[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of ammonium sulfate, common name of ammonium sulfate

Ammonium Sulfate Properties

Ammonium sulfate (Ammonium Sulfate) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula (NH4)2SO4. It appears as colorless or white crystals, soluble in water but insoluble in ethanol and ether. Its aqueous solution is acidic, with a pH of between about 5.5 and 6.0. Ammonium sulfate has high stability, is not easy to decompose at room temperature, and has hygroscopicity, but it is easy to agglomerate in humid environment. Ammonium sulfate has a melting point of 235°C, and when the temperature exceeds 280°C, it will separate and release harmful ammonia and sulfur dioxide gases.

Ammonium sulfate uses

Ammonium sulfate is mainly used as an agricultural fertilizer. It is an important nitrogen fertilizer and sulfur fertilizer, which can provide nitrogen and sulfur for plants and promote plant growth and photosynthesis. In agricultural applications, ammonium sulfate is commonly used for base and top dressing of crops and vegetables. Ammonium sulfate also has a wide range of applications in the industrial field. For example, it is used as a dyeing aid for dyes and pigments, a flame retardant for textiles, a flocculant in water treatment, a buffer in pharmaceutical production, and a nitrogen source in fermentation processes.

Ammonium sulfate upstream and downstream raw materials

There are two main ways to produce ammonium sulfate: one is the neutralization reaction of sulfuric acid and ammonia, and the other is extracted as a by-product from other chemical production processes. For the first method, the upstream raw materials are mainly sulfuric acid and ammonia gas, which are relatively easy to obtain. Sulfuric acid is usually produced by the combustion of sulfur and the oxidation of sulfur dioxide, while ammonia gas is the main product of the synthetic ammonia industry. For the second process, ammonium sulfate is often used as a by-product in the production of caprolactam (for nylon manufacturing), waste water treatment in coking plants, and flue gas desulfurization. In these processes, the production cost of ammonium sulfate is lower, but its purity and quality may be affected by the by-products.

Ammonium Sulfate Storage Method

Ammonium sulfate needs to be protected from moisture and caking during storage because it has a certain hygroscopicity. During storage, ammonium sulfate should be kept in a dry, ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and rain. The packaging materials are usually polyethylene woven bags or paper-plastic composite bags, and the product name, net weight, production date and precautions should be indicated on the packaging bags. In the process of transportation and loading and unloading, it should be handled with care to avoid damage and leakage. In the process of storage, it is necessary to regularly check the quality and packaging of the products, and the products that are found to be caked or deteriorated should be dealt with in time.

Ammonium Sulfate Market and Development Trend

The ammonium sulfate market is mainly driven by agricultural demand, especially the agricultural development and increasing food demand in developing countries, which provides a broad space for the market demand of ammonium sulfate. In recent years, with the strict implementation of environmental protection policies, many enterprises producing ammonium sulfate by-products have developed rapidly. The application prospect of ammonium sulfate in the field of water treatment and environmental protection has gradually received attention. In the future, with the progress of agricultural science and technology and the enhancement of environmental awareness, the ammonium sulfate market is expected to maintain steady growth. However, market competition will also intensify, and enterprises need to improve market competitiveness through technological innovation and product quality.

Ammonium Sulfate Safety and Environmental Protection

Although ammonium sulfate is relatively safe under regular use, it may decompose harmful gases at high temperatures, so safety precautions need to be paid attention to during use and storage. Ammonium sulfate has certain harm to the aquatic environment, and its discharge into the environment may lead to eutrophication. Therefore, in the process of production and use, the discharge of waste water and waste gas should be strictly controlled, and corresponding environmental protection measures should be taken. In agricultural use, reasonable fertilization should be applied according to the actual needs of soil and crops to avoid excessive use and prevent environmental pollution.

Ammonium Sulfate Production Technology and Innovation

In recent years, with the progress of science and technology, the production technology of ammonium sulfate is constantly innovating and improving. By optimizing the production process, the reaction efficiency and the utilization rate of raw materials can be improved, and the production cost can be effectively reduced. The production technology of environmentally friendly ammonium sulfate is also constantly developing, for example, by improving the flue gas desulfurization process to improve the purity and quality of by-product ammonium sulfate. In the future, with the development of green chemical technology, the production of ammonium sulfate will develop in a more environmentally friendly and efficient direction.

Ammonium Sulfate International Market and Trade

Ammonium sulfate is widely used in the international market, and its main export markets include developing countries and regions such as Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa. In recent years, with the increasing demand of global agricultural production and industrial development, the international trade of ammonium sulfate has also shown an increasing trend. In international trade, price, quality and transportation cost are important factors affecting the competitiveness of ammonium sulfate. In order to increase the international market share, manufacturers need to continuously optimize product quality, reduce production costs, and establish good sales channels and service networks in the export market.

Conclusion

As an important inorganic compound, ammonium sulfate has a wide range of applications and market demand. By continuously optimizing the production process and improving product quality, the ammonium sulfate industry will continue to grow. In this process, enterprises need to pay attention to environmental protection and safety, rational use of resources, enhance market competitiveness. With the continuous development of global agriculture and industry, the ammonium sulfate market will maintain steady growth and broad prospects.