Ammonium Nitrate | Wilfley A9

BACKGROUND

Chemical compound ammonium nitrate is a white crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water. It is predominantly used in agriculture as a fertilizer. Its other major use is as a component of explosive mixtures used in mining, quarrying, and civil construction. Manufacturing explosive grade ammonium nitrate involves several major unit operations including solution formation and concentration; solids formation, finishing, screening, and coating; and product bagging and/or bulk shipping. Solutions may also be blended for liquid fertilizers. The production of fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate is relatively simple. Ammonia gas is reacted with nitric acid to form a concentrated solution and considerable heat. Prilled fertilizer forms when a drop of concentrated ammonium nitrate solution, 95-99%, falls from a tower and solidifies.

CHALLENGES

Safety is predominantly the key challenge when pumping Ammonium Nitrate. Ammonium nitrate starts to decompose at 425°F (218°C) which makes it very volatile and combustible. Detonation can occur if the fluid within the pump exceeds this temperature for a long enough period. All centrifugal pumps can quickly raise fluid temperature at low flow conditions. Traditional sealing systems, such as compression packing and mechanical seals generate heat in concentrated areas which are not conducive to safe ammonium nitrate handling. In addition, API-style seal flush systems that are associated with friction-based seals, could potentially fail and cause rapid heat build-up. Flushing water in these systems can also degrade/dilute the desired concentration of Ammonium Nitrate.

THE SOLUTION

Wilfley A7/A9 safe and heavy duty pumps jump out at the forefront of any other pump in the market. Wilfley pumps can be retrofitted with steam jacketing for casing and seal housing to keep the Ammonium Nitrate at the desired temperature. The desired temperature ceases solidification and accumulation of ammonium nitrate which in return deters a dangerous and unwanted situation. Built-in thermowells with appropriate thermosensors can alert of any temperature rise and avert any potential dangerous situation. The Wilfley Waterless Seal Technology is made by the interaction of a dynamic seal coupled with the Drylock static seal.