What Are IBC Containers? | All You Need To Know (2024)

FAQs

What Are IBC Containers? | All You Need To Know? ›

IBC's or Intermediate Bulk containers are large, cost-effective containers used for storage or transport of industrial goods. The Tank is surrounded by a galvanised steel frame - some times called an IBC caged tote, making them robust and ideal for stacking (when empty).

Types of IBCs: The market offers a wide variety of IBC types, including caged totes, standard square stackable, premium square stackable, wide mouth square stackable, Ultratainer, wide mouth Ultratainer, Megatainer, Megatainer LX, Excalibur, stainless steel, and carbon steel intermediate bulk containers.

IBC totes carrying food must be certified as food grade to prevent contamination. There are different types of food grade totes, with the most popular being stainless steel tanks or poly-caged totes. Food-grade totes are certified by the DOT/UN. To tell if an IBC tote is food grade, check the sidewall for markings.

The lifespan of a plastic IBC tote can vary widely and will depend on several points. These include the type of cargo the IBC is used to store, how the tote is maintained, and the environmental conditions it is stored in. With ideal scenarios, IBC totes can last 5 years and longer.

IBCs are made from professional grade materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, and high-density polyethylene. These materials can withstand rough transport, storage, and working conditions. Their collective construction characteristics contribute significantly to IBC prices.

IBC containers can be safely stacked on top of each other but need to be stored on IBC bunds or in bunded stores. Bunds will ensure an added level of protection if a spill occurs.

IBC containers are measured in relation to specific sizes of IBCs. IBC's can be purchased in a variety of sizes and styles and are the most popular 275 gallon or 330 gallon. They can also be made of a wide variety of materials that are better or worse for various applications.

IBC totes are a practical and acceptable solution for long-term water storage. It's important to ensure they are food-grade, properly cleaned, and stored in suitable conditions. The popular and lower cost alternative, reconditioned IBC tote, should not be used for drinking water and in non-potable water uses only.

Can IBC Totes Be Used Without the Metal Cage? While some individuals have reported using IBC totes without their metal cages, this practice is generally not recommended. Without the cage, the tote may lack the necessary support and rigidity, especially when filled to full capacity or when handling heavy materials.

Can you put gasoline in an IBC tote? ›

We are frequently asked whether our standard plastic containers, drums and IBCs are suitable for gasoline storage. The general consensus? Storing gasoline in general-purpose plastic drums, totes, and containers is not a good idea.

Likewise, if an operator is filling a tote from the bottom without making sure the tank is vented, it could explode. Even well performing IBC's can burst at pressures as low as 5 PSI. Besides the inherent damage to the tote itself, not properly venting your totes can create many safety issues for your company.

Water can be stored safely for a long period of time in an IBC water tank, but it needs to be rotated at least every six months. Water can become toxic if left in plastic too long, so for safety reasons you need to keep it fresh where possible.

For the most part, IBC totes are fairly easy to reuse. Typically they can be washed and refilled two to three times before they outlive their usefulness.

So the most effective means of sterilising an IBC Tank is by using a water-soluble caustic solution at a sufficient concentration to destroy the biological hazards in the tank. The tank will then need to be flushed out with plenty of water in order to remove chemical residues – which also may spoil the product.

Rigid Plastic IBC – Constructed from a variety of plastics, these containers cannot be collapsed and maintain their form factor at all times. Composite IBC – A composite design uses a single outer structure that can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible.

The difference between food grade and non food grade IBCs is in the composition and FDA approval of the select materials used in the fabrication and assemblage of the intermediate bulk container. IBC containers themselves are not and cannot be FDA approved, but their construction materials can be.

IBC sizes range from 110 to 550 gallons, with 275 and 330 being the most common. Dimensions are internationally standardized to roughly 45″L x 45″W.