Large Volume Inorganic Chemicals - Ammonia ... - ammk-rks.net

Chapter 22.2.6 Storage and transfer equipmentFor more detailed information about storage of bulk and dangerous materials, including specificinformation on storage of ammonia, see [5, European Commission, 2005] and references within.Liquefied ammonia from production plants is either used directly in downstream plants ortransferred to storage tanks.Ammonia is usually stored by using one or other of the following methods [1, EFMA, 2000]:• fully refrigerated storage in large tanks with a typical capacity of 10000 to 30000 tonnes(up to 50000)• pressurised storage spheres or cylinders up to approximately 3000 tonnes• partially refrigerated tanks.A well designed, constructed, operated and maintained installation has a very low probability ofan ammonia leak of hazardous proportions. However, even though the residual risk is small, theeffect of a major leak on areas of high population density can have a serious consequence. It issensible practice therefore to build ammonia storage and handling installations at a safe distancefrom domestic housing, schools, hospitals or any area where substantial numbers of people maybe present. It is undesirable for ammonia storage tanks to be sited close to installations wherethere is a risk of fire or explosion, since these could risk the integrity of the tank and increasethe possibility of an accidental release of ammonia into the environment.48 Large Volume Inorganic Chemicals – Ammonia, Acids and Fertilisers