Aqueous Urea Solution

Aqueous urea solution is a clear, colorless liquid containing urea (NH₂CONH₂) dissolved in water. Urea is an organic compound commonly used in fertilizers, animal feed, and various industrial applications. When dissolved in water, it forms an aqueous solution commonly used in agricultural, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.

Key Applications
  1. Fertilizers:
    • The primary use of aqueous urea solution is in the fertilizer industry, where it is used as a source of nitrogen. It is applied in liquid fertilizers for crop nourishment, promoting plant growth and enhancing soil fertility.
  2. Agriculture and Animal Feed:
    • Urea is also used in animal feed supplements to provide a source of non-protein nitrogen, especially for ruminant animals.
    • It is used in the urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution, a common liquid nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture.
  3. Pharmaceuticals and Medical:
    • Aqueous urea solution is used in topical treatments for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as it has keratolytic properties that help exfoliate dead skin cells and hydrate the skin.
    • It is also used in certain intravenous fluids for specific medical conditions under controlled conditions.
  4. Chemical Industry:
    • Aqueous urea is used in the manufacture of resins (like urea-formaldehyde) and plastics. It serves as a reactant in various chemical processes.
    • It is used in de-icing and anti-freeze formulations, as urea can lower the freezing point of water.
  5. Textile Industry:
    • Urea solutions are used in the dyeing and finishing of textiles to improve the effectiveness of dyes and to enhance the fabric’s softness.
  6. Automotive:
    • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology in diesel engines uses aqueous urea solutions (commonly called AdBlue or DEF) to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
Transportation and Storage
  1. Transport:
    • Aqueous urea solution is transported in tank trucks, rail tank cars, or bulk containers. It is shipped in polyethylene or stainless steel containers to prevent corrosion and contamination.
  2. Storage:
    • Aqueous urea should be stored in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
    • It is stored in plastic or stainless steel tanks to prevent reactions with containers. Urea solutions are typically stored at ambient temperature (around 20-25°C) to maintain stability.
    • Freezing: The solution can freeze at low temperatures (below 0°C), so it should be protected from freezing in colder climates.
Safety Considerations
  • Skin and Eye Contact: Aqueous urea solution is generally non-toxic but may cause irritation to the skin or eyes. Protective equipment such as gloves and goggles should be used.
  • Inhalation: Prolonged inhalation of urea dust or vapors may irritate the respiratory tract, so proper ventilation is essential during handling.
  • Environmental Impact: Urea is biodegradable but should be handled responsibly, as excessive use in fertilizers can contribute to nitrogen pollution in water sources.