All that one has to do is know something about the non. The diversity of molecular features found in explosives suggests that a consideration of the elemental compositions might lead to new or improved detection approaches. Normally, i recommend trial and error as a development methodology in a case like this, but heres a tip. Ammonium nitrate, by itself, is not considered to be a donor when applying this table. Pdf effects of ammonium nitrate on larval survival and. Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound, the nitrate salt of the ammonium cation. Electrified ground detonates dormant bomb resulting in the secondary explosion of the ammonium nitrate reject tank. Ammonal used for military mining purposes was generally contained within metal cans or rubberised bags to prevent moisture ingress problems. Emissions associated with the manufacture of explosives are treated in section 6. In pure form, ammonium nitrate is a crystalline white solid that readily dissolves in water. Pdf detonation performance of aluminumammonium nitrate.
Ammonium nitrate explosivesnh4no3 higher intellect. The hydration structure of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, cano 3 2 4h 2 o, which melts at 328 k 55. It is predominantly used in agriculture as a highnitrogen fertilizer. Typical recipes merge 40 % an, 30 % urea and water together in a mixing tank. Detonation performance of aluminumammonium nitrate explosives article pdf available in central european journal of energetic materials 5 january 2008 with 2,823 reads how we measure reads. If more than a small quantity has been swallowed seek medical attention. It consists of 94% porous prilled ammonium nitrate nh 4 no 3 an, which acts as the oxidizing agent and absorbent for the fuel, and 6% number 2 fuel oil fo. These transformations can be studied by labeling the n in urea or either the ammonium or nitrate parts of ammonium nitrate with 15 n, the. Pdf catalyst screening for ammonium nitrate oxidizer. The explosive nature of ammonium nitrate is due to its decomposition into gaseous products nitrogen, h 2 o vapor, and oxygen and also due to the exothermic nature of the reaction. Ammonium nitrate pumps wilfley heavy duty centrifugal pumps. Ammonium nitrate ammonium nitrate was the first solid nitrogen n fertilizer produced at a large scale. Jul 05, 2009 this damn thing seriously hurt my ears and i felt a huge shockwave on my chest haha it was insane. Ammonium nitrate almost any city or town of reasonable size has a gun store and a pharmacy.
Ammonium nitrate explosives for civil applications wiley. This explosive is used by mixing it with several oxidizers and fuels that are actually non explosive. Explosives that use ammonium nitrate and a fuel are mostly referred to as anfo explosives, you might find more detailled information by using that term most explosives used in military especially bombs are based on tnt, mostly in the form of tritonal, a mixture of tnt and aluminium powder. A field diagnostic test for the improvised explosive urea nitrate.
Above flash point, vaporair mixtures are explosive within flammable limits noted above. Identification product name ammonium nitrate cat no. The quality and quantity of fumes produced appears to depend upon a number of factors such as explosive composition, product expansion, method of priming, length of charge, and confinement. The explosion could very well have caused the seismic activity equal to a 2.
Table of distances bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms. Detonation properties of mixtures of ammonium nitrate based. Detonation tests to conduct the detonation tests we used schedule 80 steel pipe, cylindrical 50. Section 1 identification of the material and supplier. Introduction this report evaluates ammonium nitrate cas reg. In a deep borehole, pressure in the bottom can alter an explosive s density by causing microballoons to be crushed. The global ammonium nitrate market size was estimated at usd 4. Explosion of ammonium nitrate solutions, two case studies. It has the chemical formula n h 4 n o 3, simplified to n 2 h 4 o 3. The agricultural industry widely uses urea, a white crystalline solid containing 46 percent nitrogen as an animal feed additive and fertilizer. It is a white crystal solid and is highly soluble in water. Ammonium nitrate was mined in the past however, presently the chemical is synthetically manufactured. Uses advised against food, drug, pesticide or biocidal product use details of the supplier of the safety data sheet.
For this technique, youll need a cold pack, a piece of old newspaper containing numerous sheets or pages, and a bucket. New ammonium nitrate, bombmaking manuals distributed online. Because solid ammonium nitrate can undergo explosive decomposition when heated in a confined space, government regulations have been imposed on its shipment and storage. And, even in its pure form, ammonium nitrate by itself is not explosive. If indeed ammonium nitrate proves to be the culprit, it would most likely have gotten very, very hot probably in an enclosed space to react the way it did.
