Effects of sodium silicate, calcium carbonate, and silicic acid on ammonium nitrate degradation, and analytical investigations of the degradation process on an industrial scale

Abstract

Ammonium nitrate is an inorganic chemical that has numerous applications in different industries. However, various problems are associated with both the production and subsequent storage of ammonium nitrate, including caking, degradation, unwanted phase transition, and recrystallization. Although several methods have been developed to attempt to solve these problems, many of them fail to work in practice. In this study, different compounds including silicic acid and sodium silicate were added to slow the progress of or to prevent the degradation of ammonium nitrate. Multiple instrumental analyses such as ion chromatography and scanning electron microscopy were used to monitor the degradation process.

Effect of Silicate, Carbonate, Calcium Lignosulphonate, and Silicic Acid Additives on Ammonium Nitrate Degradation

“…Owing to the moisture absorption potential and oxidative properties of ammonium nitrate, it is very difficult to maintain quality standards. 27 This is because the physicochemical property of ammonium nitrate during the storage process depends on ambient temperature and relative humidity of air. 16 To control this process, limestone and Na 2 SiO 3 are added to complete the phase transformation in the reaction medium.…”

“…For 26 % nitrogen content, limestone is added at a rate of 25 %, and 60 kg of limestone in ammonium nitrate with 33 % nitrogen content. 27 In this study, 1 % sulphuric acid was used to minimize the excess carbon dioxide production that is caused by the addition of limestone.…”

“…In this study, the vibratory sieve shaker AS 200 was used as an electronic shaker, and the analysis was performed according to the ASTM E11-09. 27…”

“…The effect of chemicals, such as sodium sulphate, on the degradation of ammonium nitrate was measured by observation over a two-year period. 26,27 In addition, the porous structure of ammonium nitrate triggered the problem of degradation; it was detected by the manufacturer of urea. 27,28 The crystalline structure was also examined as a parameter affecting the degradation of ammonium nitrate, and changes in the crystalline structure were investigated with the physicochemical properties of ammonium nitrate at various temperatures.…”

A new chemical approach for preventing the anti-social use of ammonium nitrate

“…The resulting cooled prills were sent to a fluid drum for further cooling. Subsequently, to prevent the caking and degradation of the prills, the surfaces of the prills were coated with an anticaking agent and calcium carbonate [24].…”