Hot Ammonia VJ 05112014
Hot Ammonia VJ 05112014
Hot Ammonia VJ 05112014
OF HOT AMMONIUM
NITRATE SOLUTIONS
2005 Edition
Issue 2014
GUIDANCE FOR THE STORAGE OF HOT AMMONIUM
NITRATE SOLUTIONS
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION 4
2. SCOPE AND PRINCIPLES 4
3. PROPERTIES OF HOT CONCENTRATED SOLUTIONS OF 5
AMMONIUM NITRATE 5
3.2. Chemical Properties 6
3.3. Environmental Aspects 8
3.4. Health Hazards 8
4. LOCATION , DESIGN AND INSTRUMENTATION 9
4.3. Tank Design 9
4.4. Instruments, Controls and Accessories 11
4.5. Typical Storage Tank Layout 15
5. OPERATION 16
5.2. Normal Operation 16
5.3. Operation Under Upset Conditions 17
6. MAINTENANCE 22
6.2. Mechanical Integrity and Repairs 22
7. SAFETY EQUIPMENT 23
8. PERSONNEL TRAINING , FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY PLANS 23
9. REGULATIONS 24
10. REFERENCES 25
2
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 33
10. STABILITY AND RECREATIVITY 35
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION 36
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 37
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS 38
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION 39
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION 40
16. OTHER INFORMATION 41
DISCLAIMER:
This document has been produced for the benefit of the members of Fertilizers Europe. The information
and guidance provided in this document is given in good faith. Fertilizers Europe, its members, consultants
and staff accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this guidance. As regulations are
up-dated from time to time, readers are advised to consult the up-to-date information.
Edition 2005
Issue 2014
© Fertilizers Europe 2014
3
1. INTRODUCTION
TNO, at the request of Fertilizers Europe, investigated the safety aspects of ammonium
nitrate solutions at high temperatures and reported in 2003 (Ref. 2). The Fertilizers
Europe steering group overseeing this work saw the opportunity as well as the
necessity to follow up this project with the preparation of a more detailed guidance
for the safe storage of hot ammonium nitrate solutions. This guidance seeks to
translate the pertinent results of the Fertilizers Europe/TNO investigation into practical
recommendations and also to encompass the results of intensive discussions within
the steering group.
This guidance is intended to apply to new installations but consideration must be given
to adapting existing installations wherever reasonably practicable. It must also be borne
in mind that not all recommendations may apply in every situation and retrofitting or
modifying existing installations may not always be possible from a technical or practical
point of view. In such cases appropriate safety studies should be carried out to establish
that the existing situation is acceptable.
This guidance addresses various safety related aspects of the storage of ammonium
nitrate solutions, for example, location, design, construction, instrumentation, control
systems and relief devices. It also briefly considers environmental aspects. In relation
to safety it mainly covers:
4
• Location and construction features
• Design features concerning, for example, heating coils and venting methods
• Safety equipment and first aid measures
• Normal process conditions (e.g. temperature, pH)
• Upset conditions (monitoring and prevention)
• Decomposition reactions (e.g. detection by changes in temperature, pH and
concentrations of N2O, NOx etc.)
• Intervention techniques such as the addition of water and/or ammonia and
dumping of the tank contents into a safe area.
Local site conditions need to be taken into account in considering all the aspects
described in this guidance.
The guidance briefly describes the physical and chemical properties of AN, focusing
on the potential hazards of hot AN solutions. It also covers the main regulations,
which apply to the production and storage of hot ammonium nitrate solutions in the
European Union. Readers are advised to refer to up-to-date regulations as there may
have been changes since the publication of this guidance.
5
Crystallisation Temperatures and Boiling Points of AN Solutions AMMONIUM
AN solutions themselves are neither combustible nor flammable. They are oxidizing
in nature and thus can enhance the potential fire hazard of combustible material.
They can react on contact with organic materials such as wood, oil or grease, in some
situations after a delay.
