Ammonia, anhydrous

1. Scope and Applicability

This PCR applies to foreground data packages for anhydrous ammonia (NH3) as a marketable product at the producing plant gate, including ammonia used as fertilizer feedstock, chemical feedstock, refrigerant, or energy carrier. It is route-neutral: natural-gas or biogas reforming, coal or other feedstock gasification, separately supplied hydrogen, water electrolysis, and combinations are covered only when the actual route and hydrogen source are declared.

The PCR excludes aqueous ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia solutions, downstream nitrogen fertilizers and chemicals, use-phase emissions, and transport beyond loading at the declared plant gate. A route-specific low-carbon dataset must not represent all anhydrous ammonia. Carbon capture, utilization, transport, and storage are included only to the extent physically connected to the declared production system and separately evidenced.

2. Product Category Identity

Field	Value
canonical_pcr_id	pcr.other-transportable-goods-except-metal-products-machinery-and-equipment.basic-chemicals.ammonia-anhydrous
classification_refs	CPC 3.0: 34651 - Ammonia, anhydrous
covered_products	Anhydrous ammonia, including refrigerated or pressurized liquefied ammonia, with declared grade, purity, water content, and plant-gate state
excluded_products	Ammonia in aqueous solution; ammonium hydroxide; ammonia-containing mixtures; downstream fertilizers and chemicals; recovered dilute ammonia unless upgraded to the declared anhydrous specification
representative_product	Marketable anhydrous ammonia, NH3, as a liquefied or pressurized product at the producing plant gate
production_route	Declared Haber-Bosch synthesis route with route-specific hydrogen or synthesis-gas production, purification, synthesis loop, product condensation, and storage; no route is assumed by default
market_state	Finished product at plant gate, with delivery state, storage temperature, storage pressure, purity, and water content declared

3. Reference Flow

Field	Value
What	Anhydrous ammonia product at the producing plant gate
How much	1 kg NH3 on a 100% NH3-equivalent mass basis
How well	Product qualifies as anhydrous ammonia under the declared grade or specification; actual purity and water content are reported and aqueous ammonia is excluded
How long or cycle	One reporting period representative of the declared plant, route, and operating campaign
reference_flow_link	Net saleable anhydrous ammonia leaving final conditioning and entering plant-gate storage or loading

Field	Value
Reference amount	1 kg
Reference product flow	Ammonia, anhydrous a0e3299b-9484-4ec3-89d3-cd1e2d6c2225
Reference flow property	Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66
Reference unit group	Units of mass 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
Reference unit	kg
Required qualifiers	product grade or specification; NH3 purity; water content; physical state; production route; hydrogen source and production route; fossil or biogenic feedstock; plant and geography; reporting period; electricity and thermal-energy supply; upstream methane boundary and data source; carbon capture point, gross capture, disposition, transport, storage and permanence boundary; co-products and allocation method; storage temperature; storage pressure; plant-gate condition

When constructing a foreground data package, the items listed in Required qualifiers must be declared in dataset metadata, process notes, reference flow comment, product description, or an equivalent data package field. Missing required qualifiers make the reference flow definition incomplete for that data package.

4. Measurement and Unit Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Required property	Required unit	Rule
reference_mass	reference product	Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66	kg	Measure net saleable anhydrous-ammonia mass at the plant gate and normalize all inventory results to 1 kg NH3 equivalent.
purity_correction	reference product	Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66	kg	Calculate NH3-equivalent mass as gross product mass multiplied by measured NH3 mass fraction; retain gross mass, purity, water content, sampling method, and test result.
energy_separation	feedstock and energy inputs	Declared property appropriate to each input	kg, MJ, or kWh	Record feedstock used as a hydrogen or carbon source separately from fuel and electricity used as energy; do not combine non-energy and energy use into one undocumented amount.
storage_condition	final conditioning and storage	Mass and operating condition	kg, deg C, and absolute or gauge pressure with basis	Report time-weighted storage temperature and pressure, pressure basis, inventory change, loading losses, and boil-off or vent recovery consistently for the reporting period.

5. System Boundary

Boundary Abstraction

Field	Value
declared_starting_condition	Extraction or production of route-defining feedstock, hydrogen, electricity, fuels, water, and other material inputs, represented by foreground records or traceable upstream datasets
starting_condition_role	Cradle-to-plant-gate starting condition for route comparison and foreground package production
product_classification_scope	CPC 3.0 code 34651 only; aqueous ammonia under CPC 34652 and downstream ammonia derivatives are outside scope
recursive_input_rule	If anhydrous ammonia from the same category enters blending, conditioning, or storage, record it as a technosphere input with a separate upstream dataset and do not recreate its upstream production inside the receiving process.
upstream_dataset_requirement	Route-specific datasets must represent feedstock or hydrogen production, electricity and fuels, upstream methane where hydrocarbon supply is used, and carbon-capture transport and storage where a storage claim is made.
disclosure	Declare route, hydrogen source, energy supply, upstream methane treatment, capture boundary, allocation, and storage conditions; never label an undeclared or single-route result as generic anhydrous ammonia.

