Fertilizer, Livestock and Ammonia Exposure
Ammonia and copper
With moisture and oxygen present, ammonia dissolves copper by forming soluble copper–ammonia complexes. Tubes thin, brazed joints leak, and stressed brass fittings can crack. The attack is fastest where condensate or washdown keeps surfaces wet.
Fertiliser dust
Ammonium salts, nitrates and potash are hygroscopic: they pull moisture from the air and stay damp on the fins. The result is a concentrated salt film that behaves like a coastal deposit, but with added chemical attack.
Livestock houses
Animal houses combine ammonia and H₂S from manure with high humidity and frequent washdown. Ventilation fans and heat exchangers in these buildings should be treated as severe chemical exposure.
ISO 9223 corrosivity category
Typical category for this environment: C5–CX.
- C1Very low
- C2Low
- C3Medium
- C4High
- C5Very high
- CXExtreme
Recommended protection by site
| Condition | ISO 9223 | Recommended system | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fertiliser production and storage | C5 | PG-C Air-dry 2K | Ammonia plus hygroscopic fertiliser dust. |
| Livestock and poultry houses | C5 | PG-C Air-dry 2K | Ammonia and H₂S from manure; frequent washdown. |
| Ammonia refrigeration plant rooms | C5 | PG-C Air-dry 2K | Leaks attack copper in nearby equipment. |
Not sure which category your site falls into?
Enter distance from the sea, humidity and nearby industry to get an estimated ISO 9223 category.
Related
- CoatingsAir-Dry Two-Component Chemical-Resistant Coating
- EquipmentCopper Tube, Aluminium Fin Coil Protection
- EnvironmentsWastewater Treatment Plants (H₂S)
- ComparisonsCoated Cu-Al Coils vs Copper-Fin Coils
- GuidesCan One Coating Handle Salt and Industrial Pollution Together?
- CoatingsBaked Phenolic Coil Coating
Also see
- EquipmentCondenser Coil Anti-Corrosion Coating
- EnvironmentsIndustrial Atmospheres (SO₂, NOx, Chlorides)
- GuidesHow to Select a Coil Coating for Your Project
- CoatingsWaterborne Polysiloxane (Sol-Gel) Coil Coating
- EquipmentCold Room and Refrigeration Evaporator Coating
- GuidesWhy Do Coil Copper Tubes Develop Pinhole Leaks?
Why is copper so vulnerable to ammonia?
Ammonia forms soluble complexes with copper in the presence of moisture and oxygen, so the metal dissolves instead of forming a protective layer. Brass can also crack under stress.
Are copper-fin coils a solution here?
No. They add more copper to an atmosphere that attacks it. Coating is needed whatever the coil material.
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