6
Diagram 1
7
Once started, these reactions can become progressively more severe, unless controlled
(see Section 5.3 below).
Hot concentrated AN solution can give rise to a potential explosion hazard when
heated under confinement (e.g. in a blocked pipe) or by severe shock derived from a
high explosive or a high velocity projectile.
A toxic hazard can arise from brown nitrous fumes given off by decomposing ammonium
nitrate solutions. These fumes must not be inhaled and they can have an insidious and
delayed effect (see Appendix 1).
Protective measures should be taken in case ammonia is present in the area near the
storage tank, for example, due to over-ammoniation and local venting.
8
4. LOCATION , DESIGN AND INSTRUMENTATION
4.1. General
Safety studies shall be performed for all new installations. They should be reviewed on
a regular basis (e.g. every few years).
During the safety study attention should be paid to other processes linked to the
manufacture and storage of AN solution with special consideration to the risk of
contamination.
4.2. Location
A tank for hot concentrated ammonium nitrate solution should not be located close to
any storage of combustible materials, whether solid or liquid.
The location for an AN solution storage tank should be selected so as to minimise the
risk of contamination by acids and by other non-compatible materials as indicated
above in Section 3.2.
If road tankers or rail wagons are required to park near a tank, the parking area should
be level and arranged in such a way that, in case of a leak, the hot solution does not
run into a common drain where it might react violently with other materials. A sump
should be provided at filling points so that any drips can be dealt with in a controlled
manner. Wooden sleepers should not be used for railway lines in the loading area.
Care should be taken to prevent any vehicle colliding with a tank, its supports, or its
pipeline supports, by the erection of barriers where necessary.
9
The following behaviour of ammonium nitrate should be borne in mind when
considering the design of a new tank with respect to diameter and height aspects.
Tanks with a low height have the advantage of giving rise to a lower pressure head
above the ammonium nitrate solution at the bottom of the tank. This reduces the
boiling temperature and the associated decomposition rate at the bottom of the tank.
On the other hand, a low height-to-diameter ratio could be disadvantageous from the
point of view of the mixing of any added dilution water.
Care should be taken to avoid confined or semi-confined spaces within the tank and
associated equipment which can potentially allow AN solution to be trapped. For
example, avoid double skinned baffles inside the tank.
The insulation should be protected and sealed by an outer skin of stainless steel or
aluminium. Whichever is used, care should be taken to ensure that there are no gaps
in the outer skin to prevent water entering which could reduce the efficiency of the
insulation.
The number of flanges should be kept to a minimum and they should be outside the
insulation of the tank.
There should be a facility such as a pump to circulate the solution in the tank to ensure
a homogeneous solution. A minimum circulation rate should be considered for each
individual tank and, in the absence of suitable calculation methods to specify this rate, a
minimum circulation rate of about 5-10% of the tank volume per hour is recommended
as a rough guide.
The tank should be provided with a secondary containment (e.g. bund wall). The area
contained within the secondary containment must be free from reactive substances and
from surface contamination to minimise the risk of AN decomposition and associated
toxic fume release if the solution leaks or there is a major loss of containment.
The tank should be provided with an overflow system with the discharge directed to a
safe area. Care should be taken to avoid this line blocking due to crystallisation of the
AN.
10
The materials used for the foundation underneath a tank should be devoid of a
sensitising effect on ammonium nitrate to minimise the risk of decomposition in case
of a leak of the ammonium nitrate solution.
The design should pay attention to the detection of leaks occurring due to corrosion,
for example.
The interior of the tank shall be thoroughly cleaned after construction and before any
internal repairs. The tanks shall be inspected and cleaned if necessary on completion
of the repairs.
It should be noted that ammonium nitrate solutions, whether hot, cold, concentrated
or dilute, can attack and cause damage to cement and concrete unless they are suitably
protected.
Refer to Section 4.4 for the provision of instruments, controls and various accessories
which should be considered when designing the tank.
