Overcoming the Ammonia Challenge: Sampling, the Easy Way

Ammonia Sampling Overcoming the Ammonia Challenge: Sampling, the Easy Way

2024-05-23 A guest post by Matt Dixon, Application Commercialization Manager, Swagelok 4 min Reading Time

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Many processes require ammonia — but handling this volatile substance, which is aggressive in combination with water, is not easy. In particular, the need to take regular samples poses challenges for operators. Optimized processes enable faster sampling of ammonia and thus contribute to higher accuracy, lower costs and greater employee safety.

Ammonia testing systems with glass-enclosed fixtures enable operators to monitor conditions inside the system.(Source: Swagelok) — Ammonia testing systems with glass-enclosed fixtures enable operators to monitor conditions inside the system.
(Source: Swagelok)

Commonly used for various production processes in chemical plants and refineries, anhydrous ammonia is a volatile substance that must be carefully monitored to ensure it is being used optimally. For example, ammonia must have a low water content
— usually between 0.2 and 0.5 percent — to avoid significant corrosion in system components and possibly tainted end products. Consistent testing ensures enough water is present to avoid corrosion and maintain product quality. However, the testing itself is challenging:

Ammonia is potentially hazardous. An operator must wear proper personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves, respirators, and chemical suits) since ammonia can potentially cause significant harm to workers.

The sampling process is delicate. Precision is essential in ammonia sampling and testing, and even a small procedural error can lead to inaccuracies that could put workers and product quality at risk.

Testing its properties is time-consuming: Traditional ammonia tests can take up to eight hours, slowing the production line and reducing overall output.

Traditional ammonia sampling and testing methods not only reduce plant efficiency but also expose workers to higher risks of accidental exposure. Fortunately, more modern equipment exists that can streamline testing, improve accuracy, and promote efficiency.

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