Low Density Ammonium Nitrate (LDAN) Anti-Caking Agents

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is widely used as a low cost blasting agent. It has a high tendency to absorb moisture leading to degradation through several processes including surface recrystallization which results in crystal bridging and can generate severe caking if the product is not protected from moisture ingress. Not only is the moisture itself detrimental to ammonium nitrate’s use as a blasting agent (loss of sensitivity), generation of caked product results in a loss of porosity and air voidage. This in turn results in poor oil absorption and eventual reduction in performance of the AN with respect to its intended function i.e. as a blasting agent. Moreover, severely caked AN in warehouses ultimately has an associated increase in sensitivity with the capability of explosion.

ArrMaz’s GALORYL^® ATH range of anti-caking agents are applied to explosive grade ammonium nitrate (also known as low density ammonium nitrate or LDAN) at the end of the manufacturing process, usually in a rotating coating drum. They are designed to adhere to the substrate’s surface and provide a hydrophobic barrier against moisture. They are also very effective at impeding the formation of crystal bridges and preventing recrystallization at the substrate surface.

Unlike other more traditional anti-caking agents, GALORYL^® ATH products are neutral in nature resulting in no ammonia release upon application. Our coatings are available in a range of melt points and can be adapted for specific processes.