Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.55–0.75 m³/t (typical 0.65)19.4–26.5 ft³/t (typical 23.0) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~30 |
| BCSN | CEMENT CLINKERS |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Cement clinker is the kiln-fired nodular intermediate that is ground into cement, shipped in bulk between plants. At around 0.65 m3/t it is a dense, deadweight cargo. Its handling differs from inert minerals in two ways: it is often loaded warm, and it reacts with water, while being hard and abrasive.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean and dry, and the clinker is loaded by grab or conveyor and trimmed level. The temperature of the clinker is noted, as it can be loaded warm from the kiln, and combustible material and coatings are protected from the heat, while moisture is kept away.
Hazards & handling
Clinker can be loaded hot, posing a heat hazard to coatings, combustibles and the structure, and it reacts with water to generate heat and a caustic, setting mass, so it is kept dry. It is hard, abrasive and dusty, the dust being a caustic irritant, so dust control and protection apply.
Carriage & discharge
The cargo is kept dry to prevent reaction and setting, and any residual heat is monitored. Discharge is by grab; set or caked material is broken out, the caustic dust is controlled with protection for personnel, and the abrasive residue is cleaned thoroughly on completion.
Key hazards
- Often loaded warm, posing a heat hazard to coatings and combustibles
- Reacts with water, generating heat and a caustic, setting mass
- Hard, abrasive, caustic-irritant dust
Loading precautions
- Note clinker temperature and protect coatings and combustibles from heat
- Present dry holds and keep the cargo away from water
- Control caustic dust and protect personnel and equipment
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.