What Is an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container)?
IBCs, or intermediate bulk containers, are an incredibly versatile type of industrial container. Typically manufactured from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), an IBC is designed to hold bulk quantities of liquids in a safe, secure and unreactive manner. IBCs are available in various sizes, depending on the quantity of product. Ranging from 300 litres to 2,000 litres, the most commonly purchased IBC sizes are between 1,000 litres and 1,250 litres. IBCs can safely withstand temperatures of up to 70°C. However, the products it is carrying best determine how hot an IBC can get.
An IBC is fitted with a secure opening on top that allows the container to be easily filled, and a nozzle on the bottom that ensures liquids can be emptied quickly and safely. This design also means that liquids are protected against spills and leaks when they’re in storage.
IBCs are often contained within a rigid frame or cage made from galvanized steel, which adds an extra layer of protection when goods are in transit. However, there are also flexible IBCs, which are bags composed of polypropylene or HDPE, woven in the shape of a cube. Similar to IBCs, there’s a nozzle that allows for easy removal of its contents. Unlike its rigid counterpart, flexible IBCs can be folded and stored more easily after they have been emptied. This begs the question why an IBC needs a cage. For transportation and storage purposes, the cage is crucial to providing support for the IBC’s shape, especially when carrying liquids or granular material that would not hold a shape of their own and could damage the IBC as a result. Because IBCs are meant to be stacked, the cage also provides a uniform shape which is ideal for storage, while protecting the products that are being transported. The steel pallet mount on the bottom of an IBC also means they can be easily moved around and stacked using industrial equipment like forklifts.
An intermediate bulk container is a cost-effective and widely used way to transport and protect an impressive variety of different goods. Examples of the liquids that are commonly stored inside an IBC include:
- Chemicals
- Drinking water
- Inks
- Paints
- Pharmaceuticals
- Solvents
Our Range of IBCs: New, Rebottled or Reconditioned IBCs
One question we get asked quite a lot is ‘what is the difference between the three types of IBC?’ It’s important to know this difference before you make your purchase.
The type of IBC you need depends on the goods you’re storing or transporting, so please don’t hesitate to ask our team for more information if you’re in doubt.
ITP Packaging offers three main types of IBCs. These are:
- New IBCs
- Rebottled IBCs
- Reconditioned IBCs
Common features and details of all IBCs include:
- 1,000mm x 1,200nn x 1,152mm
- 1,000 litre capacity
- Around 60 kg in weight
- Great for transportation and storage of industrial goods
- Stackable
- Available on wooden, steel or plastic pallets
- Further customisations and options available on request
New IBCs
New IBCs are exactly that, brand new, never been used before intermediate bulk containers. New IBCs are straight off the production line, which means that both the cage and the ‘bottle’ (where the liquid is stored) are available as UN approved and food grade quality. This makes new IBCs ideal for storing hazardous chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or food and beverage items that need to be kept in a non-contaminated environment.
Rebottled IBCs
Rebottled IBCs are a form of semi-recycled intermediate bulk containers. Rebottled IBCs have brand-new plastic bottles, but the steel cage has typically been used before. Because they’re partly recycled, rebottled IBCs are not UN-approved.
This means they’re not suited for storing hazardous materials, chemicals or solvents. However, rebottled IBCs are considered food-grade quality, which means they are popular in the food and beverage industry. Because the cage has been reused, rebottled IBCs are sold at a lower price than brand-new IBCs.
Reconditioned IBCs
Reconditioned IBCs have been previously used, but they offer a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly alternative to buying new IBCs. Typically, both the bottle and cage have been reconditioned, meaning they’re clean and wouldn’t contribute to any cross-contamination issues. However, because they have been used previously, they’re no longer UN-approved or food-grade.
Our Range of IBC Accessories
We also offer a range of accessories and customisations for industrial standard intermediate bulk containers.
Protecting your goods is essential. If you need to provide your IBCs with extra protection from moisture, sun damage or dust then our IBC covers are perfect. Our stock includes woven IBC covers, IBC dust covers and UV IBC covers. These IBC covers are ideal for outside storage and have eyelets in each corner that can be tied to the IBC. Each cover is suitable for all manufacturers of IBCs.
We also offer a number of different pallet base options for IBCs, including steel, wood or plastic bases. In addition, we can provide several options for nozzles and bungs to help when filling and emptying IBCs.
What is an IBC tank?
An IBC tank is a type of container used for the transport and storage of liquids and bulk materials. They are typically made of plastic and/or metal. IBC tanks, also known as IBC containers, are designed to be stackable, making them a convenient and efficient option for the storage and transport of large volumes of liquid or bulk materials. They are often used in the chemical, food, and industrial industries.
IBC tanks are also available in various designs such as:
- Tote tanks
- Pallet tanks
- Cube tanks
How Long Do IBC Tanks Last?
The lifespan of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tank will depend on different factors, primarily whether it is a new or used tank. Depending on its use, a minimum lifespan of ten years can be expected from a new IBC tank. Conversely, the same period may be the maximum lifespan for a rebottled or reconditioned tank, due to how long it was in use and the materials that it stored before you owned it. An IBC tank that carried medicine, grains, animal feed or beverages will last longer because these products have not degraded the tank. However, an IBC tank that previously carried abrasive chemicals, such as solvents, would experience gradual decay and a shortened lifespan during reuse.
Proper care, such as making repairs at the first sign of damage, conducting inspections and reducing exposure to harsh weather, excess moisture and fluctuating temperatures can prolong the life of any IBC tank, whether new, rebottled or reconditioned.
What is a water IBC?
A water IBC, also known as a water storage container or a water tank, is a type of Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) that is specifically designed for the storage and transport of water. They are typically made of plastic and/or metal and have a volume capacity of around 1000 litres.
Water IBCs are often used in a variety of settings, such as:
- Construction sites
- Agriculture and farming
- Disaster relief
- Emergency water storage
- Industrial and commercial applications
They are designed to meet various regulations and can be used to transport or store water.
Water IBC tanks are also suitable for storing drinking water. Unlike water for other purposes, drinking water must be stored in an IBC of food-grade quality. Therefore, water for farming can be stored in new, rebottled, or reconditioned IBCs. However drinking water can only be stored in new or rebottled IBCs because they meet the food-grade quality standard.
Can Diesel Be Stored in an IBC?
IBC tanks are a great storage solution for large quantities of solids and liquids. However, while they’re suitable for storing water under the right conditions, can other liquids such as diesel be stored in an IBC? It is possible to store diesel in an IBC, however this is not ideal as a long-term storage solution. Many IBC containers, including the ones that we offer, are made with HDPE. Within a few months, diesel fuel will corrode the HDPE, leaving a damaged IBC that’s unfit to store anything.
Nevertheless, storing diesel fuel for less than six months is possible with the right precautions, such as keeping it at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to prevent risk of fire.
Contact ITP Packaging Today to Order Your Intermediate Bulk Containers
Our expert team of industrial packaging experts are ready to help you. When storing and transporting your industrial products, you want to rest easy knowing that nothing is going to damage or contaminate them.
We have a comprehensive stock of IBC containers, in addition to an impressive range of plastic drums, steel drums, cardboard boxes and other popular industrial packaging items. For complete peace of mind when storing and transporting products, speak to ITP Packaging.
Contact us today to place your next intermediate bulk container order.
