With that in mind, we have designed Embatuff thermal liner to protect the cargo of shipping containers from damage caused by temperature and humidity.

To appreciate just how effective a solution Embatuff thermal liner is, let's take a closer look at the effects that humidity and temperature have on fertilizers, and the way these materials are transported.

Relative humidity and temperature during transportation of fertilizers

All mineral fertilizers are hygroscopic, which means that they are liable to absorb moisture. The physical properties of the fertilizer are impaired as moisture is absorbed.

Since relative humidity is highly proportional to - and sensitive to changes in - temperature, as humidity and temperature conditions become more stable, the absorption of moisture by fertilizers becomes less likely.

Stability is even more important in respect of the fertilizer's critical relative humidity; this represents the level of relative humidity at which a fertilizer's absorption capacity increases exponentially, significantly impairing the effectiveness of the material in a very short space of time.

The graph highlights the various moisture absorption capacities of every fertilizer in relation to the relative humidity of the atmosphere. Note the huge increase in absorption capacity as the critical relative humidity is reached.

Source of image: https://www.yara.es/nutricion-vegetal/almacenaje-uso-fertilizantes/propiedades-fisicas/ 

The absorption of moisture by fertilizers produces the following adverse effects:

• Caking, compaction or coagulation
• Increase in volume
• Presence of cracks
• Whitening, change in colour 
• Reduced mechanical strength
• Loss of thermostability, as in the case of ammonium nitrate
• Impaired spreading quality
• Product less likely to comply with specifications
• Steel corrosion and paint damage

Shipping of fertilizers

Most fertilizers are not hazardous and are classified as bulk harmless fertilizers. They can be shipped in bulk or in polyethylene or woven polypropylene bags.

Bulk shipments tend to use DBL (Dry Bulk Liners), i.e., large polyethylene bags that fully cover the inside of the container. Depending on their loading and unloading method, manufacturers adapt the inlet and outlet sleeve accordingly.

If products are stored in sacks, pallets must not be stacked more than two high, otherwise pressure limits will be exceeded.

As for explosive or hazardous substances, the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) of the International Maritime Organization recommends displaying information about the characteristics and type of cargo in question.

Ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and urea are examples of fertilizers that need to be handled according to a special procedure.

Whenever two or more fertilizers are shipped simultaneously, the recommendations of the IMDG Code are also applicable, as substances may be incompatible.

Containers must not contain pesticides or any other chemical substances that can be mixed with fertilizers. As such, containers must be washed thoroughly after every use and, if possible, the same container must always be used to transport the same material.

Embatuff thermal liner and desiccant sachets to the rescue

As indicated above, it is vitally important to keep relative humidity and temperature conditions stable during transportation.

Embatuff thermal liner is perfectly designed to maintain stability during the transportation of shipping containers:

• Thermal protection: slows down temperature changes inside the container, keeping the cargo within its limits and avoiding irreversible damage.
• Moisture-proof: isolates cargo from container rainfall and reduces the relative humidity of the cargo, protecting it from damage caused by humidity.
• Odour and dirt isolation: the cargo travels hygienically isolated from the container. The container is protected, saving on washing costs after use.
• Standard sizes: For all DRY VAN container sizes.
• Compatibility: adaptable if any Bulk Liners are used.
• Rapid installation: it takes a single operator 5 minutes to install the liner (DRY VAN 20’) 
• Produced in Europe: quality manufacturing and prompt delivery, including of spare parts.

In addition to Thermal liners, calcium chloride desiccant sachets can be placed inside the container. They will not affect the cargo, especially if the Tyvek brand of enveloping fabric is used.

Any moisture trapped inside (pallets, packaging, product, etc.) will slowly be absorbed to create a dry environment during transportation.

If you would like more information about packaging for the transportation of fertilizers, please contact our experts for advice on the best solution.