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
route_complete_boundary	foreground_system_boundary	Include route-defining feedstock or hydrogen production, air or nitrogen supply, synthesis-gas purification where applicable, ammonia synthesis, condensation, refrigeration, storage, and plant-gate loading.	iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021; us-epa-ap42-ammonia
feedstock_energy_separation	foreground_system_boundary	Distinguish feedstock used non-energetically from fuel, steam, and electricity used for process energy, while preserving complete energy and carbon balances.	us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773
upstream_methane_boundary	hydrocarbon_supply	Include or explicitly link upstream methane supply-chain emissions for natural gas, biogas, or other methane-containing feedstocks; disclose data source, geography, period, and whether measured or modelled.	iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021
hydrogen_route_boundary	hydrogen_supply	Identify whether hydrogen is produced on site or supplied separately and identify steam reforming, gasification, electrolysis, chlor-alkali, biomass, or other production route; separately supplied hydrogen carries its own upstream inventory.	iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021; eu-cbam-2023-1773
carbon_capture_boundary	carbon_dioxide_handling	Report CO2 generated, separated, captured, vented, used, transported, injected, and demonstrably stored as separate quantities; do not treat separation, sale, utilization, or temporary binding as permanent storage without the corresponding boundary and evidence.	us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773
storage_loading_boundary	product_conditioning_and_storage	Include refrigeration or compression, inventory change, storage losses, boil-off recovery, vents, flares, and loading operations up to the declared plant gate; downstream distribution and use are excluded unless added as a separate scenario.	cdc-niosh-ammonia

6. Process Inventory Structure

Process Map

process_id	process_name	inclusion	inclusion_condition	role	quantitative_reference
hydrogen_syngas_supply	Hydrogen or synthesis-gas supply	required	Select the actual on-site or supplied hydrogen route; unused alternatives are not included.	Provides route-specific hydrogen-bearing feed and its upstream burdens.	per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
gas_conditioning	Synthesis-gas conditioning and nitrogen integration	required	Apply purification steps appropriate to the declared feed route; supplied-pure-hydrogen routes may omit inapplicable reforming cleanup but still document nitrogen supply.	Produces synthesis gas meeting the ammonia-loop specification and separates CO2 or other impurities.	per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
ammonia_synthesis	Ammonia synthesis loop	required	Always included.	Compresses, reacts, circulates, condenses, and purges the nitrogen-hydrogen loop.	per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
product_conditioning_storage	Product conditioning, storage, and loading	required	Always included to the declared plant gate.	Delivers saleable anhydrous ammonia under declared purity, temperature, and pressure conditions.	per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
carbon_handling	CO2 utilization, transport, and storage	conditional	Include when separated CO2 leaves the core plant for use, export, transport, injection, storage, or a capture-related claim.	Closes the carbon balance and supports only evidenced capture or storage claims.	per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product

Process: Hydrogen or synthesis-gas supply (hydrogen_syngas_supply)

Inputs

Product flows

Route-defining feedstock or supplied hydrogen (route_feedstock_hydrogen)

Record every feedstock that supplies hydrogen or carbon to the route, or separately supplied hydrogen, without combining unlike sources.

• Selected flow: Declared natural gas, biogas, coal, petroleum-derived feedstock, biomass, water for electrolysis, or supplied hydrogen
• Flow property / unit: Mass or energy content / kg or MJ, and hydrogen mass / kg where supplied
• Amount rule: measured custody-transfer or production records, segregated by feedstock and hydrogen route
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_route_materials
• Sources: iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021; eu-cbam-2023-1773

Process electricity and thermal energy (route_energy)

Record electricity, fuels, imported steam, and exported energy separately from non-energy feedstock.

• Selected flow: Route-specific electricity, fuel, and steam supplies
• Flow property / unit: Energy / kWh or MJ; fuel mass or volume retained with conversion basis
• Amount rule: metered consumption minus evidenced export, with each carrier reported separately
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_energy_records
• Sources: us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773

Waste flows

Spent catalysts, sorbents, and treatment residues (route_treatment_waste)

Record route-specific solid and liquid residues when they leave the foreground system for treatment or recovery.

