Urea

Urea is a white dry organic compound and a crystalline substance and has minimum of 46% Nitrogen calculated in dry state. This has the melting point of 132 deg F. Urea is made by reacting carbon dioxide (CO2) with anhydrous ammonia (NH3) under pressure of 3000 psi and temperatures of around 350 deg F. Water is removed during processing and the molten matter is either converted to prills or into granules. It is generally supplied in prills or crystals/grains. Although the colour of urea is white but the crystals are larger than prills. Urea has the highest nitrogen content of all solid nitrogenous fertilizers. Urea is produced in excess of 140,000,000 tons per year worldwide, of which more than 90% of world production is destined for use as a fertilizer. Solid urea is marketed as prills or granules. The advantage of prills is that in general they can be produced more cheaply than granules, which, because of their narrower particle size distribution have an advantage over prills if applied mechanically to the soil. Properties such as impact strength, crushing strength and free-flowing behaviour are particularly important in product handling, storage and bulk transportation. Industrial Use: As a component of fertilizer and animal feed, providing a relatively cheap source of fixed nitrogen to promote growth. As a raw material for the manufacture of plastics specifically, urea-formaldehyde resin. As a raw material for the manufacture of various glues (urea-formaldehyde or urea-melamine-formaldehyde). The latter is waterproof and is used for marine plywood. As an alternative to rock salt in the deicing of roadways and runways. It does not promote metal corrosion to the extent that salt does. As an additive ingredient in cigarettes, designed to enhance flavour. Sometimes used as a browning agent in factory-produced pretzels. As an ingredient in some hair conditioners, facial cleansers, bath oils and lotions.