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Marine Transportation of Mill Scale

We are looking into helping an European exporter of mill scale (about 26000 metric tons) overcome a problem that has arisen due the high moisture content of a particular 26000 metric ton consignment. The current moisture content is in the region of 13%. Shipowners are not prepared to carry mill scale that has a moisture content of more than 10% because of the possibility of the ship capsizing during the voyage as a result of free flowing water in the holds. Any practical and cost effective suggestions on ways to reduce the moisture content. (Other than moving the stockpile into a shed!)

Don McFadyen
maritime support - Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
January 28, 2010

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February 5, 2010

Don

If the water content is sufficiently mobile to capsize a ship, it follows that it will naturally flow to the bottom of the pile.

26000 tonnes is a big pile. I would risk a small bet that the sample tested came from near the bottom.

A more representative sample may show that you have no problem. If not, cover with tarpaulin in very wet weather and make sure any water can drain away (a small trench round the pile)

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England