Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.35–0.50 m³/t (typical 0.42)12.4–17.7 ft³/t (typical 14.8) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~30 |
| BCSN | BARYTES |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Barytes, or barium sulphate, is a very dense mineral shipped in bulk, chiefly to weight oil-well drilling muds. At around 0.42 m3/t it is one of the densest mineral cargoes and strongly deadweight-limited. Chemically inert, its carriage is dominated by that extreme density and by dust.
Stowage & loading
The mineral is loaded by grab or conveyor and trimmed level. Because so much weight sits in so little space, loading is planned to respect tank-top strength and distribute the load, and the very low stow leaves holds far from full at the ship's deadweight. Dust is controlled with fine grades.
Hazards & handling
The concerns are structural and physical: very high concentrated weight that can overstress the tank top if poorly distributed, and a low, dense stow affecting stability and motion. Fine grades are dusty. The mineral is chemically inert and does not react, self-heat or liquefy in normal grades.
Carriage & discharge
Weight distribution and hull stress are the carriage focus; the cargo itself is stable. Discharge is by grab, worked steadily from the dense stow, with dust controlled for fine material and the residue cleaned from holds on completion.
Key hazards
- Very high concentrated weight risking tank-top overstress
- Stability and motion effects of a low, very dense stow
- Dust with fine grades
Loading precautions
- Plan loading to respect tank-top strength and distribute weight
- Trim to spread the dense load and aid stability
- Control dust with fine grades
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.