Key data
| Stowage factor | 1.45–1.70 m³/t (typical 1.55)51.2–60.0 ft³/t (typical 54.7) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~30 |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Wheat bran pellets are the pelletised residue of flour milling, shipped as animal feed. The light, bulky cargo has a stowage factor around 1.55 m3/t, making it a measurement cargo. As an organic feed by-product its care turns on moisture and the possibility of self-heating, much like other feed pellets and meals.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean and dry, and the pellets are loaded by conveyor or grab and trimmed level. The condition, moisture and temperature of the pellets at loading are checked, since warm or damp feed pellets are more inclined to heat, and a baseline temperature is recorded for monitoring at sea.
Hazards & handling
As an organic feed product the pellets can self-heat and mould if shipped or kept damp, and heating may consume oxygen in enclosed spaces, so spaces are entered under precaution. The pellets are dusty, with the dust posing an explosion concern, and the cargo taints and attracts vermin if holds are not clean.
Carriage & discharge
Cargo temperatures and ventilation are managed against heating and sweat, with any temperature rise treated seriously, and the cargo is kept dry. Discharge is by grab or unloader; enclosed spaces are ventilated and tested before entry, and dusty residue is cleaned thoroughly on completion.
Key hazards
- Self-heating and mould if shipped or kept damp
- Oxygen depletion in enclosed spaces during heating
- Explosive dust, taint and vermin attraction
Loading precautions
- Check condition, moisture and temperature at loading and record a baseline
- Keep the cargo dry and treat enclosed spaces with caution
- Control dust and ignition sources, and present clean holds against taint and vermin
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.