Learning from ammonium nitrate explosion incidents
While extremely stable under most conditions, ammonium nitrate is also commonly stored in bulk quantities posing a risk if not properly protected against large fires. Despite knowing such risks, ammonium nitrate explosions have continued to occur in recent years.
How to prevent and mitigate against ammonium nitrate explosions?
The risk of ammonium nitrate detonations can be reduced by the implementation of several measures regarding the storage of the chemical.
How can ammonium nitrate explode?
The AN’s decomposition reactions are all exothermic thus they all contribute to heat generation, further melting the solid ammonium nitrate, and presenting possible runaway conditions.
How dangerous is ammonium nitrate?
Ammonium nitrate is used worldwide as fertilizers. Even though it is non-combustible in most conditions, it can have a devastating effect.
Beirut port explosion: What we know from previous explosions caused by ammonium nitrate
The Beirut port explosion was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in a warehouse.
