Intermediate bulk container
Metal alloy IBC tanks are also manufactured according to NFPA and UL142 certification standards for extensive storage of materials labelled as flammable and/or combustible.
Traditional materials include: Collapsible IBC tanks are designed so that they can be folded when needed to save space when empty or used for return transport.
The replaceable plastic bags with a typical volume of 500 or 1000 liters make the container easy to clean and reuse, which is needed for use with food, as strict hygiene regulations must be observed.
[14] This IBC type often features an interior liner, blow-mold manufactured from polyethylene, that is structurally supported by a protective cage frame, often of galvanized steel composition.
All materials can present certain safety and compatibility concerns, especially hazardous liquids,[15] and proper guidance is always recommended whenever using caged IBC totes for harsh chemicals.
Caged IBC totes are thermoplastic blow-mold engineered, often, from virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a BPA free, strong plastic.
Caged IBC engineering has been to produce a multi-industry use container that is mobile, convenient, consistent, durable, as well as compatible.
Caged IBCs are often 1,200 x 1,000 x 1,150 (45" x 40" x 46") for 1,000 L and 1,200 x 1,000 x 1,350 mm (48" x 40" x 53") for 1,250 L, where both volume types are available in either new, rebottled, or reconditioned model types, where: rebottled means a brand new HDPE liner in a previously-used but certified steel cage, and; reconditioned means a previously-used but cleaned and certified HDPE liner and cage[16] A standard flexible intermediate bulk container can hold 500 to 1,000 kg (1,100 to 2,200 lb) and manufacturers offer bags with a volume of 285–2,830 litres (10–100 cu ft).
In many cases, a customer may purchase a mix (“blend”) of these types of units under a single price, to simplify the accounting.
With the exception of products produced in "clean rooms" (GMP - good manufacturing practices), the decision of a washed over a new is usually a matter of availability or appearance.
Most aggregate suppliers do not offer a scheme to refund a deposit upon return of empty IBC's and in the UK they are frequently fly tipped and seen abandoned roadside.
Rigid plastic (as high-density polyethylene) IBCs that transport and house flammable/combustibles are recommended to have clear labeling and stored within properly secured structures and according to federal regulations, such as NFPA and OSHA.
