ACRYLONITRILE are high value and require sophisticated handling
for safety, health and loss prevention reasons. They need careful consideration prior loading , tank coating compatibility, cross compatibility with other cargoes carried, environmental controls if required (inerting).
Product characteristics
Product safety data sheets may be available from various
sources. For safety preparation, until the specific product safety data sheet can be obtained, Chemical Data Guide for Bulk Shipment by Water (U.S. DoT), should be used. Concerning the IBC/BCH code (respective 16.2/5.2) the Master should request the specific product safety data sheet before commencement of loading. The safety data sheet posted must be in a language understood by ship's Officers and Crew (English).
Regulatory requirements / ACRYLONITRILE
Acrylonitrile is an unstable product when not inhibited.
Acrylonitrile is regulated for bulk transportation by the IMO, BCH and IBC codes. Following is the summary of the codes' minimum requirements:
UN number: 1093
Pollution category : Y
Hazards Safety and pollution hazard : (S /P)
Ship type : 2
Tank type : Integral gravity tank
Tank vents :Controlled venting
Tank Environment : No requirements
Electrical equipment : Special requirements, T1,II B,
Gauging : Closed Vapour Detection : Flammable and toxic vapours
Fire Protection : Alcohol resistant foam
Material of construction Aluminium, magnesium, zinc, galvanized
steel and lithium should not come in contact with Acrylonitrile. Materials normally used in electrical apparatus, such as copper, aluminium and insulation, should as far as practicable be protected to prevent contact with the vapour of Acrylonitrile.
Special Requirements See IBC Code, 15.12, 15.13, 15.17, 15,19
and the BCH Code, Chapter IV, 4.9, 4.10, 4.12.3, 4.13.1, 4.14, 4.17
Respiratory and eye protection Individual units required for
emergency escape purpose.
Special arrangements / ACRYLONTRILE Safety Alert :
Chemical incompatibility - Acrylonitrile / Caustic Soda Solution
Recent laboratory tests indicated a potentially hazardous reaction
between acrylonitrile (group 15) and caustic soda solution (group 5). This combination is considered compatible for adjacent stowage by current regulations (46 CFR part 150).While a review of the data used to construct the compatibility part in these regulations showed no reactivity between these two chemicals at test temperatures up to 100 degrees C, the new data indicates that a delayed reaction may occur, which generates large amounts of heat if the mixture is vigorously stirred. The regulations are being amended to reflect this incompatibility. Meanwhile...
Do Not Load ACRYLONITRILE and CAUSTIC SODA
SOLUTION in Adjacent Tanks.
If you or your company should experience any reactivity with
these or similar products, please notify:
Hazardous Materials Branch (MTH-1)
Marine Technical and Hazardous Materials Division
Office of Marine Safety, Security and Environmental
Protection
Coast Guard Headquarters 2100 Second Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20593-0001
Slop disposal and arrangements
The slops are to be disposed according to:
1. Regulations for control of pollution by noxious liquid
substances in bulk, IMO, MARPOL Annex II and,
2. When it is necessary to dispose slops to shore reception
facilities, the ship must report estimated quantities to the Ship Operator and the local agent. Before mixing compatible slop residues or slops and cleaning agents consult the local agent.
Related information - ACRYLONITRILE
Removal of Acrylonitrile from Drip Trays : It is important to stress
the importance of personnel and environment safety when handling Acrylonitrile as cargo and waste. Any product that may enter drip trays when disconnecting the cargo hoses must be transferred to a slop tank or a toxic waste container by safe methods. Personnel must wear rubber gloves, face shield, plastic coated clothing and wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Small spills may be flushed away with water.