I. Characteristics of Seed Cake
Seed cake is the residue that remains after oil is extracted from oily plant seeds through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. It is commonly referred to as "oil cake" and is primarily used as animal feed or fertilizer. Due to its high moisture and oil content, seed cake can gradually decompose and generate heat, potentially leading to spontaneous combustion under certain conditions—especially when exposed to moisture or a significant amount of unoxidized oil. This risk increases during long-term storage and transportation, making it a hazardous material. As a result, seed cake is classified under Class 4 (Flammable Solids) and Class 2 (Gases) in the International Code of Conduct. In ocean transport, where large loads are common, long voyages make ventilation difficult, and temperature fluctuations are frequent, the risk of spontaneous combustion becomes even more critical.
2. Safe Transportation Measures for Seed Cakes
To ensure safe transportation of seed cakes, several key measures must be followed. First, the shipper should choose a vessel with adequate ventilation systems and an effective COâ‚‚ fire suppression system. Second, the shipper must provide accurate data on the moisture and oil content of the cargo. Ideally, the moisture content should not exceed 10%, and the total oil content should remain below 20%. Before loading, the cargo hold must be thoroughly cleaned, and all ventilation equipment should be tested to ensure proper function. Additionally, all electrical systems within the cabin should be inspected for leaks, short circuits, or grounding issues, and safety nets should be installed for lighting. The sewage channels and wells must also be kept clean and free from blockages to prevent any potential hazards. Smoking is strictly prohibited near the cargo area during loading and unloading to reduce the risk of ignition.
3. Important Considerations During Loading and Unloading
When loading and unloading seed cake, it is essential to keep the cargo dry and avoid exposure to rain or snow. If the cargo hold’s base is a fuel tank, insulating materials such as wood or canvas should be placed underneath to prevent direct contact. Seed cake should not be stored close to the engine room. If the entire ship is carrying seed cake, it should be placed away from the engine room end and arranged in a sloped manner for better air circulation. Thermometers should be placed at various positions and depths inside the cargo hold to monitor temperature changes continuously. These precautions help in early detection of any potential overheating or fire risks.
4. Safety Precautions During Navigation
Once at sea, daily temperature checks of each cargo hold must be conducted and recorded in the logbook. Ventilation should be adjusted based on external weather conditions. On clear days, the cabin should be aired regularly to remove hot air and prevent excessive moisture loss. If signs of overheating, such as smoke or burning odors, are detected, the affected areas should be removed and discarded into the sea immediately. When the temperature reaches 40°C, timely ventilation is necessary if conditions permit. However, if the temperature rises beyond 55°C, the cargo hold should be sealed, and ventilation stopped. For seed cake produced by mechanical pressing, CO₂ should be injected to suppress any potential fire, while continuous temperature monitoring is required. CO₂ release must follow SOLAS regulations, and the cabin must be fully sealed before releasing the gas to avoid pressure buildup that could compromise the watertight integrity of the cargo hold. If these measures fail and the temperature continues to rise, seawater may be used to extinguish the fire, but this method requires extreme caution due to the potential impact on the cargo and ship structure.
Sliding Bar,Slide Bar Adjustable,Chrome Adjustable Sliding Bar,Sliding Bar With Handheld,shower rod,shower pipe,shower bar
Kaiping Rainparty Sanitary Ware Technology Co.,Ltd. , https://www.rpshower.com