Keywords: Analytical methods, ICP, Fertilizer analysis, Sampling systems, Quality control.

This is a review paper on the techniques used in the fertilizer industry to provide laboratory support and plant level control (and in particular on-line control). It looks at the likely impact of Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy on laboratory based work. It emphasises the importance of sampling and looks at some typical problems. The inclusion of on-line sulfur analysis in on-line nutrient measurement systems is examined and the need for, and a method of achieving overall process capability for high capacity continuous blending control systems is discussed. Newer developments in size analysis are discussed and the relatively slow moisture determination methods are examined. For the future the need to measure and control risk factors for ammonium nitrate products is seen as important, and in the discussion section this is highlighted with respect to organic carbon determination.

Don Martin, Emden Ltd., Louth, Lincolnshire, UK.
Harold Falls, CF Industries Inc., Plant City Phosphate Complex, FL, USA.
Phil Hayward, Kemira Agro UK Ltd., Ince, Cheshire, UK.
Joanne Vessey, Hydro Agri (UK) Limited, Immingham, NE Lincolnshire, UK.

20 pages, 12 Figures, 2 Tables.