Ammonia is a strong, colorless chemical gas made of nitrogen and hydrogen. It is used as a liquid fertilizer to spray on farm land, and it also has dry fertilizer capabilities when converted into ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulphate or ammonium nitrate. Ammonia can also be combined with carbon dioxide to make urea, which is used as a cattle feed supplement. Other uses of ammonia include soil fertilization for plant growth, and most of us clean our homes or work spaces with milder forms of household ammonia. Pick from two options when looking for ammonia or ammonia-based products. Aqua ammonia is diluted with water, while anhydrous ammonia does not contain water. Both grades can be used for soil, while anhydrous ammonia can be used with moist grains to keep away mold.

Ammonia is not only used in farming, but also to make dyes, manufacture plastics, as a rocket fuel used in the aerospace industry and in the production of stainless steel. Here are some factors to consider when searching for ammonia or ammonia products for your farm or facility:

1. Pick ammonia manufacturers that support your industry.

2. Practice proper handling and storage procedures.

3. Stock different ammonia grades for workplace use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider ammonia manufacturers that work with target markets

Some manufacturers of ammonia develop products that are made with atmospheric or process gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, helium or hydrogen.

I recommend: Terra Industries Inc. manufactures and distributes anhydrous ammonia nitrate fertilizers and aqua ammonia for the industrial and agricultural industries. Praxair Electronics distributes ammonia as a bulk semiconductor gas that is compatible with stainless steel or plastics. PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc. provides ammonia and monitoring systems to protect workers in the aerospace, semiconductor, chemical and waste treatment industries.

Find the right storage for ammonia products to safeguard against hazards

Since ammonia is flammable, ammonia refrigeration is required to maintain the safety of employees and facilities, and to reduce burn injuries from chemical spills.

I recommend: Tempest, Inc. features ammonia refrigeration tanks complete with valves, pumps and controls to regulate ammonia levels and reduce strong ammonia smell. Bitzer International manufactures a full line of ammonia refrigeration systems and compressor products for heating and cooling.

Search for different types of ammonia based on your production needs

Look for ammonia manufacturers that provide various container sizes of aqua and anhydrous ammonia.

I recommend: W.D. Service Co., Inc. distributes aqua and anhydrous ammonia by the quart, gallon and bulk. Hydrite Chemical Co. offers various ammonia grades such as anhydrous ammonia, ammonium chloride and ammonium sulphate.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Workers must be properly trained to store and handle ammonia. When handling ammonia products, wear a face shield, goggles, rubber gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and other heavy-duty clothing to protect against eye, skin or respiratory damage. At least five gallons of clean water must be stored on-site to flush the eyes and skin in the event of ammonia exposure.
• •  Inspect ammonia refrigeration systems and tanks often to monitor defects such as bulges, dents or cracks. Repair or replace equipment immediately to prevent leaks.