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 | AMMONIUM SULPHATE |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Ammonium sulphate is a crystalline or granular fertiliser supplying nitrogen and sulphur, traded in bulk. At around 0.95 m3/t it is a deadweight cargo. A straightforward product to carry, its handling turns on keeping it dry, as it readily takes up moisture, cakes and turns mildly acidic.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean and dry, and the cargo is loaded by conveyor or grab and trimmed level. Dryness is the priority because ammonium sulphate is hygroscopic and cakes when damp, and contamination is avoided in a product bound for agricultural use.
Hazards & handling
The cargo is hygroscopic and cakes or sets if it absorbs moisture, making discharge harder, and when damp it is mildly acidic and corrosive to steel, so bilges and steelwork are protected. It is otherwise stable and low-hazard, with dust the main nuisance in handling.
Carriage & discharge
The cargo is kept dry and ventilated to limit moisture pickup and caking, with the stow monitored. Discharge is by grab, with caked material broken out as needed, and holds and bilges washed down afterwards to remove the mildly corrosive residue and protect the steel.
Key hazards
- Caking and setting if the cargo absorbs moisture
- Mild acidity and corrosivity to steel when damp
- Nuisance dust during handling
Loading precautions
- Present clean, dry holds and keep the cargo dry
- Protect steelwork and bilges against mild corrosion
- Trim level and control dust during handling
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.