What is an Intermediate Bulk Container? | IBC | TranPak (2024)

FAQ What is an Intermediate Bulk Container?

industrial grade reusable containers

An intermediate bulk container (or IBC) is a pallet mounted, industrial grade reusable container that is used for storing and transporting bulk liquids and powders. Also known as a tote, the IBC is capable of stacking and can be moved by a pallet jack or forklift.

The three broad types of IBCs in use today can be categorized under rigid, folding and flexible.

The term ‘intermediate’ comes from the volume that intermediate bulk containers carry, which sits in between that of tanks and drums. The two most common volumes of the rigid IBC are 275 gallons and 330 gallons.

common uses

IBCs are used for the transport and storage of:

  • Chemicals
  • Solvents
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Liquids
  • Food ingredients
  • Sand
  • Grains

Intermediate bulk containers have all also been used in unique areas such as aquaponics, general bulk storage, and the collecting of rainwater for drinking or harvesting.

What are IBC's made of

This depends on many factors including whether the IBC will be reused or not, the durability needed and legal requirements. In the case of cube shaped rigid IBCs, the inner containers are often made from a plastic such as polyethylene or high density polyethylene (HDPE). They are also available in other materials such as aluminum or galvanized iron. TranPak’s IBCs are made of HDPE. The rigid outer container or cage is usually made from galvanized tubular steel or iron. Folding IBCs don’t have a rigid outer cage and are made of very durable plastic that folds inward when empty. Flexible IBCs or bulk bags are made from various heavy duty materials such as woven polypropylene or polyethylene.

benefits of intermediate bulk containers

IBCs are a very cost effective way to safely move a variety of products from point A to point B.

Cube shaped rigid IBCs often have a standard footprint of 48″x40″ which enables easy shipping, conveying and transport due to it being a common pallet size in North America and other countries.

There is a tap or valve at the base where a hose can be attached to allow easy transfer of contents into smaller containers for easy packaging, distribution and sale in your target location. This is important when certain packaging and legal requirements need to be ensured locally.

Cube shaped rigid IBCs can be stacked for optimal use of space during shipping and storage. Both folding and flexible IBCs use even less space once empty on return journeys which is a bonus however they are not suitable for all kinds of substances. Nor are they as durable as a rigid intermediate bulk container.

IBCs are more effective than round tanks as more of them can occupy the same space.

tranpak

There are many variables when choosing the right intermediate bulk container for your specific needs. We encourage you to pick up the phone and talk to an expert at TranPak. Contact ushere.

275 Gallon IBC
330 Gallon IBC

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What is an Intermediate Bulk Container? | IBC | TranPak (2024)

FAQs

What is an Intermediate Bulk Container? | IBC | TranPak? ›

An intermediate bulk container

intermediate bulk container
Intermediate bulk containers (also known as IBC tank, IBC tote, IBC, or pallet tank) are industrial-grade containers engineered for the mass handling, transport, and storage of liquids, semi-solids, pastes, or solids. The two main categories of IBC tanks are flexible IBCs and rigid IBCs.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Intermediate_bulk_container
(or IBC) is a pallet mounted, industrial grade reusable container that is used for storing and transporting bulk liquids and powders.

What are the different types of bulk containers? ›

Types of Bulk Liquid Containers

Rigid IBC Tanks. Flexible IBCs. Drums and Barrels.

What is the size of intermediate bulk container? ›

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. They are engineered for mobility with built in pallet / forklift access along with stacking capabilities.

What is another name for an intermediate bulk container? ›

Intermediate bulk containers (also known as IBC tank, IBC tote, IBC, or pallet tank) are industrial-grade containers engineered for the mass handling, transport, and storage of liquids, semi-solids, pastes, or solids.

What is the difference between IBC and tote? ›

For example, "IBC tote" is a term used to describe intermediate containers that are specifically designed for handling and transporting products. "IBC container" refers to the entire unit, including the tank, pallet, and cage.

What are the three types of bulk cargo? ›

There are three types of bulk cargo: break bulk, containerized bulk and neo bulk. Break bulk: Large items that cannot be containerized or packed for shipment, such as vehicles, lumber, machinery or steel.

What is an example of an intermediate bulk container? ›

Composite IBCs:

Composite IBCs are commonly used for storing and transporting chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food ingredients. They often have stackable designs and can be equipped with additional features like pressure relief valves. The 45" x 45" x 64" Tuff Stack 330-Gallon IBC is an example of this type of IBC.

Why is it called an intermediate bulk container? ›

The term 'intermediate' comes from the volume that intermediate bulk containers carry, which sits in between that of tanks and drums. The two most common volumes of the rigid IBC are 275 gallons and 330 gallons.

What is bulk intermediate? ›

Industrial bulk intermediates are key components in the manufacturing of various chemical and industrial products. These substances serve as transitional materials, undergoing further processing to yield finished products.

Can you use an IBC for drinking water? ›

IBC totes are a safe and practical solution to store, transport, and provide drinking water when they are handled correctly and when the right IBC is used.

Is an IBC a portable tank? ›

Intermediate bulk container (IBC) is defined at 49 CFR 171.8: Intermediate bulk container or IBC means a rigid or flexible portable packaging, other than a cylinder or portable tank, which is designed for mechanical handling.

How many IBC can fit in a 40ft container? ›

IBC containers come in different dimensions. A 1,000 liter IBC container usually has these dimensions: length 1,200 mm x width 1,000 mm x height 1,160 mm. In this case, 48 IBC containers would probably fit inside the 40 feet container.

Why are IBC totes so expensive? ›

Regulatory Compliance: IBC totes are manufactured to achieve industry standards and regulations. Ensuring IBCs meet regulator compliance requires they undergo rigorous testing and quality control, adding to the overall IBC costs.

What is the lifespan of an IBC tank? ›

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.

Do IBC totes need the metal cage? ›

IBC totes can function in storage without its metal cage; however, the cage plays a vital role in maintaining the tote's stability, integrity, and safety, and thereby improving its reliability and service life.

What are types of bulk storage? ›

Different Types of Bulk Storage

Pallet racking is where goods are vertically stacked on pallets. This method not only conserves valuable floor space but also ensures swift and systematic retrieval. Ideal for industries with high inventory turnover, pallet racking provides a structured approach to large-scale storage.

What are the different types of bulk transport? ›

Here, we'll look at the different modes of bulk transport: phagocytosis, pinocytosis, receptor-mediated endocytosis, and exocytosis.

How many types of bulk carriers are there? ›

Bulk carriers can be categorized by size into handymax, Panamax, cape-size, and very large ore carriers (VLOC). Handymax and Panamax bulkers are between 80,000 and 200,000 dwt in size. Cape-size bulk carriers are 200,000-364,000 dwt. And VLOC bulkers are 365,000 dwt and up.

What are the different types of IBC containers? ›

Three main categories
  • Cardboard IBC tanks. Cardboard IBC containers are a sustainable, stackable and foldable container. ...
  • Rigid IBC tanks. Rigid IBC containers are a reusable, stackable and non-foldable container. ...
  • Cardboard IBC tanks. Cardboard IBC containers are a sustainable, stackable and foldable container.

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