• Selected flow: Declared spent catalyst, sorbent, slag, ash, or treatment residue
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: weighed shipment or inventory-change records by waste type and destination
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_records
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Elementary flows

Upstream methane emissions (upstream_methane)

Represent methane emitted across the declared hydrocarbon supply chain; keep measured supplier evidence distinct from modelled upstream datasets.

• Selected flow: Methane to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: supplier-specific upstream inventory or calculated route inventory linked to feedstock quantity, geography, period, and source
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_upstream_methane
• Sources: iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021

Outputs

Product flows

Hydrogen-bearing feed to conditioning (hydrogen_bearing_feed)

Report hydrogen or raw synthesis gas transferred to conditioning with composition and pressure basis.

• Selected flow: Route-specific hydrogen or raw synthesis gas
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: measured transfer quantity with dry-gas composition and hydrogen content
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per process output transferred to gas conditioning
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_syngas_transfer
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Direct route greenhouse-gas emissions (route_direct_ghg)

Record measured or calculated CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions from feedstock conversion and fuel combustion as separate elementary flows.

• Selected flow: Declared direct greenhouse-gas emission to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: stack or continuous monitoring, carbon balance, or approved calculation by gas and source
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009

Process: Synthesis-gas conditioning and nitrogen integration (gas_conditioning)

Inputs

Product flows

Hydrogen-bearing feed (conditioning_feed)

Receive the declared raw synthesis gas or hydrogen stream and retain its composition and upstream dataset link.

• Selected flow: Route-specific hydrogen or raw synthesis gas
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: transferred amount reconciled to the upstream process output
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per process output of conditioned synthesis gas
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_syngas_transfer
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Air or nitrogen supply (nitrogen_supply)

Record the nitrogen source, air-separation route where applicable, and associated energy or upstream dataset.

• Selected flow: Air or nitrogen for ammonia synthesis
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: measured flow and composition or mass balance from synthesis-loop records
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_syngas_transfer
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Waste flows

Conditioning residues and process condensate (conditioning_waste)

Record spent sorbents, treatment residues, and process condensate by destination, including recovery or wastewater treatment.

• Selected flow: Declared conditioning waste or wastewater
• Flow property / unit: Mass or volume / kg or m3
• Amount rule: measured discharge, shipment, or inventory-change record
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_records
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Conditioned synthesis gas (conditioned_syngas)

Report the nitrogen-hydrogen feed transferred to the synthesis loop with composition and impurity specification.

• Selected flow: Conditioned synthesis gas for ammonia synthesis
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: measured flow or reconciled dry-gas mass balance
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per process output transferred to ammonia synthesis
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_syngas_transfer
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Separated carbon dioxide (separated_co2)

Keep physical CO2 separation distinct from subsequent capture, utilization, transport, storage, or venting.

• Selected flow: Separated carbon dioxide stream
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: metered stream or carbon balance with composition, pressure, and moisture basis
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_carbon_capture
• Sources: us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Conditioning vents (conditioning_vents)

Record CO2, CO, methane, ammonia, and other reported pollutants released during regeneration, stripping, or purification.

• Selected flow: Declared conditioning emission to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: monitoring result or source-specific calculation by pollutant and emission point
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia; us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009

Process: Ammonia synthesis loop (ammonia_synthesis)

Inputs

Product flows

Conditioned nitrogen-hydrogen feed (synthesis_feed)

Record feed composition, recycle basis, and make-up gas separately so loop recycle is not double-counted as an external input.

• Selected flow: Conditioned synthesis gas for ammonia synthesis
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: make-up gas entering the loop, reconciled to composition and production records
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent synthesis output
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_synthesis_operations
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Synthesis-loop energy and cooling (synthesis_energy)

Record compression, circulation, heating, cooling, and refrigeration energy by carrier without netting undocumented exports.

• Selected flow: Electricity, steam, fuel, and cooling utility supplied to the synthesis loop
• Flow property / unit: Energy / kWh or MJ
• Amount rule: metered carrier-specific consumption allocated to the synthesis loop
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent synthesis output
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_energy_records
• Sources: iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021

Waste flows

Synthesis-loop spent catalyst (synthesis_catalyst_waste)

Record catalyst replacement and destination over a representative operating period.

• Selected flow: Spent ammonia-synthesis catalyst
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: replacement mass normalized over production during the catalyst service interval
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent synthesis output
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_records
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Crude anhydrous ammonia (crude_ammonia)

Transfer condensed ammonia to final conditioning with production mass, purity, and water content.

• Selected flow: Ammonia, anhydrous a0e3299b-9484-4ec3-89d3-cd1e2d6c2225
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: measured condensed-ammonia mass corrected using the measured NH3 mass fraction
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: per process output of crude anhydrous ammonia
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_product_quality
• Sources: iso-7105-1985

Recovered purge gas or exported energy (purge_recovery)

Record recovered purge gas, hydrogen, fuel gas, or exported steam as separate co-product flows when they leave the process boundary.

