Page 114 - Chemical and process design handbook

Speight_Part II_A 11/7/01 3:16 PM Page 2.55

AMMONIUM NITRATE 2.55
NH NO → 2N + 4H O + O 2
2
3
4
2
o
However, under different conditions, i.e., at 200 to 260 C, ammo-
nium nitrate is safely decomposed to form the anesthetic nitrous oxide,
and this reaction is used for the commercial manufacture of nitrous
oxide.
NH NO → N O + 2H O
2
2
4
3
Slurry explosives consist of oxidizers (NH NO and NaNO ), fuels
4 3 3
(coals, oils, aluminum, other carbonaceous materials), sensitizers (trinitro-
toluene, nitrostarch, and smokeless powder), and water mixed with a
gelling agent to form a thick, viscous explosive with excellent water-resis-
tant properties. Slurry explosives may be manufactured as cartridged units,
or mixed on site.
As a fertilizer, ammonium nitrate contains 35% nitrogen and, because
of the explosive nature of the compound, precautions in handling are
required. This danger can be minimized by introducing calcium carbonate
into the mixture, reducing the effective nitrogen content of the product to
26% by weight.
Ammonium nitrate is hygroscopic; clay coatings and moisture-proof
bags are used to preclude spoilage in storage and transportation.