Ammonium sulphate : Formulation, Manufacturing Countries and Companies

26/12/2023 10:12 PM

Post by Asha

Ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) is an inorganic chemical that consists of ammonium ions (NH4+) and sulphate ions (SO4^2-). It is used in various industrial and agricultural applications. Here are some key facts of ammonium sulphate:

Chemical Formula: (NH4)2SO4
Composition: It is composed of two ammonium ions (NH4+) and one sulphate ion (SO4^2-).
Solubility: Ammonium sulphate is highly soluble in water. This property makes it convenient for use in solution-based applications.
Agricultural Use: One of the primary uses of ammonium sulphate is as a fertiliser. It provides a readily available source of both nitrogen and sulphur, essential nutrients for plant growth. It is particularly useful for crops that require acidic soil conditions.
Industrial Applications: Ammonium sulphate is used in various industrial processes. It is a common precipitant for proteins in biochemistry and is employed in the purification of proteins through techniques like salting out. It is also used in the production of certain chemicals, textiles, and fire extinguishing powders.
pH Control: Ammonium sulphate can be used to adjust the pH of alkaline soils. The acidic nature of ammonium sulphate can help in making the soil more suitable for certain crops that thrive in acidic conditions.
Laboratory Use: In laboratories, ammonium sulphate is often used for various purposes, including protein crystallisation, as a reagent in chemical analysis, and as a nitrogen source in microbiological media.
Appearance: In its pure form, ammonium sulphate is a white crystalline solid with no odour. It can also be found in granular or crystalline form.

It's important to handle ammonium sulphate with care, following proper safety precautions, as it is a chemical substance. Additionally, its use in agriculture should be in accordance with recommended guidelines to prevent over-fertilization and environmental impact.

Top 7 Ammonium Sulphate Manufacturing Countries:

China: China is a major producer of ammonium sulphate, given its large agricultural sector and industrial activities.
United States: The United States has a significant production of ammonium sulphate, and it is used widely in agriculture.
Russia: Russia is also known to be involved in the manufacturing of ammonium sulphate.
India: With its substantial agricultural sector, India is another country where the production of ammonium sulphate takes place.
Indonesia: Indonesia has been involved in the production of ammonium sulphate, primarily for agricultural applications.
Germany: Germany and other European countries are involved in the manufacturing of ammonium sulphate, particularly for industrial applications.
Brazil: Brazil, with its large agricultural industry, is likely to be involved in the production of ammonium sulphate for fertiliser use.

Top Ammonium Sulphate Manufacturers and Suppliers:

The manufacturing of ammonium sulphate involves various companies around the world, ranging from chemical manufacturers to fertiliser producers. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don't have a specific list of all companies involved in ammonium sulphate production. However, I can provide you with some general information on the types of companies that may be engaged in its manufacturing:

Chemical Companies: Large chemical companies with diverse product portfolios often produce ammonium sulphate as part of their nitrogen and sulphur compound production. Examples of such companies include BASF, Dow, and SABIC.
Fertiliser Manufacturers: Companies that specialise in the production of fertilisers are significant contributors to the manufacturing of ammonium sulphate. Examples include Yara International, CF Industries, and EuroChem.
Mining and Mineral Processing Companies: Ammonium sulphate can also be a byproduct of certain mining and mineral processing operations, particularly in the production of phosphate fertilisers. Companies involved in phosphate mining and processing may produce ammonium sulphate as a co-product.
Agrochemical Companies: Some companies that focus on agrochemicals and agricultural solutions may produce ammonium sulphate as part of their fertiliser product line. Companies like Syngenta and Bayer may be involved in such production.

It's important to note that the specific companies involved in ammonium sulphate production may vary, and new players may have entered the market since my last update.

Ammonium Sulphate Application

Ammonium sulphate has various applications across different industries. Here are some of the primary uses of ammonium sulphate:

Fertiliser: One of the main applications of ammonium sulphate is as a nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser. Its high solubility in water makes it a convenient source of these essential nutrients for plants. The fertiliser is particularly suitable for crops that thrive in acidic soil conditions.
Agricultural Soil Amendment: Ammonium sulphate is used to improve soil conditions, especially in alkaline soils. Its acidic nature can help lower the pH of the soil, making it more suitable for certain crops that prefer slightly acidic conditions.
Industrial Processes: Ammonium sulphate is used in various industrial processes:

Chemical Manufacturing: It serves as a precursor for the production of other chemicals, including ammonium persulfate and ammonium alum.
Textile Industry: It is employed in the dyeing and printing of textiles.
Water Treatment: Ammonium sulphate is used to reduce the alkalinity of water in certain water treatment processes.
Fire Retardant: In some cases, it is used as a fire retardant in materials like wood.

Protein Purification: In biochemistry, ammonium sulphate is commonly used for protein purification. Its ability to selectively precipitate proteins helps in the isolation and purification of specific proteins from complex mixtures.
Laboratory Applications: Ammonium sulphate is used in laboratories for various purposes, including protein crystallisation, as a reagent in chemical analysis, and as a nitrogen source in microbiological media.
Yeast Nutrient in Brewing: It is sometimes used as a yeast nutrient in brewing beer to provide nitrogen for the yeast during fermentation.
De-icing Agent: In some regions, ammonium sulphate is used as a de-icing agent on roads during winter. Its hygroscopic nature helps prevent the formation of ice.
Flame Retardant: Ammonium sulphate is used in the manufacturing of some flame retardants, contributing to fire resistance in certain materials.

It's important to note that while ammonium sulphate has various applications, its use in agriculture should be carefully managed to avoid over-fertilization and environmental impact. Agricultural application rates should be based on soil nutrient requirements and specific crop needs.

Ammonium Sulphate Manufacturing Process:

Ammonia Absorption Tower:

Gaseous ammonia (NH3) is absorbed into a solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in an absorption tower.
The absorption tower typically contains a series of trays or packing material to maximise contact between the ammonia gas and the sulfuric acid solution.

Formation of Ammonium Sulphate:

The absorbed ammonia reacts with sulfuric acid to form ammonium sulphate:

Crystallisation:

The ammonium sulphate solution is then cooled to induce crystallisation. This step is crucial for obtaining solid ammonium sulphate crystals.
Crystallisation can be achieved by cooling the solution in a crystallisation tank or by using a crystallizer.

Separation and Drying:

The formed crystals are separated from the remaining liquid in a centrifuge or other separation equipment.
The separated crystals may undergo further drying to remove any remaining moisture and obtain the final product.

Granulation (Optional):

In some cases, the ammonium sulphate crystals may be processed further to produce granules for easier handling and application in agriculture.

Write a Blog

Write Comment