• Selected flow: Declared recovered purge gas, hydrogen, fuel gas, or exported energy
• Flow property / unit: Mass or energy / kg or MJ
• Amount rule: measured export with composition or energy content and destination
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent synthesis output
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_coproducts
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Synthesis-loop vents and fugitives (synthesis_emissions)

Record ammonia, hydrogen, methane, and other reportable releases from purge, vent, flare, seals, and relief events.

• Selected flow: Declared synthesis-loop emission to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: monitoring, event log, flare calculation, or reconciled mass balance by pollutant
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent synthesis output
• Basis kind: Process output (process_output)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_direct_emissions
• Sources: us-epa-ap42-ammonia

Process: Product conditioning, storage, and loading (product_conditioning_storage)

Inputs

Product flows

Crude anhydrous ammonia input (conditioning_ammonia_input)

Treat upstream anhydrous ammonia as a recursive same-category input and link its upstream dataset rather than duplicating production.

• Selected flow: Ammonia, anhydrous a0e3299b-9484-4ec3-89d3-cd1e2d6c2225
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: measured transfer from synthesis reconciled to storage inventory change
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_product_output
• Sources: cdc-niosh-ammonia

Refrigeration, compression, and loading energy (storage_energy)

Record energy used to maintain declared storage pressure and temperature and to load the plant-gate product.

• Selected flow: Electricity, fuel, steam, or cooling utility for conditioning and storage
• Flow property / unit: Energy / kWh or MJ
• Amount rule: metered consumption assigned to the storage and loading system
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_energy_records
• Sources: cdc-niosh-ammonia

Waste flows

Storage and loading wastewater or treatment waste (storage_waste)

Record contaminated water, maintenance waste, and recovered material sent to treatment or recovery.

• Selected flow: Declared storage or loading waste
• Flow property / unit: Mass or volume / kg or m3
• Amount rule: measured discharge or shipment by destination
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_waste_records
• Sources: cdc-niosh-ammonia

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Saleable anhydrous ammonia (reference_product_output)

This is the reference product after quality verification and inventory reconciliation at the declared plant gate.

• Selected flow: Ammonia, anhydrous a0e3299b-9484-4ec3-89d3-cd1e2d6c2225
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: 1 kg NH3 equivalent calculated from net saleable mass and measured NH3 mass fraction
• Value mode: Fixed value (fixed_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: 1 kg NH3-equivalent reference flow
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Method formula (method_formula)
• Collection protocol: cp_product_output
• Sources: iso-7103-1982; iso-7105-1985

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Storage, loading, and relief losses (storage_losses)

Record routine and non-routine ammonia releases, recovered boil-off, flare outcomes, and inventory discrepancies separately.

• Selected flow: Ammonia emission to air and other declared storage release
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: measured release plus event-based calculation, reconciled to opening inventory, receipts, production, deliveries, recovery, and closing inventory
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_storage_operations
• Sources: cdc-niosh-ammonia

Process: CO2 utilization, transport, and storage (carbon_handling)

Inputs

Product flows

Separated carbon dioxide input (captured_co2_input)

Receive the metered separated CO2 stream with composition and chain-of-custody evidence.

• Selected flow: Separated carbon dioxide stream
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: metered transfer reconciled to the conditioning-process output
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Route-specific (route_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_carbon_capture
• Sources: us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773

Capture, compression, transport, and storage energy (capture_energy)

Record all energy and materials used after CO2 separation for the claimed disposition.

• Selected flow: Electricity, fuel, heat, solvent, and transport service for CO2 handling
• Flow property / unit: Energy, mass, or transport service / kWh, MJ, kg, or tkm
• Amount rule: metered or invoice-based quantity assigned to the handled CO2 stream
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Scenario-specific (scenario_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_carbon_capture
• Sources: eu-cbam-2023-1773

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Carbon dioxide delivered for use (co2_for_use)

Report CO2 delivered to another product system as an exported co-product; do not automatically equate utilization with permanent storage.

• Selected flow: Carbon dioxide delivered for declared use
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: custody-transfer mass with recipient and intended use
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Scenario-specific (scenario_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_carbon_capture
• Sources: us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773

Carbon dioxide delivered to permanent storage (co2_stored)

Report only CO2 with traceable transport, injection, and permanence evidence as delivered to permanent storage.

