Description
Sugarcane biomass pellets are light blonde to chocolate brown in colour;
very hard and cannot be easily squashed. Sugarcane biomass pellets are made of bagasse,
straw and leaves left over from industrial and agricultural activities. Normally there
are no additives or binders blended into the pellet. This schedule is also applicable to
sugarcane biomass pellets produced with the use of up to 2% of oxide-based mineral
additives such as calcium, magnesium and aluminium oxides. The raw material is
fragmented, dried and extruded into pellet form. The raw material is compressed to
approximately one-third of its original volume and the finished sugarcane biomass
pellets typically have a moisture content of 6 to 10%.
Characteristics
| Physical properties
|
| Size
|
Angle of repose
|
Bulk density
(kg/m3)
|
Stowage factor
(m3/t)
|
| Cylindrical with
Diameter: 6 mm to 12 mm
Length: 10 to 50 mm
|
Approximately
30°
|
600 to 700
|
1.43 to
1.67
|
| Hazard
classification
|
| Class
|
Subsidiary hazard(s)
|
MHB
|
Group
|
| Not
applicable
|
Not
applicable
|
CB and/or WF and/or
WT and/or OH
|
B
|
Hazard
Shipments are subject to oxidation leading to depletion of oxygen and
increase of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in cargo and communicating spaces (also
see Weather precautions).
Swelling occurs if exposed to moisture. Sugarcane biomass pellets may
ferment over time if moisture content is over 15% leading to generation of asphyxiating
and flammable gases which may cause spontaneous combustion. Handling of sugarcane
biomass pellets may cause dust to develop. Risk of explosion at high dust
concentration.
Stowage and segregation
Segregation as required for class 4.1 materials.
Hold cleanliness
Clean and dry as relevant to the hazards of the cargo.
Weather precautions
This cargo shall be kept as dry as practicable. This cargo shall not be
handled during precipitation. During handling of this cargo, all non-working hatches of
the cargo spaces into which this cargo is loaded, or to be loaded, shall be closed.
There is a high risk of renewed oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide formation in
previously ventilated adjacent spaces after closure of the hatch covers.
Loading
Trim in accordance with the relevant provisions required under sections 4
and 5 of this Code.
Precautions
Entry of personnel into the cargo spaces containing this cargo or the
connecting spaces shall not be permitted until tests have been carried out and it has
been established that the oxygen content and carbon monoxide levels have been restored
to the following levels: oxygen 21% and carbon monoxide < 100 ppm.footnote Use of cargo hold lighting such as hot halogen lamps shall
be avoided in the proximity of cargo spaces containing this cargo. Fuses to such lights
shall be removed or secured while this cargo is present in the cargo space. Precautions
shall be taken to prevent generation of high concentrations of dust during handling and
cleaning of this cargo.
Ventilation
Cargo spaces carrying this cargo shall not be ventilated during voyage.
Ventilation of enclosed spaces adjacent to a cargo hold before entry may be necessary
even if these spaces are apparently sealed from the cargo hold.
Carriage
Hatches of the cargo spaces carrying this cargo shall be weathertight to
prevent the ingress of water.
Discharge
No special requirements.
Clean-up
No special requirements.
Emergency procedures
| Special emergency equipment to
be carried
|
| Self-contained breathing apparatus
and combined or individual oxygen and carbon monoxide meters should be
available.
|
| Emergency
procedures
|
| Nil
|
| Emergency action in the event
of fire
|
| Batten down; use ship's fixed
fire-fighting installation, if fitted. Exclusion of air may be sufficient to
control fire. Extinguish fire with carbon dioxide, foam or water.
|
| Medical first aid
|
| Refer to the Medical First Aid
Guide (MFAG), as amended.
|