How to safely store synthetic ammonia: a professional guide for the chemical industry

as an important chemical raw material, synthetic ammonia (Ammonia) is widely used in chemical fertilizers, industrial cleaners, coolants and other fields. Due to its corrosive and toxic properties, how to safely store synthetic ammonia is a critical issue in the chemical industry. This article will analyze in detail from many aspects to help you understand how to store synthetic ammonia scientifically and safely.

1. Understand the dangerous characteristics of synthetic ammonia

ammonia is a colorless, pungent gas with a high degree of toxicity and flammability. It has certain harm to human health, especially when the concentration is high, it may cause poisoning or suffocation. The main hazards of synthetic ammonia include:

• toxicity excessive inhalation of ammonia may cause respiratory burns, coughing, chest pain, and even suffocation.
• Flammability: Within a certain concentration range, ammonia is prone to explosion after mixing with air.
• Corrosion: Ammonia has a corrosive effect on metals and most materials, especially steel and copper.

Therefore, understanding the hazardous properties of synthetic ammonia is the first step in ensuring its safe storage.

2. Selection and design of storage facilities

storage facilities for synthetic ammonia need to meet strict design standards to ensure that they will not leak or other hazards during storage. When storing synthetic ammonia, common types of facilities include liquid ammonia storage tanks and gas ammonia storage tanks.

• Liquid ammonia storage tank ammonia is usually liquefied and stored using low-temperature or high-pressure technology. The liquid ammonia storage tank is designed to withstand high pressure and is equipped with an automatic exhaust system to prevent explosion due to excessive pressure.
• Gas ammonia storage tank: Used to store gaseous ammonia at room temperature. When storing gaseous ammonia, it is necessary to ensure the corrosion resistance of the tank material and regularly check the tank tightness.

Regardless of the type of storage, storage facilities should be equipped with leak detection and emergency discharge systems to prevent accidents.

3. Temperature and humidity control of storage environment

the storage environment of synthetic ammonia is very important to its safety. In order to prevent ammonia leakage or tank damage, the storage environment should be kept within the appropriate temperature and humidity range.

• Temperature control when storing synthetic ammonia, the temperature should be controlled in a suitable range to avoid too high or too low temperature affecting the stability of ammonia. Liquid ammonia tanks usually need to be kept in a low temperature environment to ensure that the ammonia remains liquid.
• Humidity control: Excessive humidity will aggravate corrosion, especially in the part of the storage tank that is in contact with the surrounding environment. Therefore, the humidity of the storage area should be checked regularly and corresponding protective measures should be taken.

Through the reasonable control of temperature and humidity, the risk in the storage process can be effectively reduced.

4. Measures to prevent ammonia leakage

one of the keys to safe storage of synthetic ammonia is to prevent ammonia leakage. Ammonia leakage will not only cause safety accidents, but also pose a serious threat to the surrounding environment and personnel health. Therefore, it is necessary to take effective anti-leakage measures:

• tightness check: Regularly check the tightness of storage tanks, pipes and valves to ensure that there are no minor leaks.
• Leak monitoring ammonia leakage detection instrument shall be installed. In case of leakage, alarm shall be given in time and emergency measures shall be taken.
• Emergency Drain System: Storage facilities should be equipped with emergency discharge system, can quickly discharge ammonia in the event of leakage, to avoid its accumulation to dangerous concentration.

These measures can detect problems in the first time and prevent leaks from causing greater disasters.

5. Safety training for storage personnel

the storage of synthetic ammonia is not only a problem of facilities and environment, but also the safety awareness and operation skills of storage personnel. Storage personnel shall receive professional safety training and have the following knowledge:

• correct operation process when storing synthetic ammonia, it is necessary to strictly abide by the operation process to avoid accidents caused by improper operation.
• Emergency treatment measures the storage personnel shall be familiar with the emergency handling procedures for emergencies such as ammonia leakage or fire, and be able to take actions quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Wear protective equipment personnel storing ammonia should wear appropriate protective clothing, gloves and respirators to protect themselves from ammonia.

Through safety training, safety hazards caused by human factors can be greatly reduced.

6. Regular maintenance and inspection

facilities that store synthetic ammonia must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their long-term stable operation. Periodic inspection items include:

• equipment inspection regularly check the integrity of storage tanks, pipelines, valves and other equipment, especially the potential hazards of ammonia leakage.
• Environmental inspection: Check whether the environmental conditions of the storage area meet the requirements, especially the control of temperature and humidity.
• Safety drill regularly conduct safety drills to simulate emergency treatment of ammonia leakage and other emergencies to improve the emergency response capability of the staff.

Through these regular inspections and maintenance, potential problems can be found in time, and corresponding solutions can be taken to ensure the safety of the storage process.

Summary

how to safely store synthetic ammonia is an important issue in the chemical industry. By understanding the hazardous characteristics of synthetic ammonia, selecting appropriate storage facilities, controlling the storage environment, taking anti-leakage measures, strengthening personnel training and regular inspection and maintenance, we can minimize the risks that may occur during the storage of synthetic ammonia and ensure its safe storage and use.