Ammonium Nitrate

Safe Pumping Operation and Waterless Sealing for Ammonium Nitrate Solutions

Safety is the #1 priority in ammonium nitrate production and substantial expertise and care is needed when selecting and applying pumps. A misapplied or misused pump can be a catalyst for a very hazardous situation with serious and potentially grave consequences.

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.

Wilfley dynamically sealed pumps have been designed to minimize unnecessary heat build-up in the seal area to prevent this from happening. 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, Wilfley Waterless sealing technology doesn’t require the complicated API-style seal flush systems that are associated with friction-based seals.

Pumps provided by Wilfley can also safely accommodate redundant thermal sensors in key areas of the pump to help monitor the actual fluid temperature for increased levels of intrinsic safety. Optional steam jacketing is available for the case and seal housing to help regulate the fluid temperature.