Urea Overview

Urea (CO(NH₂)₂), also known as carbamide, is an essential organic compound widely used in agriculture, industry, and healthcare. While naturally produced in the liver of mammals as a nitrogenous waste product, industrial urea is synthesized to meet global demand. Its high nitrogen content and versatility make it vital for fertilizers, animal feed, chemical manufacturing, and skincare.

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History of Urea

Carbamide was first isolated from urine in 1773, but its industrial significance emerged in 1828 when Friedrich Wöhler synthesized it from inorganic ammonium cyanate. This groundbreaking discovery debunked the “vitalism” theory and laid the foundation for modern organic chemistry. Today, urea is produced globally for agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications.

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Physical and Chemical Properties of Urea

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: Colorless to white crystalline solid

• Odor: Odorless

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water and alcohol

• Melting Point: 134°C (273°F)

• Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture from the environment

Chemical Properties:

• Formula: CO(NH₂)₂ (46% nitrogen content)

• Stability: Decomposes at high temperatures without boiling

• Reactivity: Hydrolyzes into ammonia and carbon dioxide

• Non-Toxicity: Safe for agriculture, skincare, and feed

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Grades of Urea and Their Applications

1. Agricultural Grade

   • 46% nitrogen content, ideal for crop fertilization

   • Uses: Soil fertilizers, foliar sprays, blended nutrient mixes

   • Form: Prilled or granular for ease of application

2. Technical Grade

   • High purity for industrial use

   • Uses: Diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue®), adhesives, resins

3. Feed Grade

   • Non-protein nitrogen for ruminants

   • Uses: Cattle feed supplements, enhancing protein efficiency

4. Pharmaceutical Grade

   • Ultra-pure for skincare and medical applications

   • Uses: Moisturizers, eczema creams, exfoliating products

5. Industrial Grade

   • Cost-effective for manufacturing

   • Uses: Melamine production, explosives, wastewater treatment

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Types of Urea

1. Prilled Urea

   • Small, uniform spherical particles

   • Advantages: Easy to handle, low dust, suitable for spreading on crops

   • Uses: Bulk agricultural fertilization and blending

2. Granular Urea

   • Larger, irregular crystals

   • Advantages: Higher density, slower dissolution rate, ideal for controlled-release fertilizers

   • Uses: Fertilizers, feed, and industrial applications

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Top Applications of Urea

• Agriculture: Nitrogen fertilizer for wheat, corn, rice; improves soil fertility and crop yields

• Animal Feed: Enhances protein utilization in ruminants; reduces feed costs

• Industrial Manufacturing: Raw material for adhesives, plastics, resins; reduces NOx emissions in diesel exhaust fluids

• Pharmaceuticals & Skincare: Hydrates and exfoliates; used in creams for eczema and psoriasis

• Research & Laboratories: Protein denaturation, microbial culture, and chemical experiments

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Urea Handling, Storage, and Packaging

Packaging Options:

• Retail bags: 50 kg for agriculture and gardening

• Jumbo bags: 1,000 kg for industrial use

• Drums and IBCs for liquid urea solutions

Container Loading:

• 20ft container: 16–17 MT of 50 kg bags; 16 MT of jumbo bags

• 40ft container: 25 MT of 50 kg bags; 26 MT of jumbo bags

Safety Guidelines:

• Protective Gear: Gloves, goggles, masks

• Storage: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; sealed containers

• Spill Management: Clean spills immediately to prevent residue or dust

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Technical Data Sheet of Granular Urea

 

Certificate Of Analysis of Granular Urea

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Technical Data Sheet of Prilled Urea

 

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF PRILLED UREA