The tank should be provided with a reliable water addition facility to cool and dilute
the tank contents in case of a temperature rise e.g. caused by a decomposition of the
AN solution in the tank.
At the time of printing of this guidance the codes are not mandatory but it is expected
that EU and national guidelines will be based on these. Readers are advised to consult
these codes when designing AN solution storage systems.
Safety reviews of the individual plants can be used to determine the required SILs of
safety instrumented functions (SIF) such as the water addition system activated by high
temperature. It is outside the scope of this guidance to give detailed recommendations
in this regard.
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Level
The tank must be provided with reliable level measuring instruments capable of
giving a continuous indication of level and high/low level alarms. In selecting the level
instruments care must be taken for varying concentrations, densities and crystallisation
temperatures of ammonium nitrate solutions.
Temperature
Multiple temperature sensors should be provided, preferably at different heights
and around the circumference of the storage vessel. High temperature alarms/trips
should be installed with set points at temperatures as close as practically possible to
the operating temperature. The indicative range for such settings is 5-20°C above the
normal operating temperature. The minimum operating temperature should be at
least 5°C above the AN solution crystallisation temperature. A low temperature alarm
should also be provided to warn of the risk of crystallisation.
Sampling
A means (e.g. a sampling valve) for obtaining a representative sample of the solution
should be provided. Where necessary, a steam injection point for keeping the sampling
lines clear should be installed.
Venting
A vent should be provided on the tank to prevent it from being put under excessive
pressure or vacuum. Care should be taken to keep the vent free from blocking by
proper design or by steam tracing or jacketing, where this is considered necessary.
The results of the Fertilizers Europe study relating to the release of decomposition
gases including water vapour (also generated by water addition) should be taken into
account. In order to provide a sufficient safety margin for the vent sizing, its capacity
should be calculated corresponding to the credible worst-case scenario for the
particular installation.
For example, a selected scenario involving a solution (100 tes) with a pH of 2 and
chloride contamination of 100ppm leads to a vent size in the region of 250-300mm
diameter. This takes account of the gases formed by decomposition as well as the gases
from the evaporation of water, added at a rate sufficient to bring the temperature
down from 180 to 150°C in one hour. The vent size is dependent on the rate of water
addition.
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Valves
Valves which do not trap the solution within the internals, are recommended for
ammonium nitrate solution duty.
An automatic valve or a manual valve operable from a safe distance, may be considered
for emptying the storage tank (see Section 5.3) as an alternative to water addition
where water cannot be relied upon to be available. A drain valve should be provided to
enable the tank to be emptied completely, where practicable.
Steam coil
A steam heating coil, or a circulation system incorporating a heat exchanger, may be
provided to safeguard against low temperature conditions. The steam supplied shall be
saturated and controlled so that the temperature of the ammonium nitrate solution
does not exceed 150°C.
The following precautions are recommended for the steam supply system:
• The steam pressure in the coil should always be such that in case of a leak occurring
in the coil the solution would not flow into the coil.
• The steam in the coil should preferably be on pressure control, not on temperature
control in order to satisfy the above condition.
• The steam supply system should be fitted with protections to avoid the use of
superheated or over-pressure steam.
Pumps
Pumps are required to circulate the ammonium nitrate solution, to transfer the
solution and to empty the storage tank.
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Pipework
The hardware and control systems linking the storage with the plant and exporting
facilities (e.g. tanker loading) should be designed in such a way as to minimise the risk
of contaminating the stored solution.
Unwanted pipe connections to the storage tank should be avoided in order to minimise
the risk of contamination.
Pipe work should be steam jacketed or steam traced and/or insulated, as appropriate.
It should be run with an adequate slope for drainage with drain valves at the lowest
points. See above under steam coil for precautions relating to the steam supply.
Proper sealing should be provided, e.g. by using spiral-wound gaskets, to prevent the
leakage of AN solution from flanges.
