Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.85–1.05 m³/t (typical 0.95)30.0–37.1 ft³/t (typical 33.5) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~30 |
| BCSN | ALUMINA |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Alumina is aluminium oxide, a fine white powder refined from bauxite and shipped to smelters. At around 0.95 m3/t it is a dense, deadweight cargo. Its defining handling traits are its tendency to fluidise when aerated and the pervasiveness of its fine, abrasive dust.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean and dry, and the powder is loaded by conveyor, spout or air-slide and trimmed level. Because alumina aerates and fluidises readily, loading is controlled to avoid an unstable, liquid-like surface, and dust is contained as far as practicable.
Hazards & handling
When aerated the powder behaves like a fluid and can shift, so a flat, well-trimmed surface and attention to stability matter. The fine dust is pervasive and abrasive, working into machinery and accommodation, and is a nuisance and minor health irritant requiring dust control.
Carriage & discharge
The cargo is kept dry and the trimmed surface monitored for any movement. Discharge is by grab, air-slide or pneumatic unloader; the fine dust is controlled throughout, and machinery spaces and later cargoes are protected from the abrasive residue, which is cleaned thoroughly.
Key hazards
- Fluidisation and cargo shift when the powder is aerated
- Pervasive, abrasive dust affecting machinery and accommodation
- Nuisance and minor irritant dust requiring control
Loading precautions
- Present clean, dry holds and trim the surface flat to limit shift
- Control aeration during loading to avoid a fluidised surface
- Apply dust-control measures and protect machinery from abrasive dust
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.