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Ammonia Safety for Use in Zero-Carbon Energy

Ammonia is key to clean energy solutions, offering great promise for sustainable energy systems. As the use of ammonia expands, it's vital to address the inherent hazards associated with its handling. Highly toxic and flammable, requiring strict safety protocols to protect both people and the environment. Dräger, with extensive experience in ammonia safety, is your go-to partner for mitigating ammonia-related hazards. We provide expert guidance and robust safety solutions, ensuring that your operations are both safe and sustainable.

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.

Toxicity

Exposure to ammonia vapours can cause irritation and damage to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. In higher concentrations, ammonia can be fatal. To ensure the safety of workers, appropriate protective measures must be taken, such as gas detectors, personal protective equipment, or ventilation systems.

Flammability

Ammonia is a flammable gas that can be ignited between 14% by volume (lower explosion limit) and 32.5% by volume (upper explosion limit). Spontaneous ignition occurs at 630°C in the presence of sufficient oxygen.

Corrosion

Ammonia is corrosive as it extracts water from its surroundings, creating alkalinity at the points of contact. This can cause skin and eye irritation, chemical burns and damage to the respiratory tract.

Frostbite

Liquid ammonia is often stored in a cold or cryogenic state. Therefore, when handling ammonia, leaks or cold surfaces can lead to frostbite or cold burns. Therefore, when selecting protective equipment, particular attention must be paid to the resistance of materials such as protective clothing.

Water Solubility

Ammonia is highly soluble in water, depending on temperature and partial pressure. Ammonia water poses a long-term danger to aquatic organisms and their environment. Therefore, leaking or spilling ammonia must be avoided at all costs, especially during maritime transport.

Propagation

Ammonia is lighter than air and rises typically. However, when used as a refrigerant, cryogenic NH3 tends to sink when it escapes. Humid conditions can also lead to the formation of ammonia vapour, which is heavier than air. The optimal location of gas detection equipment must be considered case-by-case.

Hazards found in different application areas for Ammonia

Storage of feedstock

Handling the raw materials used in the production of Ammonia

Possible hazards: NH3, CO, H2

Ammonia production

Processing and manufacture of Ammonia;

Haber–Bosch process, is an artificial Nitrogen fixation process. The process converts atmospheric Nitrogen to Ammonia by a reaction with Hydrogen using a metal catalyst under high temperatures and pressures

Possible hazards: NH3, H2, O2 deficiency, Fire, Explosion

Ammonia storage and Ammonia utilisation

Uses of Ammonia - Possible feedstock for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry, Hydrogen carrier, fuel for Power Generation, Industrial cleaning, Mobility

Possible hazards: NH3, H2, NO, CO, CO2, NO2, Fire etc

Recommended Plant & Personal Safety Solutions

Get an overview of mobile and fixed gas detection solutions for ammonia detection as well as personal protective equipment and Dräger Services.

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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^® 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.

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Dräger Polytron^® 8900 UGLD

The Dräger Polytron^® 8900 UGLD transmitter is an early warning area monitor for detecting high-pressure gas leaks in outdoor industrial process environments. Thanks to an ultrasonic acoustic sensor, it responds earlier than conventional gas detectors because it registers the sound of leaking gas instead of measuring the concentration of ...

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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 ...

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Dräger Flame 1750 H₂ (IR3)

With its triple IR sensor, the Dräger Flame 1750 H₂ detects hydrogen-based fires. It offers you high reliability against false alarms and its good measurement performance remains even at extreme temperatures.

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Dräger PEX 3000

The Dräger PEX 3000 transmitter detects flammable gases and vapours in concentrations below their lower explosive limit (100 % LEL). It helps you to increase the explosion protection of your plant. Its heat-tone sensor reacts to gas within just a few seconds, and the measurement signal remains particularly stable over the long term.

