Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.42–0.52 m³/t (typical 0.47)14.8–18.4 ft³/t (typical 16.6) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~25 |
| BCSN | IRON ORE PELLETS |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Iron ore pellets are uniform spheres of ore that has been balled and heat-hardened for use in blast furnaces and direct-reduction plants. Unlike fines, the agglomerated pellets are inert and do not liquefy, so they carry as Group C. They are dense enough to be a deadweight cargo, reaching the marks well before the holds are full.
Stowage & loading
The defining handling trait is how freely pellets flow and roll – close to ball bearings – so they spread and seek their own level readily and can run during loading and in a seaway. They are loaded by conveyor or grab, trimmed level, and sit low in the hold with high tank-top loading, so the loading sequence and structural limits are respected as for ore generally.
Hazards & handling
Pellets are chemically inert and present few of the hazards of fines; the concerns are physical. Their free-running nature means an untrimmed or partly filled hold can see the cargo shift, and the hard spheres are abrasive to handling gear and coatings. Dust is modest compared with fines but still a housekeeping matter, and the rolling cargo is a footing hazard in the hold.
Carriage & discharge
Carriage is straightforward provided the stow is trimmed and the holds are checked for water as usual. Discharge is by grab or continuous unloader, with the free-flowing pellets clearing readily. Residual pellets in tank-top corners and hopper wells are recovered, and coatings are inspected for abrasion damage on completion.
Key hazards
- Free-running, rolling behaviour that can let a partly filled or untrimmed stow shift
- Abrasion of holds, coatings and handling gear by the hard spheres
- Footing hazard for personnel on a surface of loose rolling pellets
Loading precautions
- Trim level and avoid slack holds, given how readily pellets run and seek their level
- Respect tank-top loading limits and the ship's loading sequence as for dense ore
- Protect coatings and recover abrasive residue thoroughly on discharge
Stowage factors are indicative and vary with grade, origin, moisture and packing. Always verify against the shipper's cargo declaration and the applicable IMSBC Code schedule before fixing or loading. This is general information, not professional or safety advice.