Seed Waste
| Infobox on Seed Waste | |
|---|---|
| Example of Seed Waste |  |
| Facts | |
| Origin | - |
| Stowage factor (in m3/t) | - |
| Angle of repose | - |
| Humidity / moisture | - |
| Oil content | - |
| Ventilation | - |
| Risk factors | - |
Seed Waste
Contents
Description
Seed Waste (further referred to as Seedcake) is the residue remaining after the removal of oil from any oil-bearing seeds, cereals and cereal products, and any other commodities with similar properties. This is achieved by mechanical crushing or by a process known as solvent extraction. Seedcake is a by-product of the production of vegetable oils from the oil-bearing seeds or grains, and is principally used as an animal feed or fertiliser.
With some exceptions (for example, solvent-extracted seedcake with low-residual oil and moisture, which is not regarded as hazardous), seedcake is a hazardous cargo that can self-heat owing to the presence of moisture, residual oil or both. Although the self-heating process is slow, it can cause the bulk temperature of the cargo to rise to the point at which it ignites spontaneously. The shipper is required, according to the provisions of the IMSBC Code, to provide a certificate from a
person recognised by the competent authority of the country of shipment confirming the oil and moisture content of the shipment,
on the basis of which the UN number of the cargo is determined.
The moisture content of a seedcake cargo is relevant since high moisture content promotes microbiological activity, which may be
responsible for the initial rise in temperature up to about 70ºC and deterioration in the quality of the seedcake. This activity alone will not cause the seedcake to ignite, but it will accelerate oxidation of the residual oil, which in turn can cause the temperature to rise sufficiently to the point at which the seedcake will spontaneously ignite.
According to the IMSBC Code, seedcake derived from solvent extraction has an additional hazard arising from residual flammable
solvent mixed in the cargo. Seedcake determined to be non-hazardous, and certified as such, is non-combustible and has a low fire risk.
It is important to measure the cargo temperature before and after loading, and during carriage to ensure that incipient signs of self-heating are detected and appropriate action can be taken. Digital thermometers of the type shown below are employed for this purpose.
Due to their oil and moisture content, this cargo can present a significant fire risk due to self-heating and spontaneous combustion.
Reference is made to the relevant IMO publications of hazardous cargo.
Full information on this product is in the process of completion.