Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.35–0.55 m³/t (typical 0.45)12.4–19.4 ft³/t (typical 15.9) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | B Cargoes that carry a chemical hazard in carriage. |
| Angle of repose | ~35 |
| BCSN | DIRECT REDUCED IRON |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Direct reduced iron (DRI), including its briquetted form HBI, is a porous metallic iron made by reducing ore, shipped in bulk to steelmakers. At around 0.45 m3/t it is deadweight-limited. It is a hazardous Group B cargo whose reactivity, not its density, dominates its carriage.
Stowage & loading
Carriage follows the cargo's schedule for the grade, with moisture and temperature checked and holds clean and dry before loading. Many forms are loaded and carried under an inert atmosphere or with controlled ventilation, and contact with water – including rain during loading – is prevented.
Hazards & handling
DRI reacts with moisture and with air: it can self-heat, and on contact with water it evolves hydrogen, a flammable gas that can form an explosive atmosphere in enclosed spaces, while consuming oxygen. Temperatures and hydrogen levels are monitored, and ignition sources excluded throughout.
Carriage & discharge
The cargo is kept dry, with temperatures and gas concentrations monitored and the inert or ventilated regime maintained as the schedule requires. Enclosed spaces are treated as potentially oxygen-deficient and explosive, tested before entry; discharge is kept clear of water and ignition sources.
Key hazards
- Hydrogen evolution on contact with water, forming explosive atmospheres
- Self-heating and oxygen depletion in enclosed spaces
- Ignition risk requiring strict source control
Loading precautions
- Carry to the grade's schedule with holds clean and dry and moisture checked
- Prevent contact with water, including rain, and maintain the inert or ventilated regime
- Monitor temperature and hydrogen and exclude ignition sources
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.