15.2 Ammonium nitrate solution (93% or less)
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - IBC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in BulkAmended by Resolution MEPC.225(64) - Chapter 15 Special requirements - 15.2 Ammonium nitrate solution (93% or less)

15.2 Ammonium nitrate solution (93% or less)

  15.2.1 The ammonium nitrate solution shall contain at least 7% by weight of water. The acidity (pH) of the cargo when diluted with ten parts of water to one part of cargo by weight shall be between 5.0 and 7.0. The solution shall not contain more than 10 ppm chloride ions, 10 ppm ferric ions and shall be free of other contaminants.

  15.2.2 Tanks and equipment for ammonium nitrate solution shall be independent of tanks and equipment containing other cargoes or combustible products. Equipment which may, in service or when defective, release combustible products into the cargo (e.g. lubricants), shall not be used. Tanks shall not be used for seawater ballast.

  15.2.3 Except where expressly approved by the Administration, ammonium nitrate solutions shall not be transported in tanks which have previously contained other cargoes unless tanks and associated equipment have been cleaned to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  15.2.4 The temperature of the heat-exchanging medium in the tank heating system shall not exceed 160°C. The heating system shall be provided with a control system to keep the cargo at a bulk mean temperature of 140°C. High-temperature alarms at 145°C and 150°C and a low-temperature alarm at 125°C shall be provided. Where the temperature of the heat-exchanging medium exceeds 160°C, an alarm shall also be given. Temperature alarms and controls shall be located on the navigating bridge.

  15.2.5 If the bulk mean cargo temperature reaches 145°C, a cargo sample shall be diluted with ten parts of distilled or demineralized water to one part of cargo by weight and the pH shall be determined by means of a narrow-range indicator paper or stick. Acidity measurements shall then be taken every 24 hours. If the pH is found to be below 4.2, ammonia gas shall be injected into the cargo until the pH of 5.0 is reached.

  15.2.6 A fixed installation shall be provided to inject ammonia gas into the cargo. Controls for this system shall be located on the navigation bridge. For this purpose, 300 kg of ammonia per 1,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate solution shall be available on board.

  15.2.7 Cargo pumps shall be of the centrifugal deepwell type or of the centrifugal type with water-flushed seals.

  15.2.8 Vent piping shall be fitted with approved weatherhoods to prevent clogging. Such weatherhoods shall be accessible for inspection and cleaning.

  15.2.9 Hot work on tanks, piping and equipment which have been in contact with ammonium nitrate solution shall only be done after all traces of ammonium nitrate have been removed, inside as well as outside.


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