Ammonia is flammable . Fire will produce irritating, corrosive, and/or toxic gases. Never direct water jet straight at liquid ammonia. For small fires use dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Does ammonia ignite?
Although ammonia does not readily ignite (its flammability hazard is slight), sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where ammonia is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion haz- ard.
Is ammonia flammable in air?
Ammonia is flammable . Fire will produce irritating, corrosive, and/or toxic gases.
Why does ammonia explode?
Ammonium nitrate prills provide a much more concentrated supply of oxygen than the air around us. ... At high enough temperatures, however, ammonium nitrate can violently decompose on its own . This process creates gases including nitrogen oxides and water vapour. It is this rapid release of gases that causes an explosion.
Can ammonia cause explosions?
However, a large and intense energy source may cause ignition and/or explosion. Ammonia gas can decompose at high temperatures forming very flammable hydrogen and toxic nitrogen dioxide. It is a COMPRESSED GAS and a confined space explosion and toxicity hazard.
Is inhaling ammonia harmful?
Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation.
What are the flammable limits of ammonia?
Ammonia`s flammability limits in air at standard atmospheric conditions are 14.8% (lower flammability limit, LFL) and 33.5% (upper flammability limit, UFL) concentration of ammonia by volume in air. Lower pressures tend to narrow the flammability limits and, as temperature increases, the LFL is decreased.
What neutralizes ammonia?
Ammonia is directly neutralized with sulphuric acid to produce ammonium sulphate. The neutralizer evaporator and the crystallizer are interconnected so that the heat released during neutralization is utilized to evaporate water in the ammonium sulphate slurry.
What are symptoms of high ammonia levels?
Symptoms include irritability, headache, vomiting, ataxia, and gait abnormalities in the milder cases . Seizures, encephalopathy, coma, and even death can occur in cases with ammonia levels greater than 200 micromol/L.
What are the signs of ammonia poisoning?
- Cough.
- Chest pain (severe)
- Chest tightness.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rapid breathing.
- Wheezing.
How can you protect yourself from ammonia?
- Always keep water handy–in your shirt pocket, on the tractor or truck, and with the nurse tank. ...
- Always wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves, ventless goggles or a full-face shield, and a long-sleeved shirt whenever you work with anhydrous ammonia.
What are the long term effects of ammonia?
OSHA says there are no long term effects from exposure to ammonia , but the ATSDR says that repeated exposure to ammonia may cause chronic irritation of the respiratory tract. Chronic cough, asthma and lung fibrosis have been reported. Chronic irritation of the eye membranes and dermatitis have also been reported.
How long does ammonia smell last?
In the air, ammonia will last about 1 week . Ammonia has been found in air, soil, and water samples at hazardous waste sites. In the air near hazardous waste sites, ammonia can be found as a gas.
Can ammonia poisoning be cured?
Ammonia poisoning is currently impossible to cure however it can be prevented easily by first cycling the tank (see below). Treatments include immediately reducing the ammonia level through many small water changes. ... Once the ammonia is removed, the fish may recover if the damage is not too extensive.
What should you do if you inhale ammonia?
Ammonia in the respiratory system: If a worker breathes large amounts of ammonia, move him or her to fresh air immediately . If the worker has stopped breathing, administer artificial respiration. Keep the worker warm and at rest while waiting for medical assistance.
Is cleaning with ammonia safe?
The harsh smell serves as a warning, though: Working with ammonia absolutely requires caution . Pure chemical ammonia can cause severe burns and respiratory issues if it comes into contact with skin or is ingested. Even diluted in water, as is recommended for most cleaning purposes, ammonia can still be harmful.