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Dräger REGARD^® 3000

Monitor various gases and vapours with the modular Dräger REGARD^® 3000 control system. Its multi-coloured status light signals the status of your gas detection system. The controller allows you to combine three different modules: Input, Relay and Gateway module. You can connect up to four analogue transmitters and eight relays ...

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Find the full range of Dräger Fixed Flame & Gas Detection products

Leak detection and personal air monitoring while working in Ammonia production, storage and transportation environments are the main applications for portable gas detectors. In addition, clearance measurement must be carried out prior to maintenance work using mobile detection and monitoring devices.

Dräger Pac^® 8000

With the robust Dräger Pac^® 8000, you'll be well equipped for tough conditions: this non-disposable, personal single-gas detection device is a reliable and precise instrument, which detects hazardous concentrations of 29 different gases, including special gases like NO₂, O₃ or COCl₂. Measured data ...

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Dräger X-am^® 5800

The X-am^® 5800 multi-gas detector measures up to six gases and is equipped with a particularly shock-resistant CatEx sensor. With the Dräger Gas Detection Connect software, it offers live data transmission and powerful asset management. Designed for personal monitoring, the X-am^® 5800 offers you the highest level of safety at a low cost of ...

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Dräger X-am^® 8000

Clearance measurement was never this easy and convenient: The 1 to 7 gas detector detects toxic and flammable gases as well as vapours and oxygen all at once – either in pump or diffusion mode. Innovative signalling design and handy assistant functions ensure complete safety throughout the process.

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Dräger X-act^® 7000

The innovative Dräger X-act^® 7000 analysis system consists of Dräger MicroTubes and an opto-electronic analysis device that lets you precisely measure gases in the low ppb range. It gives you precise results right on site, replacing slow, expensive lab analyses. It's extremely easy to use: insert the Dräger ...

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Find the full range of Dräger Portable Gas Detection products

Suitable occupational health and safety equipment is essential to protect employees during operational and maintenance works. Escape respiratory devices must be available in case of emergencies.

Dräger X-plore^® 3300/3500

A perfect combination: modern design and light weight offer you extra protection and comfort. Choose from the low-maintenance, cost-effective Dräger X-plore^® 3300 half mask or Dräger X-plore^® 3500 version for long lasting protection under tough conditions.

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Dräger X-plore^® 8000

Challenging workplace conditions demand reliable solutions. The Dräger X-plore^® 8000 powered-air purifying respirator offers a new level of intuitive handling combined with intelligent electronics that provide the high degree of safety your people need to focus on the task at hand.

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Dräger PARAT^® Filtering Escape Hoods

The PARAT^® filtering escape hoods were developed with users, placing the focus on the fastest possible escape. Optimized operation and wearing comfort, a robust case and a sealed filter ensure protection from toxic industrial and/or fire-related gases, vapours and particles for at least 15 minutes.

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Dräger X-plore^® 9x00 and PAS X-plore^®

The Dräger X-plore^® 9x00 series is designed for light duty industrial applications and provides comfortable and reliable respiratory protection. Thanks to such features as the unique safe-flow reducer and auto-test function, wearers can enjoy more operating convenience, safety and flexibility.

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Dräger PAS^® Colt

Combining versatility, ease of use and the latest in breathing apparatus design, Dräger’s PAS^® Colt is among the most technologically advanced short duration and emergency escape units available.

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Find the full range of Dräger Breathing Protection & Escape products

Due to the hazards and special characteristics of ammonia especially in its liquid state material of protective clothing has to be chosen carefully.

Dräger CPS 5800

The Dräger CPS 5800 is a limited-use chemical protective suit for industrial applications and operations on board that involve a gaseous, liquid or solid hazardous substance.

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Dräger CPS 6900

If you are looking for protection against cryogenic hazardous substances and low concentrations of acids and alkalis then the Dräger CPS 6900 chemical protective suit is the right choice. The new and innovative suit design is both flexible and comfortable.

