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ammonia

Learn everything about ammonia and find the right products for an ammonia gas detection system.

Ammonia and its properties

Ammonia (NH₃) is a colourless substance with a pungent odour that is commonly used in agriculture, refrigeration and the chemical industry. Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract can occur even at low concentrations; high exposure can result in breathing difficulties, chemical burns and, in the worst case, death. Our gas detection technology detects ammonia leaks at an early stage, effectively protecting employees and residents in work and industrial environments.

Gasmessfühler

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Alarm levels & limit values

Important information about ammonia

Standard alert levels

Alarm level 1: 10 ppm
Alarm level 2: 25 ppm
Alarm level 3: 50 ppm or more

limit values

MAK value: 25 ppm
KZG value: 35 ppm

Gasmerkmale

Colour: Transparent
Odour: Pungent, easily noticeable at low concentrations
Physical state: Gaseous at room temperature, liquefies at -33.34 °C
Solubility: Highly soluble in water and forms a basic solution (ammonium hydroxide)
Flammability: Flammable when the concentration in the air is between 15 and 28% (15-28% in air)
Density: Although it is lighter than air, it can linger near the ground.
Reactivity: Forms ammonium salts when combined with strong acids and exhibits basic properties.
Toxicity: Irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory tract; toxic at high concentrations
Use: Often in agriculture (fertiliser), refrigeration technology (refrigerant) and the chemical industry
Environmental hazard: aquatic organisms are endangered, it contributes to air pollution and eutrophication

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Questions about detecting ammonia?

Sources of danger

Toxic exposure: Inhalation or contact with ammonia may irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing and shortness of breath; in high concentrations, severe chemical burns are possible.
Fire and explosion hazard: Ammonia is flammable, but in certain concentrations it can form explosive mixtures with air.
Irritation of the eyes and skin: Contact with ammonia can cause severe irritation and burns to the eyes and skin.
Frostbite: Because it is extremely cold, liquid ammonia can cause severe frostbite on contact with skin.
Leaks: Ammonia gas can escape through leaky pipes or containers, which is particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces.
Environmental hazard: Ammonia damages the air and water, causing health and environmental problems.

high-risk scenarios

Leaks: Ammonia gas can escape through leaky pipes or containers, leading to dangerous concentrations and potential health risks.
Explosion and fire: In certain concentrations, ammonia can form explosive mixtures with air, which can lead to explosions or fires when ignited.
Risk of suffocation: In enclosed spaces, ammonia can replace oxygen, which can cause suffocation.
Storage accidents: Incorrect storage of ammonia, especially in high concentrations or under high pressure, can cause dangerous situations such as leaks or even explosions.
Inadequate ventilation: Poor ventilation can cause ammonia gas to accumulate in dangerous concentrations, increasing the risk of poisoning.
Cold burns: Direct contact with liquid ammonia can cause severe frostbite.
Errors during maintenance and repairs: Inadequate maintenance or incorrect repairs to ammonia systems can cause unexpected leaks or accidents.

Health risks and handling of ammonia

Konzentration

Konzentration	Symptome/folgen
0-25 ppm	Low exposure, no significant effects.
25-50 ppm	Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, coughing.
50-100 ppm	More severe irritation, breathing difficulties, possible health risks.
100+ ppm	Severe irritation, breathing difficulties, risk of chemical burns and life-threatening reactions.

Konzentrationstabelle nur im Querformat sichtbar.

Erste Hilfe

Ammonia (NH₃) poisoning can be life-threatening and requires immediate first aid. Here’s how to administer first aid in the event of ammonia poisoning:

1. Evacuation without delay

Get some fresh air immediately! As an irritant gas, ammonia can cause serious damage to the respiratory tract and eyes. Be careful and do not put yourself in danger.

2. Make an emergency call

Dial the emergency services (112) and report the suspected ammonia exposure. Please provide all details, including the source of exposure and the severity of the incident.

3. Check breathing and level of consciousness

Check whether the person is conscious and breathing normally. If this is not the case, start resuscitation (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately, provided you have been trained to do so.

4. Fresh air and a good oxygen content

If the person has difficulty breathing, move them to a well-ventilated area and ensure they get enough oxygen. If possible, use a face mask to supply oxygen.

5. Eye contact

If your eyes come into contact with ammonia, rinse them immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keeping them wide open. Avoid rubbing your eyes.

6. The recovery position

If the person is conscious but dazed, place them in the recovery position to ensure that their airways are clear and they do not choke on their vomit.

7. Respect the person

Keep a constant eye on breathing and consciousness until the emergency services arrive. Watch for signs of respiratory distress or shock.

8. Further measures

Provide all arriving emergency responders with all important information regarding exposure, including the duration of exposure and the circumstances of the incident.

Important note:

Avoid direct contact with ammonia, especially in large quantities or high concentrations. If you suspect exposure to ammonia, you should always wear suitable respiratory protection and protective clothing. Acting quickly and getting the right help can prevent serious damage to your health.

Bei Unbeabsichtigter Freisetzung

In the event of an accidental ammonia release, swift and coordinated action is crucial to protect people in the vicinity. Follow these steps:

1. Clearing the danger zone

Leave the area immediately, especially if you are near sources of ammonia such as refrigeration systems or chemical processes.
Alert others nearby and help everyone to leave the area quickly and safely.

2. Optimise ventilation

Open doors and windows wide to remove the ammonia from the area and replace it with fresh air.
If available, activate ventilation systems to improve air circulation.

3. Deactivate the source of ammonia emissions

If it is safe to do so, deactivate the source of ammonia (e.g. refrigeration machines, valves).
Be careful and avoid putting yourself in unnecessary danger.

4. Trigger the alarm

Immediately alert the emergency services (112) to obtain professional assistance, especially if people are affected or the ammonia cannot be removed quickly.
Provide clear information about the situation and the source of the ammonia.

5. Rescue of persons (only if it is safe to do so)

Only attempt to help people out of the danger zone if it is safe to do so and you will not put yourself at risk.
Keep in mind that high concentrations of ammonia can cause breathing difficulties, irritation and even unconsciousness.

6. Administer first aid

If people show symptoms of ammonia poisoning (such as coughing, respiratory irritation or nausea), follow the first aid measures for ammonia exposure:
- Escort the person outside.
- Provide oxygen if necessary.
- Observe breathing and level of consciousness.

7. Warning and securing by cordoning off the area

Cordon off the danger area to prevent others from accidentally entering it until the danger has been removed.

Important note:

You should not enter the affected area without adequate respiratory protection, especially if the ammonia concentration is high or you do not know what it is.
Ammonia leaks can cause serious accidents; therefore, it is essential to always act cautiously and with foresight.

Ammonia is a colourless gas with a pungent odour which, in high concentrations, irritates the respiratory tract and can impair oxygen uptake.

ammonia

Special applications

Fertiliser production: Ammonia is a main component of nitrogen fertilisers (e.g. urea, ammonium nitrate).
Refrigeration technology: Ammonia is used as a refrigerant in industrial cooling systems, particularly in large plants.
Chemical industry: Ammonia serves as a starting material for the production of various chemicals, such as nitric acid and plastics.
Cleaning agents: Ammonia is used in some household and industrial cleaning agents due to its grease-dissolving properties.
Water treatment: Ammonia is used in water treatment to control the growth of microorganisms.
Pharmaceutical industry: Ammonia is used in some processes in the manufacture of medicines and pharmaceutical products.