Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.40–0.55 m³/t (typical 0.45)14.1–19.4 ft³/t (typical 15.9) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | B Cargoes that carry a chemical hazard in carriage. |
| Angle of repose | ~35 |
| BCSN | FERROSILICON |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Ferrosilicon is an iron-silicon ferroalloy shipped in lumps as a steelmaking additive. At around 0.45 m3/t it is deadweight-limited. Certain silicon ranges are a hazardous Group B cargo, and it is reactivity with moisture – not density – that governs its carriage.
Stowage & loading
Carriage follows the cargo's schedule, with holds clean and dry and the cargo kept from contact with moisture before and during loading. Ventilation arrangements are confirmed, and enclosed spaces are treated as potentially toxic and flammable from the outset.
Hazards & handling
In contact with moisture the reactive grades can evolve hydrogen, a flammable gas, together with toxic and flammable phosphine and arsine, while depleting oxygen. The gases are dangerous in enclosed spaces, so atmospheres are tested, ventilation maintained and ignition sources excluded.
Carriage & discharge
The cargo is kept dry and ventilated as the schedule requires, with enclosed spaces regarded as potentially toxic, flammable and oxygen-deficient and tested before any entry. Discharge is by grab; spaces are ventilated and gas-tested, and ignition sources kept away.
Key hazards
- Evolution of flammable hydrogen and toxic phosphine and arsine when wet
- Oxygen depletion and toxic, flammable atmospheres in enclosed spaces
- Ignition risk requiring strict source control
Loading precautions
- Carry to the cargo's schedule with clean, dry holds and confirmed ventilation
- Keep the cargo from contact with moisture before and during loading
- Test atmospheres before entry 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.