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ProfessorGAC

(64,413 posts)
18. Maybe, Yes
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 06:53 AM
Aug 2020

I am making the assumption these were either supersaks or 25kg bags. (AmNO is readily available both ways.)
The both forms have an internal plastic liner, that should do a pretty good job as a moisture barrier. Of course, I don't recall ever seeing powder or crystalline goods sitting in inventory for 6 years! So, that's a substantial variable.
It's seaside, but warm, and the hygroscopic state of AmNO requires a relative humidity of 59.6 or 59.8% to hydrate. That's pretty high humidity given sea breezes. Of course, this was inside, so maybe it could get that high.
BTW: The solid isn't more dangerous from an explosive stability standpoint. However, since the material is shock sensitive, it becomes more dangerous to work with! Breaking up big chunks carries some risk because enough mechanical force could break enough of the lattice and release energy sufficient to initiate decomposition. The decomposition is what we otherwise call an explosion!
Generally, in industry, they do not recover solidified AmNO. They place the blocks in water, redissolve into a solution near the saturation point and redry to the powder. To dangerous to try to grind it back to a powder.
We didn't even store 500g jars of the stuff on any shelf near ANYTHING that could burn or undergo exothermic reactions. Basically, we stored it next to silica or alumina gel, or simple salts like sodium chloride or sulfate.
It's dangerously stupid to do what they did.

Its been there since 2014. marble falls Aug 2020 #1
Thank Russia soothsayer Aug 2020 #2
On another thread, a DUer commented that Russia Today suggested it was a terror attack. OAITW r.2.0 Aug 2020 #3
Yeah i saw that. Trump heard it from RUSSIAN generals soothsayer Aug 2020 #5
It is really a must read to see how their thinking is. LiberalArkie Aug 2020 #6
If they had not kept it sealed it would not have exploded. LiberalArkie Aug 2020 #4
Weren't they in the process of welding a door shut? soothsayer Aug 2020 #7
That would surely do it.. LiberalArkie Aug 2020 #11
A Couple Answers ProfessorGAC Aug 2020 #10
Welding, they said soothsayer Aug 2020 #12
Thanks! ProfessorGAC Aug 2020 #14
it was all fertilizer Amishman Aug 2020 #8
It probably sat there BGBD Aug 2020 #9
Not My Experience ProfessorGAC Aug 2020 #16
If BGBD Aug 2020 #17
Maybe, Yes ProfessorGAC Aug 2020 #18
Thank you for being so generous with your information! North Shore Chicago Aug 2020 #19
Texas City Explosion comes to mind. TheBlackAdder Aug 2020 #13
They Found Parts Of The Ship... ProfessorGAC Aug 2020 #15
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