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.
