• SULPHUR CARGO

• Sulphur

• Two schedules. ( both are given in IMSBC book)

• 1) Under IMSBC , a co-product recovered from sour gas processing or oil

refinery operations that has been subjected to a forming process that
converts sulphur from molten state into specific solid shapes eg prills,
granules , pellets, pastilles or flakes.. Bright yellow in color, odourless.
Called formed and solid Group C cargo.

• 2) Crushed , lump, and coarse grained sulphur is under IMDG class 4.1 ,
UN No 1350. Group B cargo. A mineral substance found free in volcanic
countries . Yellow in colour, brittle, insoluble in water but readily fused
by heat.

• Sulphur Properties

• 1) Toxic in nature.

• 2) It DOESNOT heat spontaneously but is easily inflammable.

• 3) When it burns it gives out sulphur di-oxide SO2 , which is toxic and has
a pungent smell.

• 4) It readily fuses when heated slightly.

• 5) Sulphur combines with salt water producing Sulphuric acid.

• Sulphur Hazards

• 1) Fire :- If fire occurs a fine spray of water may be used or more sulphur
shoveled onto the burning area to smother the fire. If fire is large, close
all hatches and entrances and use CO2.

• 2) Dust Explosion Sulphur dust can readily ignite causing explosion thus
sulphur is wetted with fresh water before loading to prevent dust rising.

• After discharge , while sweeping the hold this hazard may arise . Holds to
be cleaned only using fresh water.
• 3) Corrosion. Sulphur is loaded in wet condition to prevent dust being
raised and retard flammability. The presence of water enhances the
corrosive power of sulphur and on discharge it will be seen that the
steelwork in the hold and rusted areas are badly corroded . To protect
the hold it should be liberally coated with lime especially areas where
paint coating is removed.

• Preparation Of Holds

• 1) Holds to be thoroughly swept , not to be washed with salt water.

• 2) No loose metal objects eg bilge covers, lashing gear etc to be left in

holds , as during discharge the grab could strike against it and produce a
spark.

• 3) Hold should be liberally coated with lime wash to prevent corrosion of

sulphuric acid which is produced due to presence of water while loading.

• 4) Thoroughly Clean all bilges of any cargo and water. Bilge suctions to
be tried out satisfactorily.

• 5) Ventilation System to be tried out for proper and efficient functioning

and have spark arresting screens. Flaps should be free.

• 6) CO2 system and smoke detection system of the hold to be checked.

The CO2 system should be blown through with compressed air at regular
intervals with compressed air and checked that all nozzles are clear.

• Sulphur

• After discharging holds to be thoroughly cleaned and particular attention

to be paid to underside oh hatch covers, box beams and ledges where
dust can lodge. PPE to be used by all persons involved in cleaning .

• As sulphur is loaded wet, the quantity may turn out to be less by weight.
Bilges may fill up during the voyage and record must be kept of
soundings to determine quantity of water being pumped out . This
record is to be produced if the discharged quantity is disputed by the
consignee.