N-Chemicals

We produce Nitrogen chemicals in conjunction with our fertiliser production activity. 

The main products within the group are:

• Ammonia
• Ammonium Nitrate
• Calcium Nitrate
• Nitric Acid
• Urea

Ammonia is produced by the direct combination of Hydrogen and Nitrogen in presence of a catalyst.

Nitric acid is produced from Ammonia by oxidation over a platinum catalyst and absorption of formed Nitrogen oxide in water. Concentrations of up to 68 % can be produced by conventional distillations. Production of more concentrated Nitric acid is possible by special techniques.

The main application for Nitric acid is in the production of Nitrogen-based fertilisers, however, it has a range of industrial uses.

Calcium Nitrate is traditionally produced by dissolving Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) in Nitric acid (HNO₃).  The product is an odourless white powder or granules.  It is available in industrial grades known as NitCal, DipCal and SteelCal and also as Calcium Nitrate solution, this is sold as NitCal Sol45 or Nutriox^®.

Urea is manufactured and supplied as granules, prills or micro prills, and contains 46% Nitrogen.  Urea is manufactured from Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide. 

In the UK, we concentrate on supplying and marketing Calcium Nitrate and Urea based products, with a small interest in specialist grades of Ammonium Nitrate. 

Did you know?

Laughing Gas (Nitrous oxide) is produced when Ammonium Nitrate is decomposed under controlled conditions.  Combining Nitric Acid and Ammonia produces Ammonium Nitrate.