• Selected flow: Carbon dioxide delivered to permanent geological storage
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: verified injected mass minus documented leakage or reversal within the selected method boundary
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Scenario-specific (scenario_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_carbon_capture
• Sources: eu-cbam-2023-1773

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Carbon dioxide vented or lost (co2_vented)

Record uncaptured, bypassed, vented, transport-loss, and storage-loss CO2 as emissions within the applicable boundary.

• Selected flow: Carbon dioxide to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: carbon balance of generated CO2 minus measured exported, used, and stored streams, reconciled with direct monitoring
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Scenario-specific (scenario_specific)
• Normalization basis: per 1 kg NH3-equivalent final product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_carbon_capture
• Sources: us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773

7. Allocation and Co-product Handling

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
subdivision_first	foreground_burden_allocation	Subdivide route steps and meter dedicated inputs before allocating shared utilities or emissions; internal recycle is not a co-product and must not receive burden.	eu-cbam-2023-1773
oxygen_coproduct	electrolysis_or_air_separation	If oxygen is vented, assign no avoided-product credit. If oxygen is sold or used outside the modelled step, report its amount and apply the declared method consistently without assuming zero-burden hydrogen or nitrogen.	eu-cbam-2023-1773
energy_export	purge_gas_and_energy_recovery	Prefer system subdivision for purge-gas recovery and steam or electricity export; if allocation remains necessary, use a documented physical relationship before economic allocation and report sensitivity to the selected basis.	us-epa-ap42-ammonia
carbon_dioxide_coproduct	separated_carbon_dioxide	Report generated, separated, vented, used, exported, and stored CO2 before any credit or deduction. A sale or utilization credit must follow the selected study method and cannot be represented as permanent storage without permanence evidence.	us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773
allocation_closure	all_multi_output_processes	Report unallocated totals, allocation keys, recipients, allocated results, and a closure check; do not use an allocation rule to conceal route, capture, or energy data gaps.	eu-cbam-2023-1773

