Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound with the formula NHNO₃. It is a salt of ammonia and nitric acid, whose anhydrous form is white and highly soluble in water. Ammonium nitrate plays an important role in many industries, including mining, quarrying, civil construction, oil & petroleum and many more.
TradeMark Nitrogen produces 83% Ammonium Nitrate Solution. This solution can be utilized in a variety of industrial applications, especially in the mining and quarrying industries. For more information please review the following specifications and product literature:
Explosives
The use of ammonium nitrate in explosives dates back to 1892 when it was first patented by Alfred Nobel (of Nobel Prize fame) under the name of "saltpeter" because it was produced from sodium nitrate and potassium chloride, both mined from natural sources (salt lakes).
Ammonium nitrate is used as a major component of explosive mixtures because it decomposes into nitrogen and oxygen when detonated, thus releasing large amounts of energy without producing carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Petroleum Refining Catalysts
Ammonium nitrate solution is used in the manufacturing of catalysts for petroleum refining. Catalysts such as platinum group metals (PGMs) are used to break down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones so they can enter into other reactions that allow for further processing. Ammonium nitrate solution is added to the catalyst solution to provide a source of hydrogen ions, which are needed for breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones.
Nitrate Salt Production
Ammonium nitrate solution is typically used in the production of nitrate salts, which are used as fertilizers for plants. These salts are prepared by reacting ammonium nitrate with another substance, such as sodium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. The result of this reaction is ammonium nitrate mixed with sodium carbonate or calcium hydroxide (depending on the type of salt produced). It should be noted that not all types of fertilizers are produced using ammonium nitrate solution; some manufacturers use urea instead.