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NH3 - Ammonia
Ammonia is a colourless, strong smelling gas used in the manufacture
of fertilizers, explosives, nylon and used as coolant in
refrigeration.
Ammonia reacts easily with other gases, which
means that in some cases it may be difficult to detect a leak when
the gas has reacted with another gas, which then causes the ammonia
sensor not to react.
Ammonia is highly irritating to the eyes and
mucous membranes.
High concentrations can cause eye damage.
Odour threshold is around 5ppm.
Up to 100ppm may cause severe discomfort
after a period of exposure.
Concentrations above 1000ppm, may cause
serious injury, after only a short time exposure to the gas.
At even higher concentrations, there is
danger of death, after only a short time exposure to the gas.
Hygiencic threshold limit values:
Alarm limits on the gas warning equipment is
should be adjusted according to the hygienic threshold limit values:
Important to note is that the symptoms may
appear much later. Persons who have been
exposed to NH3 should see their doctor immediately.
The ammonia dissolves easily in water and the
solution is corrosive.
Sensor Placement
Ammonia is lighter than air and the ammonia gas will rise upward.
Ammonia sensors should be placed high with additional sensors at
likely leakage points.
Explosion risk
Ammonia has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 15% and may also react
violently with many other substances. |