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4.5. Typical Storage Tank Layout
Figure 1 is an illustrative drawing of a storage tank with its safety provisions. Different
configurations and different degrees of automation can be envisaged depending on
the local situation.
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5. OPERATION
5.1. General
The operation of the installation should be in accordance with written instructions.
They should be available on the site, should cover the necessary safety precautions
and include good house-keeping rules.
The minimum operating temperature should be at least 5°C above the AN solution
crystallisation temperature.
AN solutions tend to lose ammonia gradually during storage. The more alkaline the
solution the higher is the loss of ammonia.
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NOx and/or N2O monitoring
On-line monitoring of these decomposition gases is an option for the early detection
of decomposition.
Contamination
Regular analysis of the AN solution should be carried out to check for the required
purity and safety (see Sections 4.1 and 9).
Where there is a risk of accumulation of insoluble matter on the surface of the solution
e.g. due to the presence of contamination in the feed streams, provision should be
made for sampling the solution from the surface and the removal of any contaminated
layer according to written procedures. The sampling should be done regularly
depending on the nature of the process.
The storage area should be kept tidy and free from all rubbish.
Instructions for operators should be in place stating how to bring the AN-storage tank
back to normal condition following upsets.
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Temperature
High temperature conditions can arise as a result of e.g. AN solution feed at high
temperature, malfunctioning of the heating system and decomposition.
In a high temperature situation one or more of the following actions may be taken:
• Isolate the heat input e.g. trip shut steam valve
• Stop the AN solution feed
• Add water (see details below)
• Add ammonia e.g. in the event of a decomposition
Low temperature conditions can arise as a result of e.g. cooler AN solution feed, loss of
heating, inadvertent addition or ingress of water.
pH
Low pH conditions can arise due to e.g. a malfunction of the pH control system in the
AN production unit or a loss of ammonia during storage.
In the event of a low pH situation one or more of the following actions may be taken:
• Add ammonia: normally a low pH is corrected by adding ammonia gas.
• Mix with AN solution of a higher pH.
High pH conditions can arise due to e.g. a malfunction of the pH control system in the
AN production unit. This is not an unsafe condition as the solution will tend to lose
ammonia gradually during storage. However, this could be an environmental issue e.g.
a problem with ammonia odour in the vicinity.
Level
High or low level conditions usually arise due to a malfunction of the level
instruments or mal-operation.
High level situations can lead to the overflow of the AN solution from the tank. Such
overflow should be appropriately directed to minimise environmental implications. A
low level condition may cause cavitation in the solution pump and may also lead to the
steam coil not being covered with AN solution. The operator should investigate and
take appropriate action.
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Contamination
The presence of contamination may be indicated or suspected in a number of ways:
• Direct e.g. chemical analysis of the AN solution or visual inspection (e.g. suspended
matter, coloration).
• Chemical analysis of the raw materials.
• Indirectly from the effects of the contamination on the solution e.g. temperature-
rise, evolution of gases.
Appropriate action based on the nature and quantity of the contaminant must be taken
in the event of the first two cases. In the third case, the consequential effects (e.g.
temperature rise) need to be analysed by operators as there may be various possible
causes.
A potentially hazardous situation can arise in the pump due to lack of circulation as
a result of line blockage and this can be detected by e.g. flow meter, pump low amps
or temperature sensors. Under the no-flow situation the pump can overheat and
may explode. Appropriate protection should be provided to avoid such a situation. In
addition, the lack of circulation can also adversely affect the mixing of the AN solution
in the tank.
Leakage
Leakages mainly occur from flanges and seals e.g. from the pump systems. Small
leakages will lead to the solidification of the spilled ammonium nitrate but larger
amounts may collect in pits and drains. These leakages should be properly managed.
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Pressure
High pressure conditions may arise from decomposition gasses and from evaporated
water in the course of intervention measures. Vents must be designed and installed
for a credible worst case scenario (see Section 4.4).
