Once you’ve completed anhydrous ammonia applications for the spring season, the work isn’t over.
You’ll want to ensure you’re storing anhydrous safely while it waits until the next application. It’s a hazardous chemical that must be dealt with very carefully.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when storing anhydrous ammonia:
- Ensure all facilities, equipment and installations meet with federal, state, and local codes and regulations.
- Use stainless steel totes, avoiding moisture.
- N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizer must be stored in a closed handling system to prevent spillage to items that may not be compatible.
- A storage temperature of 18 F or higher must be maintained to avoid crystallization.
- Pumping units must be flushed with kerosene at the end of the season.
- Always follow specifications for tanks and trailers.
- Inspect tanks and trailers, looking for dents, thinning, corrosion, paint issues, placard issues, loose anchor bolts, etc.
- Change relief valves within five years of the date of manufacture.
- Fully empty everything and drop the pressure to zero when making repairs.
The tips listed above are just a few of the many safety measures you’ll want to take when dealing with anhydrous ammonia. You can find more safety information on the CDC website: here.
If you experience an accident with anhydrous ammonia, you’ll want to report that to the National Response Center immediately at 800-424-8802.