Olin Corporation

Jay S Stirrat

David W Cawlfield

Ronald L Dotson

Sanders H Moore

Robert T Brooker

Harry J Loftis

The present invention relates to a multi-step process for producing HAN that is free of ammonium nitrate. The process comprises the steps of: (a) stripping ammonia from an ammonia-containing, aqueous hydroxylamine solution having a hydroxylamine concentration of at least 10% by weight based upon the weight of the hydroxylamine solution, by contacting the ammonia-containing hydroxylamine solution with a stripping agent selected from the group consisting of inert gases and steam to provide an ammonia-free, aqueous hydroxylamine solution, and (b) reacting the ammonia-free, aqueous hydroxylamine solution with aqueous nitric acid having an acid concentration of at least about 0.1%, preferably at least about 20%, based upon the weight of the aqueous nitric acid, to produce ammonium nitrate-free HAN. In another process embodiment of the invention, the above-described ammonia stripping step is not required, and the hydroxylamine concentration is at least about 0.5%, based upon the weight of the reaction mixture employed. Also disclosed is the ammonium nitrate-free HAN product produced by the process of this invention.

Growing community of inventors

Louisville, KY, United States of America

Jay S Stirrat