Ammonia is an essential global commodity
—Around 85% of all ammonia is used to produce synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. A wide range of other applications exist such as refrigeration, mining, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, plastics and fibres, abatement of nitrogen oxides (NOx), etc.
Ammonia production accounts for around 45% of global hydrogen consumption, or around 33 million tonnes (Mt) of hydrogen in 2020. Only the refining industry uses more hydrogen today. Replacing conventional ammonia with renewable ammonia produced from renewable hydrogen presents an early opportunity for action in decarbonising the chemical sector and supporting clean tech and the energy transition.
New applications being explored include renewable ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel in the maritime sector and for stationary power generation as well as a hydrogen carrier for long-range transport. Projections from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimate that by 2050, in a scenario aligned with the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius (°C), this transition would lead to a 688 Mt ammonia market, nearly four times larger than today’s market. This ammonia would be decarbonised, with 566 Mt of new renewable green ammonia production (from renewable hydrogen and renewable power), complemented with fossil-based ammonia production in combination with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Ammonia Hazards
—Ammonia is a flammable gas and can form flammable or potentially explosive compounds in dry air when in gaseous state.
Additionally, Ammonia is a respiratory poison that has a strong irritating and corrosive effect – in gaseous state, but mainly in liquid state.
Ammonia is Toxic
- Ammonia can harm your respiratory system if long-term exposure occurs
- Ammonia is corrosive to skin and eyes. It can cause blindness.
- Ammonia can cause lung injury
- In liquid form, ammonia can cause frostbite
- Repeated or prolonged exposure on the skin will cause dermatitis
Ammonia is Flammable
- At high temperatures, ammonia can decompose into a flammable gas, hydrogen, and toxic nitrogen dioxide
- At high concentration (more than 15%) in the air, it can be ignited easily and poses an explosion hazard
- The autoignition of ammonia will occur at 650°C.
Hazards found in different application areas for Ammonia
Recommended Plant & Personal Safety Solutions
—Due to the highly Toxic nature of Ammonia care needs to be taken when working in areas where Ammonia may be present. It is important where to take readings – as Ammonia is lighter than air measurements should be taken in pockets or high up!
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Every industrial plant is different. From our extensive experience, we know that fixed fire and gas detection systems are only as effective as the planning which goes in to them. To that end, we work in close collaboration with our customers to provide guidance through the complete process – from consultation through design, realisation and implementation. So, you can achieve the best possible solution for your specific needs
Dräger Polytron® 8900 UGLD
Dräger Polytron 8200 CAT
The Dräger Polytron 8200 CAT is an explosion-proof high-end transmitter designed for detecting flammable gases and vapours. It uses the catalytic DrägerSensor Ex… DQ. In addition to the 3-wire operation with a 4 to 20 mA analogue output, it also offers HART, fieldbus options and Modbus, allowing you to integrate the transmitter with most control sy…
stems in your gas detection system.
Dräger Polytron SE Ex
The Dräger Polytron SE Ex ... DQ sensing heads are gas detectors for the continuous monitoring of flammable gases and vapours in the ambient air. Measurement is based on the heat of reaction principle where a chemical reaction takes place in a catalytic bead (also known as a pellistor) inside the sensor.
Dräger Polytron® 7000
The Dräger Polytron® 7000 gas detector can satisfy many toxic and oxygen gas measurement applications on a single platform. With its innovative modular concept, the Dräger Polytron® 7000 offers the flexibility to configure the transmitter to fit your exact application.
Find the full range of Dräger FGDS products
VOICE Hazardous Substances Database
—Dräger VOICE is an essential tool for the safe handling of hazmats. One click and you’ll receive relevant information and specific recommendations of safety equipment for more than 1,500 hazardous substances in its database.
Ammonia is an inorganic compound of nitrogen and hydrogen. A stable binary hydride, and the simplest pnictogen hydride, ammonia is a colourless gas with a distinct pungent smell.
For a full list of substance properties, click the link below.
Find out more from VOICE
Resource Centre
—Here you can find useful links to information from a wealth of Dräger materials produced to support you in your search for knowledge of the Ammonia landscape
White papers and informative texts to give you the facts and technical background.
Ammonia - a new energy source with specific dangers
Ammonia is increasingly seen as a promising hydrogen carrier in the energy transition - but one that presents a number of hazards during its handling. What are the most effective ways to protect against them? Download our whitepaper now and find out what to beware of...
Cooling with Ammonia
Using ammonia for refrigeration is effective, saves resources and is generally safe. Unpredicted gas leaks, however, cannot be completely prevented. Download to find out what you should keep in mind ...
Explosion Protection
The danger of explosion is lurking everywhere. Detecting flammable gases and vapours before they become a hazard takes priority over mechanical and electrical explosion-protection measures.
Confined spaces in the chemical industry
Where no two jobs are the same. Cleaning and maintenance work in confined spaces present particular challenges for safety officers in the chemical industry. This document outlines five basic rules for working safely and efficiently.
How to choose the right emergency escape devices
Life-threatening emergencies can occur at any moment in all kinds of industries. Proper risk analysis and safety planning should consider every possible emergency scenario. Use this emergency escape chart to help you plan.
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Other Applications
—Around 85% of all ammonia is used to produce synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. A wide range of other applications exist such as refrigeration, mining, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, plastics and fibres, abatement of nitrogen oxides (NOx), etc.
Farming
The direct influence of high ammonia concentrations on the functional or morphologic disturbances in the respiratory tract have been confirmed in experimental investigations.
Refrigeration
For over a hundred years, the alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen which is Ammonia has dominated refrigeration systems in a wide variety of settings and applications.
Fertilizer Production
The most important feedstock for the production of fertilisers is Ammonia. It is synthesised of nitrogen and hydrogen and is one of the most widely used products of the chemical industry.
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Other Dräger Clean Energy Solutions
—Follow the links below to find out more about our range of safety solutions in the Clean Tech area.
Hydrogen Safety
Methanol Safety
Lithium-ion Battery Safety
Carbon Capture Utilisation & Storage
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