Urea or Nitrogen 46% Fertilizer

Urea or Nitrogen 46% is an organic crystalline solid with a low melting point. It is white and odorless which is highly soluble in water. Urea is derived mainly from natural gas and petroleum feedstocks, making it a petrochemical product.

Urea is not acidic or alkaline. Its density is 1.32 g/cm³ at room temperature.

Urea fertilizer is widely used in agriculture. It contains large amounts of Nitrogen, which is essential for plants.

Urea formula is CO(NH2)2 that you can see its chemical structure in the below:

Technical Specification of Urea

Urea Applications

Fertilizers

Urea fertilizer is one of the most important Nitrogen-containing fertilizers in the world that can be used in
the agriculture industry.

The Importance of Nitrogen for Agriculture

Nitrogen plays a significant role in plant growth. It is one of the essential substances in farming.
It is necessary for the production of chlorophyll and amino acids. The lack of nitrogen in the soil will limit
the plant growth.

Plastics

Urea-formaldehyde resin is used in the production of multi-layered plastic products such as kitchen tables and adhesives.
This material is formed from the reaction of urea and formaldehyde, which has high strength, stability, and durability.

Fuel Additives

Urea or Nitrogen 46% is used as a raw material for the production of urea-based diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). This fuel additive is used in diesel engines to reduce harmful emissions of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).

Soaps, Washing Powders, and Skin Products

Urea can be used in soaps and washing powders as a softening and conditioning agent for the skin and fabrics. In soap production, urea can help to increase the lather and make the soap softer and more moisturizing.

Adhesive

Urea can also be used as a plasticizer in adhesive formulations to improve the adhesive’s flexibility and viscosity.
Other urea applications are coloring and industrial printing, teeth whitening, additives for a cigarette, flame-proofing agents, and so on.

Advantage of Urea:

High Nitrogen Content: Urea has a high Nitrogen content of 46%, which reduces expenses related to storage, transportation, and handling when compared to other dry Nitrogen forms.
Environmentally Friendly: Urea production does not release many pollutants into the environment.
High Efficiency: When used correctly, urea’s efficiency is higher than other Nitrogen products such as potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, etc.
Safe to Use: Urea fertilizer is safe to use, as it does not pose a significant fire or explosion risk, making it a reliable fertilizer.

Disadvantage of Urea:

Volatility: One of the disadvantages of urea is its volatility. It means that urea can easily evaporate in the atmosphere.
The volatility of urea can reduce the effectiveness of urea fertilizer performance.
Acidity: Urea can react with soil and reduce soil pH by producing ammonium. This causes damage to the plant.
Environment-Risk of aquatic pollution: Urea is not considered a significant threat to aquatic life. If it is not used properly, it can contribute to water pollution. When used as a fertilizer, urea can transform into other chemicals that may end up in groundwater or surface water.
Creating air pollution: Urea fertilizer, it can release ammonia gas into the air. Ammonia gas can be harmful to human health and the environment. Using special forms of urea can help reduce the risk of ammonia emissions.
Handling: Urea is a corrosive substance, it can damage the skin and eyes. On the other hand, it can explode under certain conditions like high temperatures. So it should be handled carefully.

Urea Storage

Store in a Dry and Cool Place: If urea is exposed to moisture, it can absorb water and become lumpy, this condition is called caking. Lumps of urea can make it difficult to spread the fertilizer on the soil. At high temperatures, urea can decompose into ammonia gas.
Moisture and high temperature cause a decrease in urea efficiency in agriculture. so, this product should be kept in a dry and cool place.
Keep Away from Other Chemical Materials: Urea can react with some chemicals like nitrate, chlorine, and acidic materials. Its reaction can cause the release of toxic fumes, fire or explosions.
Use of Appropriate Storage Containers: Urea should be stored in containers that are resistant to corrosion and leakage. Containers should be tightly closed to prevent moisture.

Urea Handling

Wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Protect the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. This includes safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator mask if necessary.
Carry with Care: If it is hit during handling, it may spill and cause contamination.
Use Appropriate Equipment: The equipment should be clean and free of contaminants to prevent any chemical reactions or contamination.

Urea and its Effect on Health

It is important to follow all safety guidelines when handling urea to minimize any health effects.

Inhalation: It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system if inhaled in high concentrations. Use appropriate respiratory protection when working with urea.
Skin Contact: It can cause skin irritation, redness, and itching if it comes into contact with the skin. Wear appropriate protective clothing, including gloves and coveralls, when handling urea.

Packing and Delivery:

Packing : 50 kg sacks (Loading on containers) or

50 kg sacks placed on opened top Jumbo bags (Totally 15 sack on every opened top jumbo).

1 or 1.3 ton jumbo bags to be loaded on container or

barge vessel. Bulk in vessel (5000 to 50,000 tons bulk vessel).

Kindly note that for bulk quantities under 30,000 tons, a surcharge of US$15-20 per ton will be added to cover vessel operating costs. This charge will be borne by the customer as a full vessel must be commissioned for shipping.