Container. Includes all containers, tanks, cylinders or balls used for the transport, storage or application of anhydrous ammonia. Systems mounted on agricultural vehicles, with the exception of ammonia application – Anhydrous ammonia is a fertilizer commonly used in North Dakota agriculture. The risk of working with it is high due to its high affinity for water, its corrosive nature, its high pressure and its very low temperature that occurs when the pressure is released. The corrosive nature of anhydrous ammonia causes severe chemical burns. The extremely low temperature causes frostbite and frozen tissues. At low concentrations, the smell of anhydrous ammonia will usually keep the unprotected worker away from the scene. At a higher concentration (see Table 2), the worker should not escape without inhaling a dangerous dose. The entire respiratory system is very humid, so anhydrous ammonia is naturally attracted to this part of the body. When a concentrated content of anhydrous ammonia is inhaled, it quickly burns the airways. The victim may have too much pain to breathe. The respiratory system can be essentially paralyzed due to pain.
Anhydrous ammonia has the potential to be one of the most dangerous chemicals used in agriculture today. It is used and stored under high pressure, which requires specially designed and well-maintained equipment. Those who work with anhydrous ammonia must be trained to follow precise procedures to deal with it. Fixed storage facilities that are not used for the retail sale or payment of anhydrous ammonia must have the same security facilities as commercial stationary storage facilities. The requirements depend on the storage capacity of the facility, whether retail sales are made or not. Damage caused by vehicles. Precautions must be taken against damage to the ammonia systems of vehicles. The rotary meter, which is mounted at the end of an anhydrous ammonia tank, bulk tank, nurse tank or applicator tank, consists of an immersion tube inside the tank and an aeration valve. Systems with fixed and non-refrigerated storage containers. This paragraph shall apply to fixed and non-refrigerated storage facilities in which containers other than those referred to in point (e) of this Section are used. Paragraph (b) of this section shall apply to this paragraph, unless otherwise specified. Odor Anhydrous ammonia is a clear, colorless gas under standard temperature and pressure conditions and has a very characteristic odor.
Smell is the strongest safety feature of the product. At a concentration of only 50 parts per million (ppm), sniffing tells you what`s in the air. Usually, the smell will push a person out of the area. A concentration of more than 5,000 ppm will deactivate a person, so escape is impossible and will lead to suffocation. North Dakota law requires that anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks, empty or full, display either a slow vehicle sign (SMV) or a rotating or flashing yellow light on a public road. Any vehicle or towed trailer/wagon that has an SMV mark shall be limited to a driving speed not exceeding 25 miles per hour. Therefore, anhydrous ammonia-ammonia nurse tanks cannot be towed at a speed greater than 25 miles per hour. The liquid withdrawal valve connects the nurse`s tank hose inside the nurse`s tank to remove ammonia.
The inlet of this valve extends almost to the bottom of the tank, so that liquid ammonia is removed until the tank is almost empty. It contains an excess flow valve that prevents anhydrous ammonia from flowing too quickly from the tank when the smoke from the nurse`s tank breaks. The overflow valve has a five-year replacement requirement. With marking indicating the maximum level up to which the receptacle can be filled with liquid anhydrous ammonia at temperatures between 20°F and 130°F, with the exception of receptacles equipped with fixed level indicators, such as fixed-length immersion pipes or containers filled with weight. Markings shall be made in increments not exceeding 20 °F. It is also part of the mass storage that is used to stop the flow of anhydrous ammonia if the plant operator detects an emergency situation and decides to immediately stop the transmission of anhydrous ammonia. This valve is located on the discharge side of the transfer pump. Use an ammonia gas detector in the building to capture ammonia vapors. This identifies a leak and notifies affected individuals of an alarm. Early detection allows for a safe and quick response to remedy the leak. If the eyes have been exposed to anhydrous ammonia, they should be rinsed with water immediately and continuously, and the victim should be taken to a doctor immediately.
Anyone working with anhydrous ammonia should always carry a 6- or 8-ounce bottle of fresh water on their person. This small amount of water only lasts long enough for the worker to reach a larger amount of water, but it can make the difference between blindness and vision. Basic rules. This paragraph shall apply to all paragraphs of this Section, unless otherwise specified. The pressure gauge indicates the internal pressure of the nurse`s tank. This internal pressure is affected by the amount and temperature of anhydrous ammonia in the tank. The pressure gauge has no time limit for its lifespan, so it should only be replaced if it does not work properly. The level indicator indicates the level of anhydrous ammonia in the tank. Glasses and gloves must be stored in a safety container mounted on each sister tank and accessible from the ground. Having another set available on the tractor is a great idea. Appropriate gloves are made of rubber and are insensitive to ammonia and have long wrists that must be turned over to prevent drops from flowing down the arm when hands are raised.
The fit should be loose enough for easy removal, but tight enough for good protection. The condition of the applicator knives is important both for safety reasons and from the point of view of the quality of the application. Knives in poor condition can cause frequent stops during cleaning and disconnection, which increases exposure to anhydrous ammonia. Clogged knives can trap ammonia under pressure, which is released when the knife is released. Thermal. Bottles filled in accordance with DOT regulations become liquid at 145°F. Cylinders must be protected from heat sources such as radiation flames and steam pipes. Heat should not be applied directly to the cylinders to increase the pressure. Storing anhydrous ammonia in large containers on the farm presents similar hazards to commercial plants. The need for special safety equipment and procedures is the same regardless of the location of the installation. All mass warehouses have specific safety equipment and procedures.
A spring valve closes when the clutch separates from the main body to prevent anhydrous ammonia from flowing from the hose or applicator. The trigger coupling is obsolete and has a lifespan of three years. The replacement date is printed on the coupling. Receiver and liquid drain. A receiver must be equipped with a liquid level check to store liquid ammonia. The receiver shall be designed for at least 250 p.s.i. and shall be equipped with the necessary fittings, safety valves and measuring devices. This meter is used to determine the actual anhydrous ammonia content in the tank. It is only accurate if the tank is balanced.
The indicator indicates the level of liquid in the tank when the aeration valve is opened and the knob is turned to the point where the liquid comes out of the aeration valve. It was interesting to learn how those who handle ammonia can be toxic and cause serious damage to the skin and burns.
