Two people developed the original concept of the ANPSG (Ammonium Nitrate Pollution Study Group ), Gene Comeau of Co-operative Farm Chemicals in Lawrence Kansas and Joe Stafford of Farmers Chemical Association, Harrison Tennessee to address the increasing requirements to reduce prill tower plumes. The first meeting was held in the fall of 1970 in Lawrence Kansas with 15 companies in attendance. The attendees focused on the common problem, emissions from ammonium nitrate prill towers believing an industry solution would be more effective. The meeting was such a success, that follow-up meetings were planned. The ANPSG has been an informal gathering of producers of Ammonium Nitrate ever since.
As the years passed the scope of the ANPSG expanded beyond environmental issues. Technical papers and discussions covered equipment, process improvements and safety concerns in the manufacture of fertilizer and industrial grade ammonium nitrate. In 1995 the ANPSG name was changed to Ammonium Nitrate Producers Study Group.
Attendees to the 2001 ANPSG meeting held in Lake Louise, agreed to co-host the following years' meetings together with the Nitric Acid Producers' meeting to seek synergies and efficiencies. To reflect this, the joint meeting is now called ANNA.
The annual 5-day meeting is held in the fall and attracts a wide range of international participants from a diversified background. North American, South American, European, Asian, African and Australian delegates representing plant operators, supervisors, managers, engineers, chemists and researchers from ammonium nitrate producing companies are invited to attend. These delegates are expected and encouraged to present technical papers and participate in lively discussions at the meeting. The ANNA has a rich history of bringing together: know-how, technology and experience to address the current issues and concerns of the industry. This allows the attendees to seek the best practices, innovations and practical solutions to promote the success of the industry as a whole.
Both the ANPSG & Nitric Acid Producers are supported by a group of volunteers from the industry including the chair and co-chair positions.
Vendors and consultants also play an important role for the success of the group.
Vendors are invited to provide technical displays in the exhibitor area and producers are encouraged to visit each vendor's booth. This provides an excellent opportunity for informal discussions with both the vendors and users of various technologies. Vendors are able to contact a wide range of potential clients and better understand the issues of the industry.
Historically vendors have organized various recreational activities to support the conference and facilitate the important networking.
Plant tours are often organized for the day after the conference.
Although the conferences are the focal point of AN&NA meeting executives, the real benefit for the attendees is the establishment of networking contacts with similar problems. This networking continues year round as individuals work with others on similar problems and issues.
In 2007 after several trial meeting the two group ANPSG and Nitric Acid producers officially merged to create ANNA.
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