Industrial Grade Reusable ContainersAn 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:
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Chemicals
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Solvents
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Pharmaceuticals
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Liquids
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Food ingredients
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Sand
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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.
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.
IBC Heaters
Storing your materials in IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) has a number of advantages compared to drums and other types of containers.
The cubic shape of the IBCs allows the storage space to be used much more efficiently than, for example, with cylindrical drums. In addition, filling and emptying of the IBC occurs much faster than with other containers. Most IBCs are easy to clean after use, and can therefore be used multiple times.
If you also prefer to store your substances in IBCs and wonder how to keep their contents warm in a safe and efficient way, the HeatXperts IBC heaters are the perfect solution for you.
IBC heaters are a special type of heating jackets designed to keep the contents of an IBC tank safe and warm and prevent frost damage, contamination or flaking of the contents.
Heating substances with an IBC heater is a quick and easy process: the heater is placed around the IBC, fastened with the straps in and switched on. Once the desired temperature is reached, it will be maintained. In this way, IBC heaters are an excellent way to ensure optimal and uniform heating of the tank contents, as well as to control viscosity, maintain the required temperature or quickly melt any solid materials.