SIST-TS CEN/TS 17760:2023

Overview

SIST-TS CEN/TS 17760:2023 is a European Technical Specification developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that defines a standardized method for determining the particle size of ammonium nitrate fertilizers with high nitrogen content. This specification ensures consistent quality control and assessment of granular ammonium nitrate fertilizers, facilitating their safe and effective use in agriculture. It applies to products with high nitrogen content, which play a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility and crop yield.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  Defines a precise method to determine particle size distribution for ammonium nitrate fertilizers of high nitrogen content. Particle size is critical as it impacts fertilizer dissolution, nutrient availability, and handling safety.
• Test Principle
  The method uses a nest of three sieves with aperture sizes of 2.0 mm, 1.0 mm, and 0.5 mm to mechanically or manually sieve fertilizer samples. The mass retained on each sieve is weighed to calculate particle size distribution percentages.
• Apparatus and Equipment
  Includes standardized woven-wire test sieves (200-mm diameter), a precise balance (to nearest 0.1 g), and optionally a mechanical sieve shaker for reproducible results.
• Sampling and Sample Preparation
  While sampling is not included in this specification, it references EN 1482-1 and EN 1482-2 standards for appropriate sampling and preparation procedures, ensuring representative and valid test samples.
• Procedure Details
  Steps cover sample division, weighing, arrangement of sieves, shaking (manual or mechanical) for 10 minutes or until minimal particle transfer occurs, and collection plus weighing of retained particles on each sieve.
• Results Evaluation and Reporting
  Calculation converts mass retained into percentages representing particle size fractions. Consistency checks require at least two replicate analyses. Results are expressed as mean percentages of particles below 0.5 mm and those passing 1.0 mm.
• Test Report Requirements
  Ensures comprehensive reporting including sample identification, test method reference, test results, dates, sampling procedures, and any anomalies encountered during testing.

Applications

• Agricultural Fertilizer Quality Control
  Enables fertilizer manufacturers and testing laboratories to verify particle size consistency, which directly influences nutrient release rates and field application effectiveness.
• Regulatory Compliance and Certification
  Helps producers comply with legislative and market standards within Europe, supporting harmonization and safety in fertilizer trade and use.
• Safety Assurance
  Particle size affects dust formation and explosion risks associated with ammonium nitrate fertilizers. This method supports safer handling practices.
• Research and Development
  Facilitates R&D on fertilizer formulations by providing a reliable particle size measurement method to optimize fertilizer granulation and performance.

Related Standards

• EN 1482-1: Fertilizers and Liming Materials - Sampling and Sample Preparation - Part 1: Sampling
  Outlines recommended procedures for sampling fertilizer products to ensure representative test samples.
• EN 1482-2: Fertilizers and Liming Materials - Sampling and Sample Preparation - Part 2: Sample Preparation
  Describes sample processing techniques prior to testing to maintain sample integrity.
• EN 12944-1 and EN 12944-2: Fertilizers Vocabulary
  Define general and specific fertilizer terminology to ensure standardization of terms used throughout fertilizer testing and documentation.

Keywords

Ammonium nitrate fertilizers, particle size determination, high nitrogen content fertilizers, fertilizer quality control, CEN technical specification, sieve analysis, fertilizer sampling, granular fertilizer testing, European fertilizer standards, fertilizer particle size distribution.