Chemical formula: NH4NO3 + H2O
Chemical name: Hot Ammonium Nitrate Solution
Hot Ammonium Nitrate Solution (HANS ) is a high melting concentrated solution of the pure ammonium nitrate in water. The solution is yellowish and supplied in tank trucks at a concentration of 92% and a temperature around 135 ºC. The melting point of this liquid is around 105 ºC and the boiling point around 155 ºC dependant on the concentration of the liquid. Pure solidified ammonium nitrate will decompose when heated above 210 ºC and is explosive.
Ammonium nitrate is produced from ammonia vapor and nitric acid. DSM Agro produces the hot ammonium nitrate solution in IJmuiden (NL) and Geleen (NL). Distribution of HANS to our customers is performed only from IJmuiden (NL).
The main application for HANS is N based fertilizers ( as solid ammonium nitrate or mixed with other nutrients).
DSM Agro HANS quality provides an excellent performance as intermediate for the production of Nitrous oxide (N2O) for medical purposes due to its purity and quality level. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is produced when ammonium nitrate is decomposed under controlled conditions. Civil explosives based on ammonium nitrate are another application area.
