How to Handle Anhydrous Ammonia
Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) gets its name due to its lack of water content--it is pure ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia is made up of one part nitrogen and three parts hydrogen. It is used in fertilizer, in textile production, as a fuel, in explosives, and in cleaning solutions. As with many other chemicals, anhydrous ammonia is toxic. It is dangerous to the environment, and it can be extremely dangerous to humans. If you're going to work with anhydrous ammonia, then you need to know how to handle this compound.
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Things You'll Need
- Chemical-proof safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants
- Respirator
Instructions
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Wear protective equipment--goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirt and pants--any time you handle anhydrous ammonia. The gloves should have extra long cuffs that can be rolled down at your elbows.
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Keep plenty of fresh water handy whenever you handle anhydrous ammonia. Water is used to treat accidental contact with skin and eyes. You will need large amounts of water to neutralize anhydrous ammonia.
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Handle anhydrous ammonia in an area that has ample ventilation. You may need to wear a respirator. Besides burning the skin, this chemical also irritates the mucous membranes and can cause damage to the throat and lungs. At 50 ppm (parts per million), you can smell anhydrous ammonia. At the 300 ppm level, there's a danger to life and well-being. At the 5,000 ppm level, you can die.
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Mix anhydrous ammonia with other chemicals by using extreme care. When it comes in contact with iodine, for example, an explosive called nitrogen triiodide is formed. Intense reactions occur when anhydrous ammonia contacts halogens, acetaldehyde, potassium ferricyanide, peroxides and compounds of gold, silver, mercury, germanium and tellurium.
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Store anhydrous ammonia in tightly closed, approved containers, in cool, dry areas that are well-ventilated. Keep it away from chemicals it reacts with such as chlorine, acids and oxidizers.
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Tips & Warnings
Only trained personnel should handle anhydrous ammonia. How hazardous anhydrous ammonia is depends much on how concentrated it is. Don't wear contact lenses when you handle anhydrous ammonia. It can get underneath the lenses and damage your eyes. Contact emergency personnel if anhydrous ammonia is spilled.
