Ammonia water, also known as ammonia solution or ammonium hydroxide, is an important product with numerous industrial and technical applications. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the properties and uses of this useful substance.

What is ammonia water?

Ammonia water is an aqueous solution of ammonia (NH3). It is formed when ammonia is dissolved in water. The concentration of ammonia in the solution can vary, usually between 10% and 25%. Ammonia water is a colorless, clear liquid with a characteristic pungent odor.

Chemical properties of ammonia water

Ammonia is a base that dissociates in water and forms hydroxide ions (OH-). This creates an alkaline solution with a pH between 11 and 13, depending on concentration. Ammonia water reacts corrosively with metals and attacks them. It is also highly soluble in water and alcohol.

Industrial applications of ammonia water

Ammonia water is used in many industrial processes. Here are some of the main areas of application:

Cleaning and degreasing

Due to its basic properties, ammonia water is excellent for cleaning and degreasing surfaces. It is used in the metal industry, mechanical engineering, and electronics industry to remove dirt, oils, and fats.

Water treatment

In sewage treatment plants and waterworks, ammonia water is used for disinfecting and sterilizing water. It helps regulate pH levels and bind heavy metals.

Fertilizer production

Ammonia is an important basic material for the production of nitrogen fertilizers. Ammonia water serves as a starting material for the production of urea, ammonium nitrate, and other fertilizers.

Textile finishing

In the textile industry, ammonia water is used for bleaching, dyeing, and finishing fabrics. It helps fix dyes and chemicals onto the textiles.

Pharmaceutical industry

Ammonia water also plays a role in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is used, for example, in the production of antibiotics, vitamins, and other pharmaceutical products.

Technical applications of ammonia water

In addition to industrial applications, there are also various technical uses of ammonia water:

Refrigeration technology

Ammonia water is used in refrigeration systems, especially in absorption chillers. Here it serves as a refrigerant.

Firefighting

Due to its extinguishing and cooling effect, ammonia water is also used in firefighting. It can effectively smother fires and protect surfaces from overheating.

Laboratory applications

In the chemical laboratory, ammonia water is an important reagent. It is used for neutralizing acids, precipitating metal ions, and preparing buffer solutions.

Electroplating

In electroplating, ammonia water is used for tinning, nickel plating, and chrome plating surfaces. It supports adhesion and quality of coatings.

Photography

In the past, ammonia water was used in photography for developing black-and-white films. Today, it is still used in some special processes.

Safety aspects and handling

Although ammonia water is versatile, caution must be exercised when handling it. Contact with skin and eyes can cause irritation, and the vapors are harmful to health. Therefore, appropriate protective measures such as gloves, safety goggles, and good ventilation are required when handling ammonia water.

Overall, ammonia water is an extremely useful product with numerous applications in industry and technology. Its versatile properties contribute to many important production and processing processes.

Further information

For more details on ammonia water and its applications, we recommend the following sources:

• Technical data sheet ammonia water
• Industrial applications of ammonia water
• Safety instructions for handling ammonia water

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need individual advice. We are happy to help you!