Keywords: Ammonium nitrate, Safety, Ammonium nitrate storage, Thermal decomposition

The main large scale uses of ammonium nitrate are as a nitrogenous fertilizer and as an explosive. It is not surprising, therefore, that in the fertilizer industry special attention has had to be given to safety at all stages of manufacture and use. The experience gained by our Company in the manufacture of ammonium nitrate by the Stengel Process, and its use in compound fertilizers forms the basis of this paper. The paper is divided into two parts: in Part I, the Stengel Process and its further development by our Company is described; in Part 11, those thermal reactions of ammonium nitrate which are important in the handling of ammonium nitrate liquors, and in the drying and storage of compound fertilizers containing it, are discussed.

Dr C H Solomon and Dr K S Barclay, Fisons Fertilizers Ltd., Levington, UK.

59 pages, 12 Figures, 11 Tables, 54 Refs.