ANHYDROUS AMMONIA
- Anhydrous Ammonia is sometimes called "Ammonia Gas" or simply "Ammonia."
- Anyhydrous Ammonia also goes by the names of Nitro-Sil, Spirit of Hartshorn, NH3, Ammonia, anhydrous, Aromatic Ammonia, and Vaporole.
- Its molecular formula is NH3 or H3N.
- Molecular weight: 17.03
- NH3 is a halogen and inorganic (or mineral) acid.
- Under normal temperature and pressure conditions, NH3 exists as a gas.
- Anhydrous literally means "without water."
- It draws water from the nearest source. Thirteen hundred gallons of NH3 vapor will dissolve in a single gallon of water.
- NH3 is usually used in the form of water solutions.
- Aqueous NH3 is formed by combining ammonium chloride with calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide and a small quantity of water.
- Ammonium gas is formed by combining ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and calcium hydroxide (Ca0H2) with a small amount of water. This gas is then passed through a reagent such as silicon gel or sodium sulfate, anhydrous to remove the water, resulting in the production of NH3.
- NH3 is easily recognized by its sharp, penetrating odor.
NH3 is widely used in many industries.
- Liquid fertilizer for agriculture
- Refrigerant chemical
- Commonly used in the petroleum and water treatment industries
- In its liquid form (aqueous NH3), it can be used in the conversion of U03 (uranium trioxide) to U02 (ceramic-grade uranium dioxide). U03 is dissolved in nitric acid to produce uranyl nitrate which, in turn, is combined with aqueous NH3 to yield a solid ammonium diuranate (ADU) and dilute ammonium nitrate solution.
- The conversion process proceeds through several stages until the final product, ceramic-grade U02, is produced.
- Most U02 is used by Canadian manufacturers to make fuel pellets for CANDU heavy-water reactors. A small percentage of U02 is shipped worldwide for production of blanket fuel for light-water reactors.
- NH3 is under extreme pressure. So, although it is classified as non-flammable, in confined spaces NH3 can build up to a flammable concentration and explode.
- NH3 has not been linked with cancer, and is not known to cause mutations, fetal or other reproductive defects.
- NH3's extremely toxic vapors irritate the eyes and skin.
- NH3 is also highly corrosive. This quality is what makes NH3 most dangerous.
- Both liquid and gaseous NH3 can cause severe burns to all parts of the body.
- Injuries occur through contact with the skin, nose, eyes, and mouth and through inhalation. NH3's attraction to water places the eyes, lungs, and skin at greatest risk because of their high moisture content. NH3 will destroy eye cells and tissue in just minutes.
- A mere pencil-size stream of NH3 will consume five gallons of water in less than eight minutes.
- Pressurized NH3 comes from the tank at minus 28 degrees, freezing skin within seconds.
- Symptoms range from minor skin and eye irritations to very serious long term damage.
- Prolonged contact can cause such serious injuries as permanent loss of eyesight and third degree burns.
INHALATION
- When inhaled, NH3 can cause irritation and inflammation of the respiratory system resulting in hoarseness, tightness of the throat, laryngitis, inflammation of the windpipe, bronchopneumonia, and fluid in the lungs.
- Phlegm may be bloodstained.
- Breathing may become difficult.
- Lower airway damage may result in lung disease or other long term symptoms.
- A significant quantity can prove fatal.
SKIN
- Skin irritation and burns may occur after direct contact with gaseous or liquid NH3, even in a diluted form.
- Burns may be severe and possibly fatal.
EYES
- Direct contact with NH3 or exposure to concentrated NH3 gas may cause injuries ranging from irritation and tearing to severe injury and blindness.
INGESTION
- If swallowed, NH3 may cause severe pain in the mouth, chest, and abdomen.
- Ingestion may lead to cough, vomiting and collapse.
- Stomach and esophageal perforation may occur.
- Lung irritation or fluid may occur as a delayed effect.
- Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- When handling NH3 always wear proper equipment.
- Wear chemical resistant gloves, ventless goggles, full face shields, and long sleeved shirts.
- Do not wear contact lenses because these will intensify the burns.
- In case an accident does occur, be prepared and act quickly to prevent serious injury.
- Specialized medical treatment is required for all exposures to NH3.
- Since anhydrous chemicals draw water from the nearest source, it is essential that plenty of water be available for treatment of NH3 injuries.
INHALATION
- Move victim to fresh air.
- Give artificial respiration ONLY if breathing has stopped.
- Give CPR if there is no breathing AND no pulse.
- Oxygen may be beneficial but should only be administered by trained personnel.
- Obtain medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
SKIN
- Flush the skin with running water.
- Wash effected areas thoroughly with soap and water.
- Start flushing while removing contaminated clothing.
- Obtain medical attention IMMEDIATELY.
EYES
- Immediately flush eyes with running water for a MINIMUM of 30 minutes, preferably up to 60 minutes.
- If irritation persists, repeat flushing.
- Do not transport victim until the recommended flushing period is completed unless flushing can be continued during transport.
SWALLOWING
- Since NH3 is a gas, it is not likely that it will be ingested.
- However, if it is ingested, give the victim (if conscious) one - two glasses of milk or water.
- DO NOT induce vomiting.
- Obtain medical attention.
- Exposure to NH3 may irritate existing medical conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung diseases. It may also irritate chronic nose, sinus or throat conditions.
- It is imperative that first aid measures be STRICTLY adhered to because corrosive effects on the skin and eyes may be delayed and damage sometimes occurs without the sensation or onset of pain.
- In the event of skin or eye contact, rapid and thorough flushing is essential.
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Shirley Collingridge, Wordsmith
collingridge@sasktel.net