Key data
| Stowage factor | 1.40–1.70 m³/t (typical 1.55)49.4–60.0 ft³/t (typical 54.7) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | B Cargoes that carry a chemical hazard in carriage. |
| Angle of repose | ~35 |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Palm kernel expeller, or palm kernel cake, is the fibrous residue left after oil is pressed from palm kernels, shipped in large volumes as animal feed. As a seed cake it is a Group B cargo with a real self-heating tendency. Light and bulky at around 1.55 m3/t it is a measurement cargo.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean and dry, and the cargo's condition, moisture and temperature at loading are the key checks, since warm, moist or freshly produced material heats more readily. A baseline temperature is recorded, the cargo is kept clear of heated structure, and a level trim limits the surface exposed to air.
Hazards & handling
PKE can self-heat towards combustion and, as it does, it consumes oxygen and can release carbon dioxide and other gases, making cargo and adjacent spaces dangerous to enter. Residual oil and moisture raise the risk. Enclosed spaces are treated as oxygen-deficient, and the cargo is monitored against heating throughout the voyage.
Carriage & discharge
Temperatures and the hold atmosphere are monitored through the voyage, ventilation is managed to limit heating, and a rising trend is acted on early. Discharge is by grab or unloader; spaces are ventilated, gas-freed and certified before entry, and any heated pockets are handled with care.
Key hazards
- Self-heating that can progress towards combustion
- Oxygen depletion and carbon-dioxide build-up in enclosed spaces
- Risk rising with residual oil, moisture and loading temperature
Loading precautions
- Check condition, moisture and temperature at loading and refuse warm parcels
- Record a baseline temperature, keep clear of heated structure and trim level
- Treat enclosed cargo spaces as oxygen-deficient
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.