8. Foreground Data Collection, Calculation, and Quality Rules

Data Collection Protocols

protocol_id	process_id	flow_role	record_type	raw_fields	collection_method	unit	frequency	temporal_coverage	site_scope	aggregation_rule	quality_evidence
cp_route_materials	hydrogen_syngas_supply	route feedstock and supplied hydrogen	meter, invoice, supplier certificate, composition test	material id; source; mass; energy content; carbon content; hydrogen content; route; opening and closing stock	calibrated custody-transfer meter or reconciled inventory	kg, m3, or MJ with conversion basis	batch and monthly	same reporting period as product output	all route-defining supply to the declared plant	sum receipts plus opening stock minus closing stock, segregated by source and energetic or non-energetic use	calibration, invoice, laboratory certificate, and reconciliation record
cp_energy_records	all processes	electricity, fuels, steam, cooling, and exported energy	meter, fuel ticket, invoice, utility balance	carrier; meter id; quantity; unit; conversion factor; import; export; process assignment	calibrated meter and energy balance	kWh or MJ	hourly to monthly	complete reporting period	all included plant units	sum by carrier and process; report gross imports and exports before net result	meter calibration, invoices, and energy-balance closure
cp_upstream_methane	hydrogen_syngas_supply	hydrocarbon upstream methane	supplier inventory or route model	feedstock source; geography; period; quantity; methane stages; emission factor or measured loss; uncertainty	supplier-specific data preferred; otherwise traceable route model	kg CH4 and kg feedstock or MJ	supplier period, at least annual	period aligned or temporally adjusted	all hydrocarbon feedstock suppliers	quantity-weighted supplier result; do not mix measured and modelled results without disclosure	supplier assurance, model version, source citation, and uncertainty
cp_syngas_transfer	hydrogen_syngas_supply; gas_conditioning	hydrogen, raw syngas, nitrogen, and conditioned syngas	flow meter and composition analysis	dry and wet flow; H2; N2; CO; CO2; CH4; water; pressure; temperature	calibrated flow measurement and gas analysis	kg or Nm3 with reference conditions	continuous or shift	representative operating campaign and annual reconciliation	all transfer points between route steps	convert to a common dry-gas basis and reconcile H, N, and C balances	analyzer calibration, reference conditions, and balance closure
cp_synthesis_operations	ammonia_synthesis	make-up gas, recycle, purge, and ammonia production	distributed control system and production log	make-up flow; recycle flow; purge flow; composition; pressure; temperature; catalyst period; condensed NH3	continuous process instrumentation	kg, Nm3, deg C, and pressure with basis	continuous	complete reporting period with outages disclosed	synthesis loop and associated refrigeration	external input excludes internal recycle; aggregate production-weighted operating periods	instrument calibration, outage log, and synthesis-loop balance
cp_product_quality	ammonia_synthesis; product_conditioning_storage	NH3 purity and water content	representative product sample and laboratory result	sample id; lot or tank; sampling time; sampling method; NH3 fraction; water; oil or other grade parameters	declared safe sampling procedure and validated analytical method	mass fraction, mg/kg, or declared grade unit	each lot, tank, or statistically justified campaign	same lots and period as reported product	all saleable product represented by the dataset	mass-weighted result; retain out-of-spec dispositions separately	chain of custody, method identifier, laboratory QA, and repeatability
cp_product_output	product_conditioning_storage	net saleable product and inventory	custody meter, weighbridge, tank gauge, and sales record	gross product mass; deliveries; returns; opening and closing inventory; purity; temperature; pressure	calibrated mass measurement with inventory reconciliation	kg	batch and monthly	complete reporting period	all product tanks and loading points	net saleable mass multiplied by measured NH3 mass fraction	calibration, sales reconciliation, and tank inventory closure
cp_direct_emissions	all processes	stack, vent, flare, fugitive, and wastewater emissions	continuous monitor, stack test, leak survey, event log, or calculation	source id; pollutant; concentration; flow; duration; event; recovery; flare efficiency; method	source-appropriate monitoring or documented mass balance	kg pollutant	continuous, event, or test campaign	complete reporting period including start-up and shutdown	every included emission point	calculate by pollutant and source, then sum without double counting routed streams	monitor QA, test report, leak survey, event log, and calculation sheet
cp_carbon_capture	gas_conditioning; carbon_handling	generated, separated, captured, used, transported, stored, and vented CO2	meter, carbon balance, custody transfer, transport and injection record	stream mass; carbon content; capture point; destination; transport loss; injected mass; leakage; permanence evidence	metering and chain-of-custody reconciliation	kg CO2	continuous and shipment	complete reporting period and applicable storage monitoring period	all CO2 streams connected to ammonia production	generated equals emitted plus exported for use plus stored plus inventory change and documented losses	meter calibration, recipient record, injection verification, and balance closure
cp_coproducts	all multi-output processes	oxygen, purge gas, hydrogen, steam, electricity, and CO2 co-products	meter, invoice, and use record	product; quantity; quality; energy content; destination; internal or external use; allocation key	calibrated measurement and transaction record	kg, MJ, or kWh	batch and monthly	complete reporting period	all material co-products and exports	report gross quantities before allocation and reconcile internal use	meter calibration, invoice, destination evidence, and allocation worksheet
cp_storage_operations	product_conditioning_storage	storage conditions, inventory change, loading, and releases	tank gauge, temperature and pressure historian, loading log, relief and maintenance log	tank id; opening and closing mass; temperature; pressure; pressure basis; receipts; deliveries; recovered boil-off; vents; relief events	calibrated tank instrumentation and event reconciliation	kg, deg C, and pressure with basis	continuous and event	complete reporting period	all ammonia storage and loading equipment	mass balance by tank and total system; report routine and non-routine losses separately	gauge calibration, historian completeness, and signed event records
cp_waste_records	all processes	wastewater and solid or liquid waste	discharge meter, manifest, laboratory analysis, and inventory	waste id; mass or volume; composition; hazard status; destination; recovery or treatment	measured discharge or weighed shipment	kg or m3	shipment and monthly	complete reporting period	all included process areas	sum by waste type and destination; reconcile stored waste inventory	manifest, analysis, treatment receipt, and inventory closure

Calculation Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Formula or rule	Inputs	Output	source_ids
calc_nh3_equivalent	reference product	NH3-equivalent mass = net saleable gross mass x measured NH3 mass fraction. Do not apply this formula to aqueous ammonia as a way to include it in this PCR.	gross saleable mass; NH3 mass fraction; returns; inventory change	kg NH3 equivalent	iso-7103-1982; iso-7105-1985
calc_route_material_balance	hydrogen and synthesis route	Reconcile feedstock, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, and ammonia across route steps on consistent dry or wet bases; internal recycle is excluded from external input totals.	route-material records; syngas composition; synthesis records; product output	route-specific material balance and closure	us-epa-ap42-ammonia; us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009
calc_energy_by_role	feedstock and energy	Convert each carrier with a declared factor and separately total non-energy feedstock, fuel, electricity, imported heat, and exported energy.	energy meters; feedstock records; conversion factors; exports	carrier-specific and role-specific energy inventory	us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773
calc_upstream_methane	hydrocarbon supply	Upstream methane = sum over suppliers of feedstock activity multiplied by the supplier-specific measured loss or traceable model factor; preserve supplier, geography, period, and uncertainty.	feedstock quantity; supplier methane result or model factor	kg CH4 per reference flow	iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021
calc_direct_emissions	direct plant emissions	Calculate each pollutant by monitored concentration and gas flow or by a documented carbon or mass balance; keep process and combustion CO2 distinguishable.	monitoring, stack tests, fuel and feedstock carbon, event logs	kg pollutant per reference flow	us-epa-ap42-ammonia; us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009
calc_capture_balance	carbon dioxide handling	Generated CO2 = vented or emitted CO2 + CO2 exported for use + CO2 delivered to verified storage + inventory change + documented handling losses. Separation alone is not storage.	generated, separated, exported, used, injected, leaked, vented, and inventory records	carbon-capture balance and disposition shares	us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773
calc_allocation_closure	multi-output processes	Allocated burdens across ammonia and co-products must equal the unallocated process total for every inventory row after subdivision and internal-use reconciliation.	unallocated inventory; co-product quantities; allocation keys	allocated inventory and closure difference	eu-cbam-2023-1773
calc_storage_balance	product conditioning and storage	Opening inventory + receipts + production = deliveries + closing inventory + recovered exports + measured releases + unexplained difference; investigate rather than silently allocate unexplained difference.	tank inventory; receipts; production; deliveries; recovery; release logs	storage mass balance and loss quantity	cdc-niosh-ammonia

