Urea

Urea is an organic nitrogen compound, CO(NH2)2 (CAS 57-13-6), supplied here as Technical grade prills with a nitrogen analysis of 46-0-0 — meaning roughly 46% nitrogen by weight and no phosphorus or potassium. It is the most concentrated solid nitrogen source in common industrial use and is highly soluble in water.

Prilled urea consists of small, near-spherical pellets formed by solidifying molten urea, which gives a free-flowing, low-dust product that dissolves and meters easily. This Technical grade material is intended for industrial synthesis, chemical processing, and related uses.

• Formula: CO(NH2)2 (carbamide)
• CAS: 57-13-6
• Analysis: 46-0-0 nitrogen
• Form: white prills

This is Technical grade urea in prilled form, chosen for industrial synthesis, exhaust-treatment chemistry, de-icing, and general process use where a concentrated, free-flowing nitrogen source is needed. Prills dissolve quickly and handle cleanly with minimal dust compared with fine powders.

An important distinction for buyers: this Technical grade urea is not certified DEF. Certified diesel exhaust fluid must meet the ISO 22241 / AUS 32 purity specification and be supplied as a controlled 32.5% solution; Technical grade prills are not a substitute for certified DEF in emissions-warranty applications, even though urea is the active chemistry behind SCR systems.

• 5 lb — lab work, testing, and small batches
• 50 lb — production, bulk dissolving, and de-icing use

Both sizes are the same 46-0-0 prilled urea.

Urea is a versatile industrial nitrogen source and chemical intermediate. Typical technical-grade uses include:

• Industrial synthesis — a feedstock for urea-formaldehyde and melamine resins, adhesives, and other nitrogen chemistry.
• SCR and diesel-exhaust chemistry — urea is the reagent behind selective catalytic reduction, where it hydrolyzes to ammonia to reduce NOx; note this Technical grade is for research and process use, not a certified DEF replacement.
• De-icing — a chloride-free de-icer for surfaces and runways where chloride corrosion is a concern.
• Nitrogen source — a concentrated 46-0-0 nitrogen input for industrial and formulation applications.
• Laboratory and process reagent — used as a denaturant, in cooling/heat-pack chemistry, and in various bench preparations.

Its high nitrogen content and clean solubility make it efficient to dose and dissolve across these uses.

Store urea prills in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers, because urea is hygroscopic and will absorb atmospheric moisture, leading to caking and clumping of the prills. Keeping bags and pails closed preserves the free-flowing form and accurate weighing.

Avoid heat and humidity, and keep urea away from strong oxidizers and from strong acids and bases. Urea slowly hydrolyzes in the presence of moisture and can release ammonia, so good container sealing also limits odor and nitrogen loss.

• Store off the ground and away from drains and water
• Reseal partial bags immediately after use
• Keep away from hypochlorite and nitrite compounds
• Protect from prolonged high temperatures

Under dry, sealed storage the prills remain free-flowing and within specification for long periods.

Urea prills have a long shelf life, generally 2 years or more, when stored sealed in a cool, dry environment, and the material remains chemically stable well beyond that if kept away from moisture. Solid urea does not readily degrade under normal storage conditions.

The practical limiting factor is moisture uptake and caking rather than chemical breakdown, because urea is hygroscopic. Caked prills can usually be broken up and dissolved normally. To preserve quality:

• Keep containers tightly sealed between uses
• Store in low-humidity conditions
• Avoid temperature cycling that promotes condensation

If prills have absorbed moisture or partially caked, verify free-flow and dissolve behavior before metering into automated systems. For controlled operations, a periodic internal review of long-stored material is prudent.

Handle urea prills with basic protective equipment: wear safety glasses and gloves, and avoid inhaling dust generated during transfer or dissolving. Urea has low acute toxicity, but it can cause mild irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, particularly as dust.

Be aware that urea can slowly release ammonia, especially when wet, warm, or in contact with certain materials, so provide ventilation when dissolving large quantities in enclosed spaces.

• Eyes: flush with water if prills or dust contact the eyes
• Skin: rinse with water; remove contaminated clothing
• Inhalation: move to fresh air if dust is inhaled
• Ingestion: rinse mouth and seek medical advice

Do not combine urea with hypochlorite bleach or nitrites, which can form hazardous products. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet before use.

Dispose of urea in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations; it is not a listed RCRA hazardous waste, but the generator is responsible for the waste determination. Because urea is a concentrated nitrogen source, avoid discharging bulk material to waterways or storm drains, since nitrogen loading can contribute to nutrient pollution and affect aquatic systems.

For transport, urea is not classified as a DOT hazardous material, so it ships as standard non-hazmat ground freight from Taylor, TX. This product ships in 1-2 business days.

• Sweep up dry spills for reuse or approved disposal
• Prevent large quantities from entering surface water or drains
• Retain the SDS and follow local nutrient-discharge limits

Check local wastewater and stormwater rules, as nitrogen discharge limits vary by jurisdiction and permit.