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Dräger CPS 7800

The reusable gas-tight Dräger CPS 7800 provides excellent protection against gaseous, liquid, aerosol and solid hazardous substances even in explosive areas. Due to its innovative material and the new suit design it offers increased flexibility and comfort when entering confined spaces and working with cryogenic substances.

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Dräger CPS 7900

Tailor-made for use under extreme conditions: The gas-tight Dräger CPS 7900 provides excellent protection against industrial chemicals, biological agents, and other toxic substances. Its innovative material qualifies the CPS 7900 equally well for work in explosive areas and for handling cryogenic substances.

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Find the full range of Dräger Protective Clothing solutions

Consultancy in handling Ammonia safety challenges is a matter for Dräger safety engineers. Experts review existing concepts to identify potential for improvement and establish sustainable safety. They provide conceptual support, assess your risks and define measures together with you.

Broad portfolio of services

We support you with a broad portfolio of services: from maximising uptime, installing and supporting our solutions, managing your portfolio, training your staff and leveraging the power of data to increase efficiency, reduce risks and drive outcomes.

Safety Services Overview

Find the full range of Dräger Protective Clothing solutions

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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.

Ammonia - find out more

Find out more from VOICE

Resource Centre

Discover Dräger’s collection of resources to enhance your understanding of the ammonia safety landscape effectively.

What's New?

Our white papers on three of the main CleanTech energy carriers give you a quick overview of their key safety challenges and solutions to handle them.

Further ammonia-related downloads

Hydrogen explosion

Explosion Protection Brochure (front cover)

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.

Download brochure

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.

Download brochure here

How to choose the right emergency escape devices

OilAndGas-Emergency-Escape-Infographic_en-master-9-11.jpg

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.

Download infographic here

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 ...

Download brochure here

Got a question? Get in touch

Get in touch

Watch our informative videos to learn how early warning systems can protect lives and assets in nature and in hydrogen plants.

Hydrogen Early Warning Systems: Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detection

In the wild, an early warning can mean the difference between life and death. In a hydrogen plant, where safety is crucial, ultrasonic early warning provides additional protection. The Dräger Polytron(R) 8900 UGLD uses an ultrasonic acoustic sensor to detect hydrogen gas leaks.

Hydrogen Early Warning Systems: Gas Detection

In the wild, extraordinary senses separate those who survive and those who do not. An extraordinary sense of ‘smell’ is essential to everything running smoothly in hydrogen plants. The Dräger Polytron 8200 is able to ‘smell’ gases, even at very low concentrations and trigger an early warning as soon a dangerous concentration, even a small one, is detected.

Hydrogen Early Warning Systems: UV Radiation Detection

In nature early warning of impending danger is key to survival. The ability to detect UV radiation enables early warning systems in hydrogen plants. Hydrogen flames are barely visible. The Dräger Flame 1750 H2 detector uses a Triple IR sensor to "see" hydrogen flames which would not otherwise be detected.

Dräger X-am 8000 - Clearance Measurement

Dräger Clearance Measurement

Clearance measurement was never this easy and convenient: The Dräger X-am® 8000 measures up to seven toxic as well as flammable gases, vapours and oxygen all at once — either in pump or diffusion mode. Innovative signalling design and handy assistant functions ensure complete safety throughout the process.

Got a question? Get in touch

Get in touch

Watch Dräger experts give educational talks and webinars, created to support the energy transition decarbonising our future.

Managing your hydrogen facility means also handling the safety risks. Detection technologies help you deal with these challenges. Our Gas Detection experts give you an overview of possible technologies and solutions and will answer every question you have. Register below and receive the recordings and you'll see our expert talks on:

Hydrogen Plant Safety: with a Detection Matrix
Explosion protection for hydrogen applications with gas detection
Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detection: Hydrogen Plant Safety at the Speed of Sound
Flame Detection: Protection from Invisible Hydrogen Flames

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We've looked externally for the latest useful research and findings into Ammonia and its place in the future clean technology environment. Click the links below to find out more.

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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.

Fertiliser 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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