Secured and safe transportation, storage and handling of Ammonium Nitrate
SECURED AND SAFE TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE AND HANDLING OF AMMONIUM NITRATE *** MOST IMPORTANT TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL EXPLOSION AND PILFERAGES BY MISCREANTS ***
Author: Partha Das Sharma, B.Tech(Hons.) in Mining Engineering; E.mail: sharmapd1@gmail.com; Blog/Website: http://miningandblasting.wordpress.com/ 1. Introduction - Ammonium nitrate (AN) is almost infamous for its potentially explosive properties, mainly due to a series of serious accidents in the first half of the 20th century, and thereafter, its use in terrorist weapons. Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a hygroscopic (water-absorbing), colourless, crystalline solid that is very soluble in water. It is classed as an oxidising agent but has explosive properties. Ammonium nitrate primarily is used as a fertilizer, it also is used widely with additives as a blasting agent. In fact, a considerable amount of ammonium nitrate is used as blasting agent (ANFO) and used as a solid oxidizer ingredient for various emulsion and slurry explosive compositions. They are marketed either as melt (AN solution), prills (small spheres) or granules. Ammonium nitrate, irrespective of its grade (viz., fertilizer or explosive) can be handled safely provided that reasonable precautions are taken. Many of these AN substances, including some fertilizers are also categorised as “dangerous goods� in many country. According to scientific literature, ammonium nitrate is a strong oxidizer and a relatively stable explosive. For the purpose of transportation, ammonium nitrates with less than 0.2 percent combustible substances in ammonium nitrate fertilizers are classified as oxidizers in many countries. Ammonium nitrate with more than 0.2 percent combustible substances is classified as an explosive. Ammonium nitrate can be exploded under certain conditions. These must include added energy (heat, shock), especially under conditions of confinement or presence of contaminants. Although ammonium nitrate generally is used safely and normally is stable and unlikely to explode accidentally, in the past, accidental explosions of ammonium nitrate or explosion caused by terrorists have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. When these explosions occur, they have high impacts. Many of the secured and safe handling procedures / guidelines developed or being developed is after learning from these accidental explosions and pilferages made by miscreants.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Author: Partha Das Sharma, B.Tech (Hons.) in Mining Engineering; E.mail: sharmapd1@gmail.com; Blog / Website: http://miningandblasting.wordpress.com/
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