Low pressure conditions can be avoided by the proper design of the vent system
or vacuum relief valve, taking into account the highest possible off-take as well as a
sudden cooling down of the vapour phase e.g. by the addition of cold water.
Water may be added in various ways: on the top of the liquid surface; by means of a dip
pipe (normal or perforated); or by means of a jet system. The risk of blockage occurring
in the water line due to crystallisation of AN should be considered and should be
addressed, where necessary, for example, by the provision of a small continuous flow
of water in the pipe/jet.
The spraying of ambient temperature water into the free space above the liquid in the
storage vessel is not a preferred option as it can present the risk of a rapid condensation
of vapour, which can create a vacuum inside the storage tank possibly causing damage.
The tank has to be provided with adequate vacuum relief capacity against this hazard.
Sufficient free space between the maximum filling level and the overflow position in
the storage vessel should always be kept to accommodate any liquid swell which may
be caused by the flash steam produced when water is added.
A reliable source for the dilution water is essential. Water can be provided from a static
head tank, a local water network or a fire fighting water system. If a pump is used, a
back-up power supply is recommended to safeguard against power failure.
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Water used for emergency actions should preferably be free from contaminants.
However, in the selection of the water source, consideration should be given to the
reasonable and reliable availability and the associated practical aspects.
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6. MAINTENANCE
Care should be taken to avoid cavitation when the tank is emptied using a pump.
The tank is usually cleaned with water and organic solvents are not recommended.
Contact between organic solvents and ammonium nitrate shall be avoided. The tank
shall be rinsed with clean water before commissioning.
Valves, safety valves and other equipment should be checked periodically. If the steam
coil has sprung a leak, it should be repaired. The damaged sections should not be
isolated so as to avoid trapping and confining ammonium nitrate in the coil.
It is good practice to avoid patchwork when carrying out repairs. The damaged area
should be cut out and replaced by a flush-fitting piece of new material. This is to avoid
double plating which could cause ammonium nitrate to be trapped between the plates
and its subsequent heating by the hot solution when the tank is put back in service. As
stated in 3.2, under such conditions of heating and confinement, AN can give rise to
an explosion hazard.
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7. SAFETY EQUIPMENT
The following safety equipment should be provided on the site:
• A supply of water under pressure with hydrants and hoses, protected against frost
in winter.
• An appropriate number of showers and eye wash devices.
• Protective clothing with a face screen available to be worn by operators before
making connections, breaking connections, or breaking joints.
• Face shield or goggles, gloves, safety shoes or boots and protective aprons
available to operating personnel. Operating instructions should specify the use of
personal protection equipment.
• Breathing apparatus or escape sets to safeguard against any emission of toxic
fumes.
Information on how to act in an emergency can be found in the safety data sheet for
ammonium nitrate solution (see Appendix 1).
Emergency plans for potential scenarios such as fire and toxic fume release should
be prepared, kept in a written form and should be regularly practised. The relevant
records should be kept.
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9. REGULATIONS
Information concerning current regulations at the time of preparation of this guidance
(2005) is summarised below. Readers are advised to check for any revision and consult
the most up to date legislation.
Seveso Directive
AN solution containing more than 80% AN is listed as a hazardous substance in the
Seveso Directive (Ref. 7)
UN Transport Regulations
International transport regulations e.g. UN Orange Book (Ref. 9), European rail,
RID (Ref. 10), European road, ADR (Ref. 11) and international sea, IMDG (Ref. 12)
classify hot ammonium nitrate solution containing more than 80% AN as an oxidizing
substance, Class 5.1 UN No. 2426 (Ref. 9), with special provisions which specify the
following safety related parameters:
• AN content not to exceed 93%
• to contain not more than 0.2% combustible material
• pH between 5 and 7 measured in an aqueous solution of 10% of the substance
carried
• the maximum content of chloride ions should not exceed 0.02%
Readers are advised to consult the actual regulations for full and exact details.
