Ammonia water – versatile applications in industry and technology
Ammonia water, also known as ammonia solution or ammonium hydroxide, is an important chemical product with numerous industrial and technical applications. As an aqueous solution of ammonia (NH3), ammonia water is widely used in various industries and fields. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the properties and applications of this versatile product.
Properties of ammonia water
Ammonia water is a colorless, clear liquid with a characteristic odor. Depending on the concentration, it contains between 10 and 35 percent ammonia dissolved in water. Ammonia water is a strong base with a pH value between 11 and 13, depending on the concentration.
In addition to ammonia and water, ammonia water may also contain small amounts of other substances such as carbon dioxide. The exact composition depends on the manufacturing process and the purity of the raw materials.
Ammonia water is highly soluble in water and can be diluted with water in any proportion. However, it is not miscible with acids, as this leads to a neutralization reaction. When diluted or mixed with acids, ammonia escapes in the form of gas bubbles.
Industrial applications of ammonia water
The main area of application for ammonia water is in industry. Here it is used in a variety of ways:
Cleaning and degreasing
Ammonia water is an effective cleaning agent used in industry to remove fats, oils, and other contaminants. It is used in parts cleaning systems, for degreasing metal surfaces, as well as in the textile and leather industries.
Water treatment
In water treatment, ammonia water is used for pH regulation and neutralization. It is used to raise the pH value of water and thus prevent corrosion of pipes and fittings.
Fertilizer production
Ammonia water is an important raw material for the production of nitrogen fertilizers. It is used in production plants for the synthesis of urea, ammonium nitrate, and other fertilizers.
Electroplating
In electroplating, ammonia water is used as a complexing agent. It enables the deposition of metals such as copper, nickel, or chromium on surfaces.
Refrigeration technology
Ammonia water is used as a refrigerant in cooling circuits. It serves as a solvent for ammonia, which acts as the refrigerant.
Pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry
Ammonia water is also used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. For example, it is used as a pH regulator in creams, shampoos, and other personal care products.
Other applications
Furthermore, ammonia water is used in textile dyeing, paper production, metal processing, and chemical laboratories.
Technical applications of ammonia water
In addition to industrial applications, there are also various technical uses of ammonia water:
Ammonia water as antifreeze
Due to its properties as a saline solution, ammonia water can be used as an environmentally friendly antifreeze. It is used in cooling systems, heaters, and solar collectors to prevent the liquids from freezing.
Ammonia water in fire fighting
Ammonia water is used in fire extinguishers and suppression systems. Due to its basic properties, it can effectively extinguish acid fires.
Ammonia water as a decolorizer
The basic properties of ammonia water also make it a suitable decolorizer. It is used to remove stains and discolorations from textiles, surfaces, and materials.
Ammonia water in wastewater treatment
In wastewater treatment plants, ammonia water is used to neutralize acidic wastewater. By raising the pH value, heavy metals and other pollutants can be efficiently removed from the water.
Ammonia water as fuel
Ammonia water can also be used as fuel for combustion engines. It is first converted into ammonia, which then serves as the fuel.
Conclusion
Ammonia water is a versatile chemical product with numerous applications in industry and technology. Whether as a cleaning agent, antifreeze, or fuel – the properties of aqueous ammonia solution make it a valuable and indispensable material in many sectors. It helps optimize production processes, reduce environmental impact, and advance innovative technologies.
ChemMarkt.de offers you an extensive range of ammonia water and other chemical products for industry and trade. Our team is happy to advise you on the possible uses and applications of our high-quality chemicals. Contact us today!
