Gas and Temperature Monitoring for Coal Cargo – Coal Loading Supervision – Coal Cargo Survey in Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the world largest coal productions country with the target coal production of 550 million tons in 2021. The coal is exported to several countries which transported by ship from all around Indonesia, especially in Kalimantan region, where the most coal mining production sited

The coal loading points or coal terminal in Kalimantan such as Balikpapan, Samarinda, Adang Bay, Sangkulirang, Kaliorang, Bontang, Sangatta, Tanjung Bara, Muara Berau, Muara Pantai, Banjarmasin, Taboneo, Batu Licin, Asam-Asam, Satui, Bunati, Tanjung Pemancingan, Tarakan, Bunyu, Tanah Kuning.

Some types of coal are susceptible to spontaneous combustion, where the presence of oxygen assists the temperature of the coal to rise to a point at which self-ignition occurs

The parties involved in coal carriage needs to concern that coal cargo is associated with several hazards. Certain precautions upon loading and monitoring during the voyage is a must, as some coals are susceptible to:
– emit methane (CH4), which in turn may potentially create a flammable or explosive atmosphere susceptible to ignition by a spark or flame. CH4 will accumulate in the upper layer of space and can also leak into adjacent areas if the cargo space is not gas-tight.
– deplete oxygen (O2) in cargo holds and adjacent spaces, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) in the cargo space.
– be prone to self-heating and potentially spontaneous combustion resulting in the release of carbon monoxide (CO) – an odourless, but toxic gas if inhaled, and with flammable limits in air of 12% to 75% by volume.
– liquefy, if carried with excessive moisture content.
– react with water, producing corrosion-inducing acids, as well as toxic gases and hydrogen (H), which is lighter than air and odourless with flammable limits in air of 4% to 75% by volume.

The problems related to the carriage of coal cargo in bulk, i.e., Self-heating (Spontaneous Combustion) can lead to fires and the production of carbon monoxide (CO), and Methane release can lead to an explosive atmosphere being generated in the hold

The loading port surveyor must be appointed to do the following:
– Examined the shipper’s cargo declaration that contained the cargo properties and the associated hazards.
– Prior to loading, the temperature of coal cargo should be checked. The coal cargo with temperatures above 55°C shall not be accepted for loading.
– The gas and temperature checks are carried out in the cargo holds regularly to monitor whether any signs of self-heating and explosive atmosphere generates during loading.
– An onboard can test is carried out to determine the presence of moisture on the cargo surface and the tends of liquefaction.

 The Gas and Temperature Monitoring in cargo holds is critical for vessels carrying any type of coal. The measurements of Gas concentration and Temperature in cargo holds should provide regularly

SAMUDRA – Marine Cargo Surveyors

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Email : op@surveyorsamudra.com

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