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10. REFERENCES
25
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APPENDIX 1
1,1 Product indentifier
Product/Trade name Company Input
Common chemical name Ammonium Nitrate (hot concentrated solution)
Synonyms Hot Ammonium Nitrate Solution (HANS); ANS
Chemical formula Main ingredient: NH4NO3
EU index number Not listed.
EC No Not applicable.
CAS No. Not applicable.
REACH Registration Number Not applicable, as the solution is a mixture.
National Product Registration Number, Company Input
where appropriate.
Conforms to Regulation (EU) No 453/2010
1,2 Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against
Use of the substance/mixture Fertilizer, Company Input (to be consistent with REACH Chemical Safety Report)
Uses advised against Company Input .
1,3 Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet
THE COMPANY/ UNDERTAKING
Safety Data Sheet
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PBT/vPvB criteria According to Annex XIII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, no PBT and vPvB assessment has been
conducted since ammonium nitrate is inorganic.
Other hazards which do not result in classification
Physical and chemical hazards Ammonium nitrate solution is not itself combustible but it can support combustion, even in the
absence of air. On heating can cause decomposition, releasing toxic fumes containing nitrogen
oxides and ammonia. Heating under strong confinement can lead to explosive behaviour.*
Health hazards These solutions are dangerous because of their high temperature and possible chemical attack on
the skin. Hot material can cause thermal burns to skin and eyes with risk of permanent damage.
Ingestion is very unlikely; intake of large quantties may cause gastro-intestinal disorders; inhalation
of mist and low concentrations of ammonia released from the hot soltion may give rise to irritation of
eyes, nose, throat and upper tract. No known adverse long term effects.*
Environmental hazards Heavy spillage may cause adverse environmental impact such as eutrophication in confined surface
waters or nitrate contamination. See Section 12.*
Classification Classification
CAS no. Generic REACh
Chemical name EC no. Regulation (EC) No. Directive
Reg No.)
1272/2008 67/548/EEC
Ammonium nitrate 6484-52-2 229-347-8 Company Input Oxid. Solid 3, H272 O; R8
Eye Irrit. 2, H319 Xi; R36
Other ingredients
*a mixture consists of more than one substances (independent of the REACH definition
of the substances) (Borealis)
4,1 Description of first aid measures
General In some cases medical attention necessary (see below).
Inhalation Ingress of hot solution by inhalation is most unlikely, however, if toxic vapours are inhaled:
Remove from source of exposure.
Obtain medical attention if ill effects occur.
Ingestion This event is most unlikely because product is hot.
Do not induce vomiting.
Rinse mouth and then give water or milk to drink.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Obtain medical attention if more than a small quantity has been swallowed.
Skin contact Do not remove contaminated clothing (clothing might stick to the skin).
Flush skin immediately with large amounts of cold water.
If possible, submerge affected area in cold water and pack with ice.
Obtain immediate medical attention.
Eye contact Flush/irrigate eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do so.
Obtain medical attention if eye irritation persists.
4,2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
Acute effects Eye irritation
Delayed effects None known
4,3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Note to physician Inhalation of fire and thermal decomposition gases, containing oxides of nitrogen and ammonia, can
cause irritation and corrosive effects on the respiratory system. Some lung effects may be delayed.
Give oxygen, especially if there is blueness around the mouth.
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5,1 Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing media If material is not directly involved in the fire.
Use the best means available to extinguish the fire.
If material is involved in the fire.
Use plenty of water.
Unsuitable extinguishing media Do not use chemical extinguishers or foams or attempt to smother the fire with steam or sand.
5,2 Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Specific hazards Potential explosion hazard under fire conditions when severely confined and/or contaminted with
5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
incompatible materials (e.g. organic materials, halogenated compounds - see Section 10)
Do not allow hot ammonium nitrate to run into drains.
Hazardous thermal decomposition and Oxides of nitrogen, ammonia
combustion products
5,3 Advice for firefighters
Special fire fighting procedures Cool down the containers/equipment exposed to heat with a water spray
Open doors and windows of the store to give maximum ventilation.
