Smyrna times., 1951-07-26
SAFETY GROUP
EXPLAINS NH3
Hazards From Use of Anhy-
drOus Ammonia al.ea sed by
Delaware SAFE. UounciI
RULES FOR EANL, M

With the increasing use OF new
liquid fertilizer, known as anhyd-
rous ammonia, by Delaware 1arm-
ers, the hazards involved Tough
its use are stressed by tn. Della
ware Safety Council.
According to tho Council, NIB,
as it is frequently known, is in
liquid form and is contained in cyl
inders of two types: the tube thor
izontal) and the bottle (verticaD.
The tube type cylinder is norm-
ally used in the horizontal position.
Two general types of valves are
supplied. Depending on which type
is involved, either the valve outlet
or the valve stem is at an angle
with the longitudinal axis of the
cylinder. 1t is the position of this
valve outlet or stem which determ-
ines whether liquid or gaseous am
monia will be discharged from the
cylinder. When the valve outlet
or stem is on top, the dip-pipe on
the inside of the cylinder is under
the liquid, and therefore liquid an
hydrous ammonia will be discharg-
ed. To discharge gaseous ammon-
ia, the cylinder is turned so that
The valve outlet or stem points
downward.
The bottle type, or vertical CYL
Under, will discharge ammonia as a
gas when placed in an upright or
vertical position. Due to liquid
ammonia expansion, a bottle type
cylinder may, under certain elevat-
ed temperature conditions, dis
charge small amount of liquid
when the valve is opened, and it is
recommended that bottle type cyl
inders be allowed to reach room
temperature before the valve is
opened. To discharge liquid an
hydrous ammonia, this type of cyl
inder must be placed in horizont-
al position with the valve outlet
pointing up.
The rate at which gaseous am
monia can be discharged from
either type cylinder depends upon
the temperature of the surrounding
atmosphere and the surface area of
the liquid ammonia.
When the cylinder is empty, dis
connect it, insert the valve plug
and replace the cylinder protective
cap.
If a bottle type cylinder has be-
come frozen down during dis
charge, never use pry under the
valve end to loosen the cylinder.
Use water to loosen the cylinder or
wait for it to thaw out.
Store empty cylinders separately
from filled cylinders and chalk
mt on cylinders Immediately
.npon emptying. Close valve, re-
place plug or nut on valve outlet,
and secure valve protecting cap
snugly.
The tightly compressed liquid is
injected by special type cultivat-
sor into the soil. NIB vaporizes at
atmospheric temperature and pres
sure and during this process a gas
is emitted which radiates into ap-
proximately seven inches of soil in
every direction.
The Council offers the following
rules for handling anhydrous am
monia cylinders:
ID Never subject cylinders to
rough handling or to abnormal me-
chanical shock such as dropping or
humping.
~ Avoid dragging or sliding
cylinders. 1t is safer to move bot
tie type cylinders even short dis
tances by using a suitable truck
rather than by fitting or rolling
them on their bottom edges.
(3) Do not place or handle cyl
inders when they might form part
Aof an electrical circuit.
(4) Do not remove valve protec-
tion until ready to withdraw am
monia from the cylinder.
(5) Cylinders, whether full or
empty, should never be used as
rollers for moving heavy or bulky
articles.
(6) Keep away from heat.
%. Do not store in sunlight.
Storage should be dry and cool.
(8) Be sure connections are
tight.
The health hazards involved are
numerous. Anhydrous liquid am
monia produces severe burns on
contact due not only to its caustic
action but also to the freezing eff
feet produced by rapid evaporation
of liquid ammonia. Do not get it
in eyes, on skin, or clothing. In
case of contact, Immediately flush
skin and eyes with plenty of water
Aa,. of Loo CT IL ,aaiaaa,tns Call n