Amonia Gas Corrosion on Electronics
Amonia Gas Corrosion on Electronics
(OP)
We have a customer asking us about our ability to operate in an environment where ammonia gas is present. We don't have any experience in this type of enviroment and I'm hoping someone here may be able to give us some insight.
We make an industrial meter that has several electronics modules housed in a fiberglass enclosure. The enclosure has polyurethane and nexprene seals and is IP55 rated (water resistant and dust resistant but not gas resistant).
The customer says that typical ammonia concentrations are less than 5ppm but could be up to 30 - 40 ppm. I don't know how frequently or for how long we could see the elevated concentrations.
I've seen some mention that ammonia is corrosive to copper but don't know how this would relate to a typical electronic assembly. Any info would be appreciated.
We make an industrial meter that has several electronics modules housed in a fiberglass enclosure. The enclosure has polyurethane and nexprene seals and is IP55 rated (water resistant and dust resistant but not gas resistant).
The customer says that typical ammonia concentrations are less than 5ppm but could be up to 30 - 40 ppm. I don't know how frequently or for how long we could see the elevated concentrations.
I've seen some mention that ammonia is corrosive to copper but don't know how this would relate to a typical electronic assembly. Any info would be appreciated.





RE: Amonia Gas Corrosion on Electronics
RE: Amonia Gas Corrosion on Electronics
In your case it is hard to predict the problem with corrosion as you have to have a few water molecules as ammonium hydroxide is the culprit. As far as the stress cracking is concerned I've seen highly stressed copper alloys stress crack without water.
I would say if your housing can keep the components above the local dew point you are probably OK.
For added protection you might consider a Vapor Phase Inhibitor for the enclosure. We used these a lot in a highly corrosive area for enclosed electronics.
RE: Amonia Gas Corrosion on Electronics
- amount of ammonina that gets inside the case
- the amount of water that gets inside the case
- the sensitivity of your equipment, ie, primarily large components, circuit boards with fine traces, etc
- temperature and temperature swings
If the enclosure is fairly well sealed, then VCI would be an excellent choice.
RE: Amonia Gas Corrosion on Electronics
----------------------------------
If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!