Data Quality Requirements

requirement_id	Applies to	Requirement	Evidence
dq_product_identity	reference product	Demonstrate that the represented product is anhydrous ammonia and not aqueous ammonia; report grade, purity, water content, physical state, and test method.	product specification, representative sample, and laboratory result
dq_route_identity	whole dataset	Identify the hydrogen and synthesis-gas production route, feedstock, technology, plant, geography, period, and whether route steps are on site or supplied.	process diagram, supplier records, and route declaration
dq_temporal_representativeness	all foreground records	Use one coherent reporting period, disclose outages, start-up, shutdown, abnormal events, and material differences between supplier and plant periods.	production log, meter coverage, event log, and temporal adjustment record
dq_completeness	all included processes	Demonstrate material, energy, nitrogen, carbon, capture, storage, waste, and emission balance closure; explain exclusions and unresolved differences.	signed balance worksheets and completeness review
dq_upstream_methane	hydrocarbon routes	Disclose whether upstream methane is supplier-measured or modelled and report source, geography, year, stages, and uncertainty.	supplier assurance or traceable model documentation
dq_capture_claim	capture-related datasets	A capture or low-carbon claim requires stream-level CO2 balance, capture point, disposition, transport, injection, storage, leakage, and permanence evidence appropriate to the selected method.	metering, custody transfer, injection verification, monitoring, and method statement
dq_allocation	multi-output processes	Preserve pre-allocation totals, co-product quantities, allocation basis, recipients, sensitivity, and mathematical closure.	allocation worksheet and co-product records
dq_storage_conditions	final product	Report time-weighted temperature and pressure, pressure basis, inventory change, routine loss, abnormal release, recovery, and loading condition.	tank historian, calibration, and event reconciliation

9. Validation Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
validate_product_not_aqueous	foreground_dataset_conformance	Reject a data package that represents aqueous ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or a solution merely normalized to NH3 content; the physical product must meet the declared anhydrous-ammonia specification.	unsd-cpc-v3-2025; iso-7105-1985
validate_reference_identity	foreground_dataset_conformance	Require the selected product flow UUID, Mass flow-property UUID, Units of mass unit-group UUID, kg reference unit, and 1 kg NH3-equivalent amount to match this PCR.	unsd-cpc-v3-2025
validate_required_qualifiers	foreground_dataset_conformance	Reject an incomplete reference flow when any required qualifier for purity, route, hydrogen source, energy, upstream methane, capture, allocation, or storage condition is missing.	iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021; cdc-niosh-ammonia
validate_route_consistency	foreground_dataset_conformance	Require all included processes, inputs, emissions, and upstream datasets to agree with the declared route; unused alternative routes must not be blended into a generic result.	iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021; eu-cbam-2023-1773
validate_mass_energy_balance	foreground_dataset_conformance	Require documented material, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon, product-storage, and carrier-specific energy closure; internal recycle and energy export must not be double counted.	us-epa-ap42-ammonia; us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009
validate_upstream_methane	foreground_dataset_conformance	Hydrocarbon routes must include or link an upstream methane result with feedstock source, geography, period, method, and uncertainty.	iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021
validate_capture_disposition	foreground_dataset_conformance	Require generated, separated, captured, vented, used, transported, injected, stored, leaked, and inventory-change CO2 fields to close; do not accept separation or sale alone as permanent storage.	us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009; eu-cbam-2023-1773
validate_allocation_closure	foreground_dataset_conformance	Require pre-allocation totals, co-product quantities, allocation keys, recipients, sensitivity where material, and zero unexplained allocation difference.	eu-cbam-2023-1773
validate_storage_conditions	foreground_dataset_conformance	Require storage temperature, pressure, pressure basis, inventory change, loading loss, recovery, and abnormal-event treatment to be present and mutually consistent.	cdc-niosh-ammonia
validate_low_carbon_claim	foreground_dataset_conformance	Reject a low-carbon, renewable, blue, green, or equivalent claim unless the declared hydrogen, electricity, feedstock, methane, capture, allocation, and storage evidence supports the exact route represented.	iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021; eu-cbam-2023-1773

