UREA (PRILLED & GRANULAR) – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS REPORT
1. Definition Urea is a white, dry organic crystalline compound with a minimum of 46% Nitrogen (calculated on dry basis). It is non-radioactive, free-flowing, free from harmful substances, and treated against caking.
Chemical Formula CO(NH₂)₂ or NH₂CONH₂
2. Manufacturing Process Urea is produced by reacting carbon dioxide (CO₂) with anhydrous ammonia (NH₃) under a pressure of approximately 3000 psi and temperatures of around 350°F. Water is removed during processing, and the molten material is converted into either prills or granules.
3. Physical Form & Shape Urea is generally supplied in the form of white prills or granules (crystals/grains). Granules are typically larger than prills. Both forms are spherical and uniform in size when properly manufactured.
4. Packing Commercial urea is available in any desired packing. It is commonly packed in 50 kg bags or supplied in bulk/loose form.
5. Major Producing Countries China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, and others.
6. Quality Specifications
A. Common Parameters (Both Prilled & Granular)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Colour | White |
| Assay | 99% |
| Nitrogen | 46.2% (min. 46.0% on dry basis) |
| Biuret | 1.0% maximum |
| Moisture / Water | 0.5% maximum |
| Chloride | 0.01% |
| Calcium | Not more than 1 PPM |
| Free Ammonia | 160 ppm maximum |
| Melting Point | 132°C |
- Form: White Prills
- Granulometry (Particle Size): 1 mm to 4 mm – 90% minimum
- Physical Properties: Non-radioactive, white, free-flowing, free from harmful substances, 100% treated against caking
C. Granulated Urea
- Form: White Granules
- Nitrogen (recalculated to dry basis): 46.2%
- Granulometry (Particle Size): 2 mm to 4 mm – 90% minimum
- Crumbliness: 100%
- Physical Properties: Non-radioactive, white, free-flowing, free from harmful substances, coated, spherical & uniform in size, 100% treated against caking
7. Standard Specifications for Prilled and Granular Urea (Bulk) – Fertilizer Grade
Description The material shall be in the form of white prills, pellets or shots. It shall be free from visible impurities and dust. The material must be chemically treated and coated to reduce hygroscopicity.
Free-Flowing Condition The material shall be considered free-flowing at the time of unloading if:
- The prills/granules are separate from each other;
- Any lumps or crust formed in the hatches can be broken into separate particles with slight pressure of the fingers; and
- Any cliffs formed near the walls of the hatches can be broken by slight pressure with bamboo sticks or iron rods.
Specification of Urea N46
| S. No. | Characteristic | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Moisture, percent by weight, maximum | 0.50 |
| 2. | Total Nitrogen, percent by weight (on dry basis), minimum | 46.00 |
| 3. | Biuret, percent by weight, maximum | 1.50 |
| Parameter | Method |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen | 2.4.03 AOAC (1995) |
| Biuret | 2.4.23 AOAC (1995) |
| Moisture | D.4 (TFI, 1982) |
| Particle Size | IV A, TFI (1982) |
| Sampling | 2.1.01 AOAC (1995) or IC 1 / IC 2 (TFI-1982) or Schedule II A of FCO, 1985 |
- Prilled Urea: Portion passing through 2.8 mm IS Sieve (Tyler 7) and retained on 1 mm IS Sieve (Tyler 16) shall not be less than 90% by weight. Not more than 5% by weight shall pass through 1 mm IS Sieve.
- Granular Urea: IS sieve sizes shall be read as 4 mm (Tyler 5) instead of 2.8 mm, and 2 mm (Tyler 9) instead of 1 mm.
Important Notes
- The arrival of the material in white, free-flowing condition at discharge ports will be guaranteed by the seller. For any deviation from the above specifications, the prescribed Scale of Penalties shall apply.
- Urea supplied shall be either entirely prilled or entirely granular per shipment. The whole vessel must contain only one type of urea. Combined shipment of prilled and granular urea, even in separate holds, is not permitted.
