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Why Porosity Control Matters

Low-density ammonium nitrate (LDAN), also known as industrial-grade ammonium nitrate (IGAN), is widely used as the oxidizer in industrial explosives because of its excellent fuel oil absorption characteristics.

To perform consistently, LDAN must maintain an optimal balance of:

  • Porosity
  • Density
  • Prill strength
  • Moisture content
  • Thermal stability

If porosity is too low, fuel oil absorption decreases. If the prills become too fragile, excessive fines are generated during handling, increasing density and reducing blasting performance.

Temperature cycling also presents a significant challenge. As ammonium nitrate transitions between crystal phases, particularly near 32°C (90°F), volume changes can generate dust and fines that negatively impact product quality. Moisture further accelerates these phase transitions, increasing the risk of degradation during storage and transportation.

How Galoryl® AT Works

Galoryl® AT porosity control agents are added to the ammonium nitrate melt before prilling to optimize droplet formation and crystal development.

By lowering surface tension during production, Galoryl® AT promotes the formation of more uniform spherical droplets and encourages the development of smaller, more uniform crystal structures. The result is porous prills with improved strength, reduced friability, and enhanced structural integrity.

The technology also helps reduce residual moisture, improving thermal stability and helping minimize the effects of destructive crystal phase transitions.

Benefits of Galoryl® AT

Galoryl® AT technologies help manufacturers achieve:

  • Improved porosity
  • Increased fuel oil absorption
  • Lower product density
  • Improved blasting sensitivity
  • Reduced moisture content
  • Improved prill strength
  • Reduced friability and breakage
  • Reduced caking tendency
  • Improved resistance to thermal cycling
  • More consistent product quality                                                                       

Why Choose Arkema?

Arkema partners with low-density ammonium nitrate producers worldwide to optimize manufacturing performance through customized porosity control technologies.

Our customers benefit from:

  • Customized Galoryl® AT formulations
  • Manufacturing process expertise
  • Technical support
  • Laboratory evaluation
  • Global production capabilities
  • Reliable logistics support

Partner with Arkema

Whether you're improving porosity, reducing fines, or optimizing low-density ammonium nitrate production, Arkema's technical experts are ready to help.

Contact our team to learn how Galoryl® AT porosity control agents can improve your manufacturing process.

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