About Ammonium Bicarbonate
Ammonium Bicarbonate
| Ammonium Bicarbonate | % by.wt.min. (dry basis) | 99 |
| Chlorides (as CL) | % by.wt. max. | 0.01 |
| Sulphate (as SO4) | % by.wt. max. | 0.01 |
| Iron (as Fe) | % by.wt. max. | 0.002 |
| Non-volatile matter | % by.wt. max. | 0.01 |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ppm.max. | 2.5 |
| Copper (as Cu) | ppm.max. | 10 |
| Arsenic (as As2O3) | ppm.max. | 1 |
| Tarry matter | | Passes test |
Application : Pharmaceuticals , Dyes & Pigments, Degreasing textiles , Inflater for rubber, Food additive, In cooling baths.
Versatile Applications Across IndustriesAmmonium Bicarbonate serves as a key leavening agent in bakery products, ensuring light and airy textures. Beyond food, it is used in fire extinguishers, chemical analysis, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture as a fertilizer. Its reliable decomposition properties make it suitable for processes requiring controlled gas release.
Essential Storage and Handling GuidelinesTo preserve its integrity, Ammonium Bicarbonate should be stored in tightly closed containers within cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces. Prolonged exposure to air prompts decomposition, so proper packaging is crucial. Standard shelf life ranges from 12 to 24 months under recommended storage conditions.
Safety, Compatibility, and Regulatory StatusWhile Ammonium Bicarbonate is not hazardous for transport, it should not be mixed with strong acids, oxidizers, or bases due to incompatibility. Notable for its ammoniacal odor, it is nonetheless safe in standard food use and is approved as E503 by major food agencies. It is available in food and technical grades.
FAQs of Ammonium Bicarbonate:
Q: How is Ammonium Bicarbonate typically used in the food industry?
A: Ammonium Bicarbonate is widely employed as a leavening agent, especially in bakery products such as crackers and cookies, where it helps create a light, airy texture. It serves as food additive E503, decomposing during baking to release gases that expand dough.
Q: What is the recommended storage process for Ammonium Bicarbonate?
A: Store Ammonium Bicarbonate in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers. This prevents loss of ammonia and moisture absorption, preserving its potency and extending its shelf life, which is typically 12 to 24 months under these conditions.
Q: When does Ammonium Bicarbonate decompose and what are the decomposition products?
A: Ammonium Bicarbonate is stable under neutral to basic conditions but decomposes when exposed to acidic environments or heat above 41C (106F). Upon decomposition, it releases ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.
Q: What materials are incompatible with Ammonium Bicarbonate?
A: Ammonium Bicarbonate should not be mixed with acids, strong oxidizers, or bases, as these can trigger unwanted chemical reactions and cause rapid decomposition or hazardous conditions.
Q: Where is Ammonium Bicarbonate commonly manufactured and supplied?
A: It is distributed, exported, and supplied worldwide, with India being a significant hub for manufacturing, exporting, retailing, and wholesaling both food and technical grade Ammonium Bicarbonate.
Q: What are the benefits of using Ammonium Bicarbonate as a leavening agent compared to others?
A: Ammonium Bicarbonate provides rapid, residue-free leavening for foods like crackers and flatbreads since it fully decomposes into gases and water vapor during baking, leaving no alkaline taste or chemical residue behind.