An explosive is a chemical material that is capable of extremely rapid combustion resulting in an explosion or detonation. In natural waters and soils, ammonium and nitrate are major forms of inorganic n but nitrite also. From the safety point of view explosive properties of an are a disadvantage. Anfo or anfo, for ammonium nitrate fuel oil is a widely used bulk industrial explosive. In 1994 mcveigh and his partners purchased 5,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate fertilizer to illegally create a bomb constructed in a rented van. Incidents of solid ammonium nitrate explosion have been extensively discussed in the safety literature dechy et al. Since an adequate supply of oxygen cannot be drawn from the air, a. Safety data sheet creation date 05oct2010 revision date 25apr2019 revision number 4 1.
Erode mahadevan is currently a technology consultant based in india. Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound which is solid at room temperature and atstandard pressure. Results showed a negative effect on amphibian survival and larvae total length. Only under extreme conditions of heat and pressure in a confined space will ammonium nitrate explode. The dispersal effects of a dirty bomb depend on the amount of explosives used, the physical form of the. Ammonium nitrate fertilizer isnt really a dangerous. During a raid on a residence linked to the suspects, officials found. The ammonium nitrate is like the engine behind the explosion, but the engine needs fuel. On april 19, 1995 mcveigh parked the van filled with ammonium nitrate, and the other necessary materials to make a bomb, in front of the building where the aft offices were located. Ammonium nitrate, a salt of ammonia and nitric acid, used widely in fertilizers and explosives. Ammonium nitrate solution safety data sheet 311 04302015 en english sds ref 311 712 11202012 explosive properties. Apr 18, 20 ammonium nitrate is the chemical that makes these dramatic displays possible. Can consisted of an combined with dolomitic limestone a blend of calcium and magnesium carbonate.
This advisory contains information on incidents involving ammonium nitrate nh 4no 3 commonly referred to as an, an hazards, hazard management, and steps for emergency planning, and safe emergency. The percentage by mass of explosive mixtures was determined taking into account the molecular weight of ammonium nitrate and fuel present in item 2. A misapplied or misused pump can be a catalyst for a very hazardous situation with serious and potentially grave consequences. Ammonium nitrate is the fertilizer compound that can be used in explosives, said john goodpaster, who researches explosives at indiana at universitypurdue university indianapolis. From a safety viewpoint, it is considered relatively stable at ambient temperature and pressure. Ammonium nitrate and aluminum sulfate bomb youtube. On the other hand, reports on explosion of ammonium nitrate solutions are rather scarce, the most detailed studies being those associated with the port neal, iowa accident shockey et al. The explosive properties of an are relatively low, but its mixtures with many fuels are typical. After the catastrophic terrorist attack in oklahoma city in april 1995, in which ammonium nitrate was used in the bomb that killed 168 people and injured nearly 600 more, industry practices regarding the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate have become increasingly more secure. In an ideal stechiometrically balanced reaction, anfo is composed of approximately 94. In the past decade, urea has surpassed and nearly replaced ammonium nitrate as a fertilizer. It may be considered the ammonium analog to potassium nitrate or saltpeter. How to make ammonium nitrate from household chemicals.
Thermal signature measurements for ammonium nitratefuel. Thus, in practice, the difference between urea and ammonium nitrate or can in terms of impact on soil nitrate is fairly small. In addition, the evaporated solvent will be recycled back to the cstr. Explosion hazards of ammonium nitrate under fire exposure by r. As i said earlier, ammonium nitrate is a strong and explosive agent. And ammonium nitrate to make anfotype blasting agents b y thomas c. It is found as a natural mineral in the driest regions of the atacama desert in chile. Like fertilizers, many of the most famous bombmaking chemicals are. In fact, it is one of the largest industrial explosive manufactured in the usa. Whereas the draft of ammonium nitrate rules, 2011 was published, as required by subsection 1 of section 18 of explosive act, 1884 4 of 1884 vide notification of the government of india in the ministry of commerce and industry department of industrial policy. Over 70 years of safety and reliability in ammonium nitrate production. Dec 22, 2018 ammonium nitrate is the nitrate salt of the ammonium cation. Buy products related to ammonium nitrate fertilizer products and see what customers say about ammonium nitrate fertilizer products on free delivery possible on eligible purchases. It is a white crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water.
