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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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