Djakarta
1999
Mediterranean Sea
Europe
Packaged
HNS Spilt
Calcium hypochloriteSolid
Ca(OCl)2
Amount Spilt (T)Unknown
CAS Number7778-54-3
-
D
Physical Behaviour (SEBC code)
-
X
Pollution Category (MARPOL Annex 2)
-
5.1
Class according to IMDG code
-
8
Subsidiary Risk Class according to IMDG code
-
Classification as Marine Pollutant
-
iv
HNS Classification (2010 HNS Convention)
Fate and weathering facts observed/reported
This product had self-combusted, possibly as a result of impurities, either due to the manufacturing process of such bleaching powder or as a result of contamination during transport. The chemical readily decomposes to release chlorine and oxygen. Some drums of calcium hypochlorite had a propensity to undergo a self-accelerating decomposition reaction that concluded with an explosion releasing large clouds of thick white “smoke”. The International Group of P&I Clubs paid a study were it was found that self-accelerating decomposition in a 40ft container could start at temperatures in the order of 37oC, a temperature well within the range of temperatures that could be expected during ocean voyages. This compound is of category X if concentration is > 50% or Y if it is bellow < 50%.