The BIMCO Liquid Cargo database is intended for use by for shore-side staff and to some extent for newcomers to the tanker trade and should only be used as a reference tool providing brief information regarding the more than 360 of the commonly transported liquid cargoes including Diphenyl.
Trade name/synonym name:
Biphenyl; Biphenyl Crude; Diphenyl Crude; Phenylbenzene; PHPH; Bibenzene; Lemonene; Xene.
Main Properties:
Diphenyl appears as a clear colourless liquid with a pleasant odour. Diphenyl occurs naturally in coal tar, crude oil, and natural gas. Toxic.
High melting point. Very toxic to aquatic life.
Main chemical and physical properties:
Flash point: Approx. 110°C
Boiling Points: Around 255°C
Viscosity: @ 20°C Unknown
Vapour pressure: @ 20°C < 5 kPa
Density: depending on composition - around 995 kg/m3 at carriage temperature
IBC carriage requirements:
IBC chapter 17
Ship Type 2
Tank Type 2G
Relevant additional IBC requirements:
15.19.6 high-level alarm
16.2.6 the cargo's viscosity at 20°C shall be specified on a shipping document. If the cargo's viscosity exceeds 50 mPa.s at 20°C, the temperature at which the cargo has a viscosity of 50 mPa.s shall be specified in the shipping document
16.2.9 cargo's melting point shall be specified in the shipping document
MARPOL Annex II
Pollution Category X
Special information to be added to Shipping Document:
The cargo's viscosity at 20°C shall be specified on a shipping document. If the cargo's viscosity exceeds 50 mPa.s at 20°C, the temperature at which the cargo has a viscosity of 50 mPa.s shall be specified in the shipping document
The cargo's melting point shall be indicated in the shipping document
Stowage:
Heat adjacent: Yes
Stow adjacent to fuel oil tanks: Yes
Carriage requirements:
Heating during voyage:
Carriage temperature depends on composition. Can be from 65 - 75°C Therefore, carefully follow heating instructions
Heating during unloading:
Unloading temperature depends on composition. Can be from 70 - 80°C, carefully follow heating instructions.
Tanks inerted or padded: Not required by IBC code
Prewash required: Yes (pollution category X) - Discharge prewash water to shore reception facility.
Tank cleaning:
Wash as soon as possible after unloading
Prewash according to P&A manual
Prewash to be discharged to shore reception facility at port of unloading
Hot temperature water wash
Wash with fresh water added relevant tank cleaning additive. Follow manufacturer's instruction regarding temperature and concentration of cleaning additive
Hot temperature freshwater rinse
Difficult to remove odour
Difficult to remove cargo residues entrained in the coating, - from zinc coating in particular.
Emergency Response:
Fire: Use foam or water spray - not water jet
Spillage: Collect small spills with absorbent material. Larger spills: Try to collect and transfer to spill tank or wash away with water. When in port, - inform Port Authority
First aid: Remove victim to fresh air. Follow first aid instructions in MSDS. Consider obtaining advice from Radio Medical.
Hazards (Occupational safety etc):
Irritant, corrosive to skin and mucous membranes. Absorbed via skin, Toxic TLV: 0.2 ppm
Reacts with strong oxidizers such as nitric acid
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautions:
Cargo with high melting point
Get specifications from shipper
Expect tank wall wash test before loading
Wash cargo tanks immediately after unloading - if possible.
Remarks:
Diphenyl often appears as: Diphenyl Crude and may crystallize at temperatures below 65 - 75°C
Use: Diphenyl is used in organic syntheses, heat transfer fluids, dye carriers, food preservatives, as an intermediate for polychlorinated biphenyls, and as a fungistat in the packaging of citrus fruits.
The BIMCO Liquid Cargo Database contains information for more than 360 cargoes, all updated to the IBC Code 2021 amended requirements, but in order to ensure that the BIMCO Liquid Cargo Database information is kept updated, we highly welcome any feedback in the form of comments, response, information or data regarding a specific cargo.