What is the recommended procedure for chemical disposal. Notify local health and pollution control agencies. Pdf the ammonium nitrate an represents a cheap and chlorinefree alternative to ammonium perchlorate but it suffers from low reactivity. Production production of ammonium nitrate is an exothermic process that results from the reaction of ammonia gas with. Evacuate the area in all directions for one 1 mile or more if any amount of ammonium nitrate is involved in a fire. No is the most dangerous impurity because, like co, it may combine with hemoglobin and prevent. Its other major use is as a component of explosive mixtures used in mining, quarrying, and civil construction. A676500 casno 6484522 synonyms nitric acid ammonium salt granularcertified acs recommended use laboratory chemicals. The hazards and dangers of ammonium nitrate nortech labs inc. It is an efficient n source because it contains both nitrate and ammonium and it has a relatively high nutrient content. The purpose of this study was to understand the differences in tolerance to ammonium nitrate in four iberian amphibians. Ammonium nitratebased explosives were used in the sterling hall bombing in madison, wisconsin, 1970, the oklahoma city bombing in 1995, the 2011 delhi.
Apr 18, 20 thats because ammonium nitrate, a chemical commonly used in agricultural fertilizers, is a highly explosive compound, as shown by the massive fireball at a fertilizer plant in the town of west. While it is not difficult to make ammonium nitrate, be advised it is dangerous to do so as the chemicals involved can be hazardous. The classical method of its production by wheel mill technology guarantees perfect homogenization of its components and thus also the high and stable quality of the explosive. These are two of the places that potential terrorists visit in order to purchase explosive material. Mar 04, 2009 new ammonium nitrate, bombmaking manuals distributed online. How to develop an extremely lethal bomb using ammonium. Ruhe us bureau of mines, pittsburgh research center pittsburgh, pennsylvania, usa t. Ammonium nitratebased blasting agents are nonideal explosivesthat is, they. The 350,000metrictonperyear tyr ammonium nitrate plant was to be fully integrated with yaras pilbara fertilisers pty ltd 850,000tyr ammonia plant.
The explosive properties of ammonium nitrate anfuel mixtures has. Thats because ammonium nitrate, a chemical commonly used in agricultural fertilizers, is a highly explosive compound, as shown by the massive fireball at a fertilizer plant in the town of west. We currently maintain type 20, type 01, type 09 and type 10 licenses and have been awarded the highest safety rating issued by the usdot. The concern is due to various accidents, and increased misuse of ammonium nitrate for bomb making. Ammonium nitrate is probably the worlds most widely used artificial fertilizer. This method is included in finishing processing section handles the ammoniacontaminated gas an exhaust gas generated by the production of ammonium nitrate with acidic cleaning liquid, finishing processing section has the gas access being connected to the gas outlet. Request pdf a field diagnostic test for the improvised explosive urea nitrate a.
Forensic investigations of ammonium nitratebased explosives have been. Ministry of commerce and industry department of industrial policy and promotion g. Shock waves from detonating boreholes can deadpress squeeze out tiny air bubbles from or. You can make ammonium nitrate from common household chemicals. Bajpayee us bureau of mines, pittsburgh research center pittsburgh, pennsylvania, usa abstract the bureau of mines conducted research to determine the safe operating conditions for using. Evacuation is recommended if the initial incipient fire, not involving ammonium nitrate, becomes intense. The present invention relates to method, system and the methods to improve equipment for producing urea ammonium nitrate. It has the chemical formula nh 4 no 3, simplified to n 2 h 4 o 3. It is used in agriculture as a highnitrogen fertilizer and also used as an oxidizing agent in explosives. Study of nonconventional fuels for explosives mixes. What causes fertilizer explosions ammonium nitrate live. Nppd, ammonium nitrate security program july 25, 2011 page 2 in order to support this program, dhsnppd will establish an an helpdesk to 1 provide a dhsnppd point of contact for individuals seeking support related to the ammonium nitrate security program, and 2 answer general questions about the ammonium nitrate security program. The heat exchanger reboiled the ammonium nitrate solution until the solvents such as h2o, nh3 and hno3 evaporated leaving a more concentrated solution called melt ammonium nitrate.
