other chemicals unless one is sure of the outcome. Mixing ammonia with acids or chlorinated products can produce dangerous gases.
Ammonia is manufactured and stored in bulk at ammonia warehouses across the world, including at several ocean ammonia storage facilities in seas around Europe. It is transported to various destinations using aqua ammonia tanks from the warehouses before being used in different industries, such as agriculture.
Ammonia is stored in tightly sealed containers or tanks to prevent leaks and exposure to air. It is kept in well ventilated storage areas to allow ammonia fumes or leaks to dissipate and prevent buildup. If the ammonia concentration in the air increases to unsafe levels, it can cause an explosion. Therefore, smoke alarms should be fitted in the ammonia storage areas. The storage areas should also be kept free of ignition sources, including open flames, smoking, and sparks. This is particularly the case for anhydrous ammonia, as it is highly flammable.
Both aqua and anhydrous ammonia should be stored in low-temperature storage areas. This is because high temperatures can increase ammonia pressure and risk leaks, explosions, or other safety hazards. Ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate suppliers store both products in warehouses with controlled temperatures to prevent clumping and ensure easy product retrieval.
In addition to proper temperature control, humidity should also be controlled in ammonia storage areas, especially for solid ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate. High humidity can cause the chemicals to clump and turn into solid mass, making it hard to retrieve them. Low humidity, on the other hand, will dry the chemicals and further cause them to clump.
A1. Ammonia prices have normalised after skyrocketing due to supply disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Some key reasons for the initial price rise include reduced nitrogen production, seasonal factors, and anomalies in the agrochemical market. However, ammonia is still facing price volatility due to fluctuating demand, feedstock costs, natural gas prices, and geopolitical factors.
A2. Ammonia can be hazardous because it irritates the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. The gas can also be toxic to aquatic life if it gets into water bodies. Some types of ammonia, such as anhydrous ammonia, are highly flammable and explosive when mixed with other chemicals. User safety and environmental protection are therefore key considerations for ammonia suppliers when storing and handling the chemical.
A3. Ammonia can be stored for an indefinite period. However, long-term storage can lead to corrosion or container failure. Therefore, the quality can also deteriorate due to contamination, temperature fluctuations, and ammonia leaks. For this reason, ammonia storage conditions should regularly be monitored to ensure optimal conditions.
A4. Yes, water treated with ammonia can be used for irrigation. However, it should be at safe levels to avoid harming plants. High ammonia concentration in water can be harmful to crops as it may cause nutrient burn, stunted growth, or leaf damage. Ammonia can also accumulate in the soil and negatively affect microorganisms vital for soil health.
A5. One can buy ammonia test kits with ammonia detection methods from local water treatment or laboratory supply stores. There are also ammonia sensor probes available online that can test ammonia concentration in the water. These tools provide quick and easy ways to determine ammonia concentration without the need for professional or lab services.
