Industrial & domestic applications
Refrigeration and cooling
Ammonia has a long history as a refrigerant due to its exceptional thermodynamic properties and minimal impact on the environment. Unlike traditional fluorocarbon-based refrigerants, ammonia is not an ozone-depleting substance and has a negligible impact on global warming.
Many large-scale refrigerator systems using absorption chillers rely on ammonia as a refrigerant. These may include food and beverage manufacturing facilities, cold-storage warehouses, combined-cycle power plants and petrochemical facilities. Ammonia refrigerant can also be used also in compression chillers.
Household cleaning products
Ammonia’s remarkable cleaning capabilities have made it a staple in various household cleaning products. Its ability to dissolve dirt, grease and grime, make it an effective ingredient in window cleaners, floor cleaners, and multi-surface sprays. Furthermore, ammonia evaporates quickly and leaves no residue behind, making it a preferred choice for streak-free cleaning.
AdBlue
AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid used in vehicles with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful gases being released into the atmosphere. AdBlue is a 32.5per cent solution of high-purity, synthetically manufactured urea in demineralized water.
AdBlue is used as part of a car’s SCR system and is automatically injected into a car’s exhaust system where it mixes with the exhaust gases, including NOx. The AdBlue reacts with NOx and breaks it down into harmless oxygen and nitrogen that comes out of the exhaust pipe and disperses into the atmosphere.
Medical applications
Ammonium nitrate is a key component in gas used for anaesthesia in surgery and dentistry. It is also important in the production of nitrous oxide for healthcare use, for example as a propellant for drugs packaged in aerosols.
Textile and fibre industry
Ammonia-based solutions are employed in various textile and fibre processes, such as dyeing and finishing. Ammonia’s role in these applications includes pH adjustment, scouring and bleaching. Ammonia allows for precise control of chemical reactions and colour retention during dyeing, contributing to the production of vibrant and long-lasting textiles while minimising the environmental impact of chemical processes.
Water treatment
In water treatment plants, ammonia plays a significant role in the removal of contaminants from wastewater. The nitrification process involving ammonia-oxidising bacteria transforms ammonia into nitrite and then nitrate. These compounds serve as essential nutrients for biological treatment processes, facilitating the removal of harmful substances from water bodies and ensuring cleaner, safer water for consumption and ecosystem preservation.
Industrial applications
Ammonia is used in a range of industries including steel and mining.
