Urea 46% Nitrogen 2 min technical read SEO Score: 96/100

Granular Urea 46% Nitrogen: Mechanical Hardness, Anti-Caking & Bulk Vessel Transport

STANDARDS: ASTM D4239 • ISO 5315 • SGS Draft Survey • UCP 600

Autonomous Verification: 2026-10-30

Executive Summary & Key Takeaways

Granular urea 46% nitrogen (CAS 57-13-6, HS Code 3102.10) is an engineered solid nitrogen fertilizer featuring a particle size distribution of 2.0 to 4.75 mm, static crushing strength exceeding 2.8 kgf, maximum 1.0% biuret, and 0.35% to 0.50% formaldehyde conditioning for dust-free bulk ocean vessel transport under FOB and CIF Incoterms.

Overview and Global Trade Significance of Granular Urea 46

In high-volume B2B bulk commodity markets, procuring certified granular urea 46 requires rigorous oversight of chemical purity, cargo friability, and port loading efficiency. Akok Global Trading manages complete supply chains linking certified production refineries with global discharge terminals.

Core Chemical & Technical Specifications

Guaranteed Quality: Min 46.0% N
Primary Industrial Application: Mechanized direct broadacre spreading and bulk vessel handling
Verified Independent Inspection: SGS, Intertek, or Saybolt at loading port
Customs Tariff Classification: HS Code 3102.10

Bulk Marine Logistics and Incoterms Execution

Ocean fixtures are executed under standard Gencon charter parties for Handysize and Supramax bulk carriers. Strict adherence to Notice of Readiness (NOR) and Statement of Facts (SOF) ensures continuous loading rates of 3,000 to 5,000 MT PWWD SHINC, actively preventing demurrage exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the standard minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

For ocean-going bulk vessel parcels, the minimum contract volume is 5,000 MT. For containerized cargo packed in 1.0 MT jumbo bags, MOQ is 500 MT.

How is cargo quality verified prior to payment release?

Independent inspection agencies (SGS or Saybolt) perform draft surveys and continuous composite sampling to issue official Certificates of Quality and Weight required under Letter of Credit (L/C) terms.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Physicochemical Parameter	Standard Export Prilled Urea	Export Grade Granular Urea 46%	Akok Heavy-Duty Bulk Vessel Spec	Analytical Test Method
Total Nitrogen (N) Dry Basis	Min 46.0% by weight	Min 46.0% by weight	Min 46.2% by weight	ISO 5315 / AOAC 955.04
Biuret Impurity Limit	Max 1.00% by weight	Max 1.00% by weight	Max 0.85% by weight	ISO 2754 / Spectrophotometric
Moisture Content (Free H2O)	Max 0.50% by weight	Max 0.50% by weight	Max 0.30% by weight	ISO 2753 Karl Fischer
Granulometry (2.0 - 4.75 mm)	N/A (90% in 1.0 - 2.8 mm)	Min 90.0% mass fraction	Min 95.0% (SGN 280 - 320)	ISO 8397 Sieve Analysis
Static Crushing Strength (3.15 mm)	0.8 - 1.4 kgf per particle	Min 2.5 - 3.0 kgf per granule	3.2 - 3.8 kgf per granule	IFDC S-115 Dynamometer
Formaldehyde Anti-Caking (UF85)	0.20% - 0.35% HCHO	0.35% - 0.50% HCHO	0.42% - 0.55% HCHO + Amine	AOAC Chromotropic Acid
Loose Pour Bulk Density	700 - 730 kg/m3	740 - 780 kg/m3	755 - 785 kg/m3	ISO 3944 Gravimetric

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does granular urea 46 require a crushing strength above 2.5 kgf for bulk ocean shipping?

In 30,000 to 50,000 MT Supramax vessel holds, bottom cargo layers endure static overburden pressures exceeding 1.25 kg/cm2 along with pneumatic grab discharge impact. A crushing strength of 2.8 to 3.5 kgf prevents particle fracture, dust generation, and solid bridge caking.

How does formaldehyde conditioning (UF85) improve granular urea storage stability?

Injecting 0.35% to 0.50% urea-formaldehyde precondensate into the molten urea melt before fluid-bed granulation modifies internal crystal lattice bonds, raises critical relative humidity tolerance, and suppresses moisture phase migration between adjacent granules.

What is the standard Stowage Factor for bulk granular urea 46 in marine chartering?

Conditioned granular urea 46 exhibits an uncompacted bulk density of 740 to 780 kg/m3, translating to a maritime stowage factor of 1.28 to 1.35 cubic meters per metric ton (45 to 48 cubic feet per long ton) under Gencon charter party fixtures.

Can granular urea 46 be blended directly with DAP and MOP without segregation?

Yes. Because granular urea 46 is manufactured to a Size Guide Number (SGN) of 280 to 320 (2.0 to 4.75 mm), its aerodynamic and physical diameter matches standard Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and granular Muriate of Potash (MOP), preventing ballistic segregation in NPK bulk blending.