Abstract: This invention relates to a method of reducing density in an ammonium nitrate product. The method comprises providing a gas generating agent in the form of a water-insoluble solid compound capable of generating gas by chemical reaction and providing an ammonium nitrate product. The water-insoluble solid gas generating agent is introduction into the ammonium nitrate product under conditions causing gas generation by the gas generating agent in the ammonium nitrate product. The ammonium nitrate product is particulated to form a particulated prilled ammonium nitrate product with reduced density. The invention also relates to a particulated ammonium nitrate product produced by this method and to the use of a gas generating agent in the form of a water-insoluble solid compound reduce density in a particulate ammonium nitrate product.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 7, 2000
Date of Patent:
May 3, 2005
Assignee:
Sasol Chemistry Industries Limited
Inventors:
Jacobus Breedt, Hugh Albert Sandry Stephens, William Luciano Spiteri, Edwin Bals