Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.85–1.90 m³/t (typical 1.05)30.0–67.1 ft³/t (typical 37.1) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~30 |
| BCSN | SODA ASH |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Soda ash is sodium carbonate shipped in bulk for glassmaking, chemicals and detergents, in dense and light grades of differing stowage factor, around 1.05 m3/t typically. It is a deadweight cargo in the dense grade. An alkaline powder, its handling turns on its hygroscopic, dusty and caustic-irritant nature.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean and dry, and the powder is loaded by grab, conveyor or air-slide and trimmed level. Dryness is the priority, as soda ash is hygroscopic and cakes when damp, and dust is controlled because the alkaline dust is a caustic irritant to eyes, skin and lungs.
Hazards & handling
The cargo is hygroscopic and cakes or sets if it takes up moisture, complicating discharge, and its fine alkaline dust is a caustic irritant requiring protection for personnel. It is mildly corrosive to some metals when damp. It is otherwise stable, not flammable and does not self-heat.
Carriage & discharge
The cargo is kept dry and ventilated to limit moisture pickup and caking, with the stow monitored. Discharge is by grab or air-slide; caked material is broken out, the caustic dust is controlled with protection for personnel, and holds are cleaned of residue on completion.
Key hazards
- Hygroscopic caking and setting if it absorbs moisture
- Caustic, irritant alkaline dust
- Mild corrosivity to some metals when damp
Loading precautions
- Present clean, dry holds and keep the cargo dry
- Control the caustic dust and protect personnel
- Break out caked material and ventilate to limit moisture
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.