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Tips for Efficient Anhydrous Ammonia Application

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Sid Kumar

Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is a dry, undiluted form of ammonia. Anhydrous refers to a substance that is devoid of water.

It is a colourless gas that is lighter than air at normal temperatures. It is, nevertheless, a liquid under pressure.

As a result, NH3 is shipped, kept, and managed in pressurised tanks. Since it does not contain water, it searches for (strong attraction to) water/moisture to adhere to and absorb.

This is how NH3 binds to and stays in the soil after being applied and known as anhydrous ammonia fertilizer.

The odour of NH3 is similar to that of household ammonia, but it is stronger.

When dealing with or managing anhydrous ammonia fertilizer, farmers and dealers must undertake the recommended safety precautions:

  • Even when conducting equipment maintenance, use NH3-rated goggles, gloves, and be fully clothed.
  • Follow these emergency water supply guidelines: -Each nurse tank must have at least a 5-gallon, readily available, and clean emergency water supply.
  • When working with NH3 never wear contact lenses.
  • Always have an accessible individual eyewash bottle on hand when doing equipment maintenance; and - Always have an immediate water supply on hand when conducting equipment repair.
  • Place NH3 equipment away from people and livestock. Take measures to keep yourself and others safe in the location where ammonia is being applied and where the application component is being stored. To prevent tampering/theft, take measures.
  • Keep unauthorised individuals away from areas where equipment, applications, or products are transferred.
  • Prior to applying/transferring product or maintenance equipment, have an emergency reaction strategy in place.

 

DANGERS

  • NH3 exposures can cause serious burns to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract due to its affinity to moisture as well as its caustic, expanding, and cooling qualities.
  • For its repulsive "can't stand to breathe it." feature, NH3 has a built-in safety factor. No one can deliberately stay in an NH3-rich environment.
  • Even low levels of exposure might irritate the eyes and breathing passages. Greater exposures can cause long-term harm. Suffocation can result from prolonged exposure.
  • Regardless, extreme caution must be exercised to avoid trapping or other forms of exposure.

INJURIES CAUSED BY ANHYDROUS AMMONIA

When anhydrous ammonia is mistakenly released, it can cause a severe situation because to its qualities and the way it is handled.

Here are some instances of how mishandling anhydrous ammonia and associated equipment can lead to mishaps:

  • Unintentionally opening the hose-end valve.
  • Adding up the capacity of a tank beyond what is permitted.
  • While an individual is in the discharge line, the pressure release valve is vented.
  • Cracking of a transfer hose, particularly if it is old or has been overused.
  • The hoses from the nurse tank have been removed before moving the applicator tank.
  • Failure to properly bleed the hose coupling prior to disconnecting it.
  • When knives are removed, ammonia is released.
  • When knives plug, pressure builds up in the low-pressure hose, causing it to rip.
  • During transit or in the field, toppling an applicator or nursing tank.

SAFETY ON THE ROAD

Since anhydrous ammonia is a hazardous substance, transporting a nurse tank might be difficult.

A road accident involving a nurse tank could lead to significant damage, expensive repairs, and liability.

 

When nurse tanks of 3,000 gallons or fewer installed for transport are used solely for agricultural uses, they are called "implements of husbandry."

On both sides and at each end of the tank, the words "anhydrous ammonia" must be written in large green letters, as well as a non-flammable gas name badge with the words "non-flammable" or "1005". Applicator tanks must have the same labelling.

Final Words:

The most harmful substance on the farm isanhydrous ammonia fertilizer. It can be treated safely if suitable processes are followed.

Make sure you're wearing PPE and have enough of clean water on hand in case of an emergency.

When moving ammonia, keep the things in proper order and follow the necessary protocols.

Travel at an appropriate speed and use a protection chain and a safety clip on the hitch pin when transferring ammonia on the highway. You can lessen the risk of an accident by following the prescribed steps.

Author’s Bio:

Mehul is an eminent content writer who is well versed in drafting content that is related to anhydrous ammonia.

Not only this, but he has a good number of experiences in writing content about different types chemical and its uses.

 

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