Before that for more than thirty years he was engaged in the field of commercial explosives and accessories and specialty chemicals. In addition, ammonium nitrate becomes explosive when mixed with fuels or other chemicals. The increasing demand for the product in fertilizers as a nitrogen source is expected to propel the market growth. Industrial ammonium nitrate is produced almost exclusively by neutralizing nh 3 with hno 3 55 wt% to 65 wt% to form an with concentrations of about 70 wt% that can be enhanced to 99. Homemade explosives based in ammonium and urea nitrates core. Homemade explosives are difficult to detect, and used increasingly. Ammonium nitrate is moderately toxic if large amounts are swallowed. Guidance for compatibility of fertilizer blending materials pdf. Ammonium nitrate has been used for centuries in warfare, but is also a mainstay of commercial nitrogenous fertilizers. How to make a smoke bomb with ammonium nitrate the procedure of formulating a smoke bomb using ammonium nitrate as the chief ingredient is engrossing as well. Ammonium nitrate market size, analysis global industry. What causes fertilizer explosions ammonium nitrate.
Aug 30, 20 so you want to build an extremely lethal bomb. Does not readily burn but will do so if contaminated with combustible material. Information regarding the chemical identity of nitrate and nitrite is provided in table 41 and information regarding the chemical identity of selected inorganic nitrate and. Table 21 selected attacks involving explosives from 1970 to 2016. Ammonium nitrate is capable of undergoing detonation if heated under confinement, or is subjected to very strong shocks. Ammonium nitrate and its starring role in fertilizer. Training on handling ammonium nitrate incidents using this msds should be provided before any ammonium nitrate handling or use commences. Ammonium nitrate 90% solution can initiate a fire in hay, straw, grain, diesel oil, greases, wood articles, etc. Black powder, for example, is used in blackpowder firearms. Wavelengthdependent oh quantum yields ranged from 0.
Ammonium nitrate is a colourless crystalline substance melting point 169. The state fire marshals office conducted voluntary inspections of facilities storing bulk amounts of ammonium nitrate around the state in response to the homeland security and public safety committees recommendations following the 20 west disaster. The ulster volunteer force uvf also made use of anfo bombs, often mixing in gelignite as a booster. Usually the amount of melt ammonium nitrate melt resulting from the evaporator is 95% to 99. Here, well focus on its role as a nitrogen fertilizer. Combining ultrasoundassisted extraction and a microliter colorimetric assay. Forshey5 abstract an attempt has been made in this investigation to define the conditions under which ammonium nitrate an might detonate as a result of involvement in fire. Mar 23, 2016 the brussels attackers used ammonium nitrate bombs, two sources tell nbc news. The composition of ammonal used at messines was 65% ammonium nitrate, 17% aluminium, 15% trinitrotoluene tnt, and 3% charcoal. If someone tries to alter the iron sulfate and ammonium nitrate mixture to make a bomb, ammonium nitrate turns into ammonium sulfate and iron nitrate. Ammonium nitrate is commercially available both as a colorless crystalline solid and processed into prills for specific applications. But creating an explosion isnt as simple as just having a pile of ammonium nitrate let alone a pile of fertilizer. Semtex in the hand is worth two dirty bombs in the bush utrecht.
Analysis of the field test results of ammonium nitrate. The anfo car bomb was adopted by the provisional ira in 1972 and, by 1973, the troubles were consuming 47,000 lb of ammonium nitrate for the majority of bombs. Ammonium nitrate rating is non flammable, a fire from ammonium nitrate is very unlikely, but it is a strong oxidizing agent that can cause combustible materials such as wood, paper, and oil to ignite. Heat or ignition readily cause the substance to ignite or explode. Vapors can flow along surfaces to distant ignition source and flash. Us2402192a us514610a us51461043a us2402192a us 2402192 a us2402192 a us 2402192a us 514610 a us514610 a us 514610a us 51461043 a us51461043 a us 51461043a us 2402192 a us2402192 a us 2402192a authority us united states prior art keywords temperature prills granules ammonium nitrate drying prior art date 19431217 legal status the legal status is an assumption. Caution potentially explosive in the presence of acidic materials and heavy metals tariff code 2836. Ammonium nitrate amn cautionary response information common synonyms solid pellets or flakes white to light gray or brown odorless sinks and mixes with water. Explosive admixture with drill cuttings, loss of fuel oil in ammonium nitrate and fuel oil anfo from wicking, ammonium nitrate dissolution with water, degree of explosive confinement, anfo density, and critical diameter were identified as contributing factors to. If the risk of fire is eliminated, controlled or isolated, the chance of an explosion of ammonium nitrate during transport operations is negligible. Steam plume electrified the ground by contact with power lines.
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