10. Published Dataset Profile

Field	Value
dataset_role	Route-specific foreground production dataset for marketable anhydrous ammonia at the producing plant gate
downstream_use	May be used as a secondary_dataset or background_dataset for fertilizer, chemical, refrigeration, fuel, hydrogen-carrier, process, or lifecyclemodel studies when qualifiers match
allowed_use	Route-, geography-, period-, grade-, capture-, allocation-, and storage-matched plant-gate modelling; transparent scenario comparison after harmonizing boundaries
excluded_use	Aqueous ammonia; universal ammonia average without route disclosure; automatic substitution among fossil, electrolysis, captured-carbon, or other routes; unsupported low-carbon claim; downstream transport or use without added processes
required_metadata	canonical PCR id; product flow UUID; grade; purity; water content; route; hydrogen source; feedstock; plant; geography; period; technology; electricity and heat supply; upstream methane method; capture disposition; co-products; allocation; storage temperature and pressure; plant-gate condition
required_quality_disclosure	primary-data share; meter and laboratory coverage; temporal and geographic representativeness; material, energy, nitrogen and carbon closure; uncertainty; missing data; supplier data quality; capture permanence evidence; abnormal-event treatment
update_trigger	Change in product grade, route, hydrogen source, feedstock, major technology, energy supply, upstream methane data, capture disposition, allocation, storage regime, plant boundary, or reporting period

11. Data Sources

Source id	Type	Reference	Used for
unsd-cpc-v3-2025	Official guidance (official_guidance)	United Nations Statistics Division, CPC Ver. 3.0 Explanatory Notes, code 34651, updated 2025-06-30, https://unstats.un.org/unsd/classifications/Econ/Download/In%20Text/CPC_Ver_3.0_Exp_Notes_30Jun2025.pdf (retrieved 2026-08-08)	Product-category identity and exclusion of the adjacent aqueous-ammonia category
iea-ammonia-roadmap-2021	Official guidance (official_guidance)	International Energy Agency, Ammonia Technology Roadmap, 2021, https://www.iea.org/reports/ammonia-technology-roadmap (retrieved 2026-08-08)	Route differentiation, hydrogen sources, energy significance, carbon capture, and cross-industry context
us-epa-ap42-ammonia	Official guidance (official_guidance)	U.S. EPA, AP-42 Final Background Document for Synthetic Ammonia, Section 8.1, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-09/documents/b08s01_1.pdf (retrieved 2026-08-08)	Process decomposition, synthesis loop, purification, vents, condensate, and emissions inventory structure
us-epa-ghgrp-ammonia-tsd-2009	Official guidance (official_guidance)	U.S. EPA, Technical Support Document for Ammonia: Proposed Rule for Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases, 2009, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-02/documents/ti_g-tsd_ammonia_epa_1-22-09.pdf (retrieved 2026-08-08)	Feedstock and combustion separation, carbon balance, process CO2, and captured-CO2 treatment
eu-cbam-2023-1773	Standard (standard)	Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1773, Annex III, Sections 3.6-3.7, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32023R1773 (retrieved 2026-08-08)	Route-specific ammonia boundary, separately supplied hydrogen, energy and feedstock treatment, co-product allocation, and CO2 disposition
iso-7103-1982	Standard (standard)	ISO 7103:1982, Liquefied anhydrous ammonia for industrial use - Sampling - Taking a laboratory sample, https://www.iso.org/standard/13688.html (retrieved 2026-08-08)	Product sampling and quality-evidence protocol
iso-7105-1985	Standard (standard)	ISO 7105:1985, Liquefied anhydrous ammonia for industrial use - Determination of water content - Karl Fischer method, https://www.iso.org/standard/13690.html (retrieved 2026-08-08)	Water-content measurement and anhydrous-product quality disclosure
cdc-niosh-ammonia	Official guidance (official_guidance)	U.S. CDC/NIOSH, Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Ammonia, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0028.html (retrieved 2026-08-08)	Physical state, liquefied compressed storage, temperature and pressure disclosure, and release pathways