Avoid breathing the fumes (toxic); stand up-wind of the fire.
Prevent any contamination of material by oils or other combustible materials.
Special protective equipment for fire- Use a self-contained breathing apparatus if fumes are being entered.
fighters
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
6,1 Personal precautions, protective Avoid walking through spilled product and exposure to fumes.
equipment and emergency procedures
6,2 Environmental precautions Take care to avoid the contamination of watercourses and drains and inform the appropriate
authority in case of accidental contamination of watercourses.
6,3 Methods and material for containment Wash small spillage with copious quantities of water.
and cleaning up Contain large spillage with sand or earth as necessary or remove by pumping if possible and safe to
do so.
Allow material to solidify and scrape up.
Place solidified material in suitable containers for recycle or disposal.
6,4 Reference to other sections
See section 1 for emergency contact information, section 8 for personal protective equipment and section 13 for waste disposal.
7,1 Precautions for safe handling Avoid contamination by combustible (e.g. diesel oil, grease, etc.) and incompatible materials.
Carefully clean all equipment prior to maintenance and repair.
7,2 Conditions for safe storage, including Locate away from the sources of heat or fire.
any incompatibilities The tank should be bunded to take the whole content of the tank.
Keep away from incompatible materials mentioned under Section10.
Do not permit smoking and use of naked lights in the storage areas.
Protect the tanks from corrosion and physical damages.
Keep solutions above crystallisation temperature to prevent precipitation but they should not be
allowed to exceed 150°C. (In transport 140°C as per IMDG Code).
The pH of the solution should be kept above 4.5 (measured as a 10% solution).
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The information in this section contains generic advice and guidance. The list of identified uses given in section 1 should be considered for any
use-specific information provided in the Exposure Scenario(s).
Individual protection
Respiratory system To protect against fumes wear suitable breathing apparatus e.g.masks equiped with filter type K,
self contained breathing apparatus, or respirator with an appropriate filter (e.g. EN 143, 149, filters
P2 P3)
Skin and body Wear chemical resistant, protective apron and boots.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLES/ PERSONAL PROTECTION
limits
Explosive properties Not classified as an explosive; has high resistance to detonation.
Sensitivity to detonation is increased by the presence of contaminants and/or high temperatures.
Heating under strong confinement (e.g. in tubes or drains) may lead to a violent reaction or
explosion especially if there is contamination by some of the substances mentioned under Section
10
Auto-ignition temperature Not combustible.
Decomposition temperature Above approx. 170 °C
Minimum ignition energy Not applicable
Oxidising properties Can support combustion and oxidize, may intensify fire.
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Density
Crystallisation.
Dewatering of solutions.
10,5 Incompatible materials Combustible materials, reducing agents, acids, alkalis, sulphur, chlorates, chlorides, chromates,
nitrites,
permanganates, metallic powders and substances containing metals such as copper, nickel, cobalt,
zinc and their alloys
10,6 Hazardous decomposition products For fire situations: see section 5.
When strongly heated, it decomposes releasing toxic fumes (e.g. NOx, ammonia)
When in contact with alkaline materials may give off ammonia gas.
When in contact with strong acids may give off nitrogen oxide gases..
See also Sections 2 and 9.
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11,1 Information on toxicological effects
Toxicokinetics, metabolism and Not available
distribution
Acute toxicity Main ingredient
Acute oral toxicity Ammonium nitrate LD50: 2950 mg/kg bw (OECD 401)
Acute dermal toxicity Ammonium nitrate LD50: > 5000 mg/kg bw (OECD 402)
Acute inhalation toxicity Ammonium nitrate LC50: > 88.8 mg/l (no guideline followed)
Local effects
Skin irritation Product No critical or specific hazard.
