CHARACTERSTICS

Chemical Formula - NH3

Other Name - Anhydrous Ammonia

State - Colourless Gas

(liquid if under pressure)

Auto Ign. Temp. - 630 0 C

Flammable limits - 16 - 28 % (in air)

 -- Contd.---

Boiling point - -33 0 C

Freezing point - -78 0 C

Sp. Gravity - 0.82

Vapour density - 0.58

Toxicity - TWA : 25 ppm

Solubility - Very soluble in Water,

Alcohol and Ether
 TWA
Time Weighted Average - A limit for the
atmospheric concentration of chemical
averaged over an 8 hours day to which it
is believed that most people can be
exposed without harm
 USES
Refrigeration;

Manufacture of fertilizers and nitric acid;

Metal treatment and extraction of metals

from ores;

Processing crude oil, alkalis, ammonium

salts, dyes, pharmaceuticals, rayon, yeast,
wood pulp and polymers;

Used in synthesis of many chemicals.

Ammonia is flammable
in air at comparatively
high concentrations but
a major leak may lead
to an explosion.

It can also form

explosive mixtures of
compounds with
oxygen, chlorine,
iodine, mercury and
silver.
Cylinders containing liquid ammonia are
liable to explode quickly if they are
involved in a fire .

It is Toxic and an irritant to the respiratory

system; at higher concentrations corrosive
to mucous membranes, eyes and moist
skin.
 PRECAUTIONS
Tanks, cylinders, valves and fittings should
be made of iron or steel as ammonia does
not attack these materials.

Cylinders should preferably be stored in

the open protected against icing-up of the
valves and the direct rays of the sun.
Outdoor storage should be in a
securely fenced compound arranged
so that no cylinder is within 2 m of
fences.

As ammonia is lighter than air roofing

should allow any escaping gas to
disperse into the atmosphere.
If indoors the store should be a detached non-
combustible building.

If it is necessary for the store to be part of a

building used for other purposes the store
should be:
a) in the ground storey in a room against an
outside wall, with a door or doors leading
direct to the open;
b) entirely of non-combustible construction;
c) and separated from other parts of the building
by fire resisting walls and floors.
AMMONIA leakage can easily be detected by
the sense of smell, but the air sampling gas
detectors should be provided in storage &
working area.
Valve or fittings should not be lubricated.
Hydrogen can be utilised for pinpointing the
source of leakage to produce white dense
smoke.
 HEALTH HAZARDS

MODE OF - INHALATION,
ENTERENCE SKIN CONTACT

SIGN & SYMPTOMS - IRRITATION OF EYES ,

CORROSIVE ACTION ON
RESPIRATORY TRACK &
SKIN
 FIRST AID
EVACUATE TO FRESH AIR

FLUSH THE EFFECTED PART WITH

CUPIOUS AMOUNT OF WATER

DON’T ALLOW TO SLEEP

GIVE MEDICAL AID AT ONCE

TILL THEN KEEP WARM & QUITE

 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENTS

P.V.C. SUIT

RUBBER HAND GLOVES

GUM BOOTS

CANISTER GAS MASK

BREATHING APPARATUS
 FIRE FIGHTING
For AMMONIA fire water is the best
extinguishing medium

AMMONIA is very soluble in water therefore,

can be removed from the atmosphere by
using water sprays.

Very toxic, hence fully trained people should

attempt to extinguish or deal with a leakage
with full personnel protective equipments.
QUESTIONS