Remarks:
HBI at Elevated Temperatures
The Master of the ship must notify the port authorities if hydrogen gas is detected in the ship holds or if abnormal temperatures are measured in the HBI cargo holds. The Harbor Master and qualified personnel are responsible for executing the action plan when a ship or barge arrives with HBI at the following temperature levels:
A. Greater Than 65° Celsius but Less Than or Equal to 80° Celsius
Proceed with the following actions:
1 > Before unloading the vessel, measure the HBI temperature in each hold and record the measurements in the temperature log book.
2 > Unload the holds in the assigned zone and immediately transfer the HBI to the storage yard zone as described in PART II, Section 5.4 of this guide.
B. Temperature Greater Than 80° Celsius and Less Than or Equal to 150°
Celsius
Proceed with the following actions:
1 > Before unloading the vessel, measure the HBI temperature in each hold and record the measurements in the temperature log book. This should be done every two hours while the contingency is in effect.
2 > Unload the holds with HBI at temperature less than 65º Celsius first, then those containing HBI between 65º and 100º Celsius. Continue unloading HBI with temperatures between 100º and 150º Celsius in the
first transfer station, using the movement sense of the belt as a
reference.
3 > Transfer the HBI from the unloading zone clean and free of debris and flammable material, such as coal, coke and wood to the storage yard indicated by the client as follows:
Transfer the HBI during a maximum of three-minute intervals, and dose (i.e., mix the hotter with the cooler material to have an average temperature lower than the hottest one – no water to be used) the HBI that is at temperatures between 100° and 150° Celsius with cooler material for a maximum of two minutes. Stop the vibrating feeders for about five minutes, but keep the conveyor belts in motion. Repeat these steps until finished with HBI removal. While transferring the HBI, inspect the belt transfer system for any sign of overheating. In case of belt overheating, stop the HBI dosing and transfer but keep the transfer belts in motion until they cool. Take special care to avoid pouring water into hoppers and other equipment. Use a front-end loader to spread the HBI to a level of approximate 30 centimeter height to stop the reoxidation, Verify that the belts are cooled down and resume HBI transfer per
the previous instructions.
C . Greater than 150° Celsius
Proceed with the following actions:
1 > Before unloading the holds, measure the HBI temperature in each hold and record the measurements in the temperature log book. This should be done every two hours while the contingency is in effect.
2 > Position the HBI with temperatures greater than 150° Celsius at the end of the reception area and spray with pressurized water. In this case, there is no option but to momentarily cool down the HBI.
3 > When the temperature is reduced to between 80º and 150° Celsius proceed with the steps described in 6.3.2.2. Caution: Do not spray water on hot HBI that is steaming (i.e., emitting water vapor).
Procedure If Hydrogen Concentration Is Over 1% (25% LEL)
1 > Inform the shipper immediately and seek expert advice.
2 > Keep the natural surface ventilation open at all times
3 > Monitor LEL in the holds continuously until level drops to less than 25 %.
4 > Avoid any possible ignition source on the vicinity.
5 > Care shall be taken as to prevent any spark generation.
6 > Monitor the hydrogen concentration in the holds and keep the surface ventilation (either natural or mechanical) until values fall below 1%.
7 > When hydrogen levels are within safe values, proceed as normal.
8 > On the contrary, additional ventilation should be applied to the space if available and re-testing should be conducted after a suitable interval.
9 > Contact the P & I Club and Shipper and follow the instructions of the appointed expert or surveyor.
10 > At sea, do not open the troubled hold without explicit instructions from the shipper or appointed expert or surveyor.
11 > Ensure there are no possible sources of ignition near the cargo spaces, adjacent spaces or open decks.