Skin sensitisation Not sensitizing (OECD 429, with magnesium nitrate, nitric acid ammonium calcium salt, sodium
nitrate)
to check
For ammonium nitrate
Other
Sub-acute toxicity Oral 28-day NOAEL ≥ 1500 mg/kg bw/day (OECD 422, with potassium nitrate)
Oral 52-week NOAEL = 256 mg/kg bw/day (OECD 453, with ammonium sulfate)
Inhalation 2-weeks NOAEL ≥ 185 mg/m3 (OECD 412)
Mutagenicity Negative (OECD 471, 473, with nitric acid ammonium calcium salt)
Negative (OECD 476, with potassium nitrate)
Reproductive toxicity Oral 28-day NOAEL ≥ 1500 mg/kg bw/day (OECD 422, with potassium nitrate)
Carcinogenicity Not carcinogenic (OECD 453, with ammonium sulfate)
Remarks Adverse health effects are considered unlikely when the product is handled and used correctly.
If large quantities are ingested may give rise to gastro-intestinal disorders.
12,1 Toxicity
Ammonium nitrate Fish (short-term) 48-h LC50: 447 mg/l (no guideline followed)
Daphnia magna (short-term) 48-h EC50: 490 mg/l (no guideline followed, with potassium
nitrate)
Daphnia magna (long-term) No data
12,3 Bioaccumulative potential Octanol-water partition coefficient Not relevant as the mixture is inorganic, but considered to
(Kow) be low (based on high water solubility)
Bioconcentration factor (BCF) Low potential for bioaccumulation (based on main ingredient p
12,4 Mobility in soil Low potential for adsorption (based on main ingredient properties)
- +
Very soluble in water. The NO3 ion is mobile. The NH4 ion is adsorbed by soil.
12,5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment According to Annex XIII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, no PBT and vPvB assessment has been
conducted since ammonium nitrate is inorganic.
12,6 Other adverse effects Heavy spillage may cause adverse environmental impact such as eutrophication in confined surface
waters
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13,1 Waste treatment methods In accordance with local and national regulations, disposed by landfill or incineration.
Controlled biodegradation in waste water treatment is possible.
Container Containers should be cleaned by appropriate method and then re-used or disposed by landfill
or incineration as appropriate, in accordance with local and national regulations.
Do not remove label until container is thoroughly cleaned.
Methods of disposal Depending on degree and nature of contamination, when cold dispose of by use as fertilizer on farm,
as raw material for liquid fertilizer, or to an authorised waste facility.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Do not empty into drains; dispose of this material and its container in a safe way and in accordance
with all applicable local and national regulations.
See chapters 06 03 and 06 10 of the list of wastes (Commission decision 2000/532/EC)
Package waste disposal Not applicable.
14,2 UN Proper shipping name Ammonium nitrate Ammonium nitrate Ammonium nitrate Ammonium nitrate
based fertilizer based fertilizer based fertilizer based fertilizer
Label
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15,1 Safety, health and environmental EC 2003/2003, 96/82 EC; Seveso Directive, Company input.
regulation/legislation specific for the
substance or mixture
Other regulations Regulation EC 1907/2006 (REACH), EC 2003/2003, 96/82 EC. Company input.
15,2 Chemical safety assessment In accordance with REACH Article 14, a Chemical Safety Assessment has been carried out for the
main
ingredient Ammonium Nitrate as a substance.
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
The information provided in this safety data sheet is correct to the best of our knowledge, information, and belief at the date of its publication.
The information given is designed only as guidance for safe handling, use, processing, storage, transportation, disposal, and release and is not
to be considered a warranty or quality specification. The information relates only to the specific material designated and may not be valid for such
material used in combination with any other materials or in any proceed, unless specified in the text.
Disclaimer
The information in this Safety Data Sheet is given in good faith and belief in its accuracy based on our knowledge of the substance/preparation
concerned at the date of publication. It does not imply the acceptance of any legal liability or responsibility whatsoever by <the Company> for the
consequences of its use or misuse in any particular circumstances.
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