Intermediate bulk container

Intermediate bulk containers (also known as IBCs, IBC totes, or pallet tanks) are industrial-grade containers engineered for the mass handling, transport, and storage of liquids, partial solids, pastes, granular solids or other fluids. There are several types of IBCs with the two main categories being flexible IBCs and rigid IBCs. Many IBCs are reused with proper cleaning and reconditioning or repurposed.

IBCs are roughly pallet-sized and either attach to a pallet or have integral pallet handling features. This type of packaging is frequently certified for transporting dangerous goods or hazardous materials. Proper shipment requires the IBC to comply with all applicable regulations.

Rigid intermediate bulk containers are a type of bulk box. They can be reusable, versatile containers with an integrated pallet base mount that provides forklift and pallet jack maneuverability. These containers can be made from metal, plastic, or a composite construction of the two materials. Rigid IBC design types are manufactured across a volume range that is in between those of standard shipping drums and intermodal tank containers, hence the title "intermediate" bulk container. In the USA, IBC totes are authorized per Title 49 CFR codes to be fabricated of a volume up to 3 m³ (793 US gal) while maintaining the IBC name and their federal shipping and handling permits. Many rigid IBCs are designed to be stackable.

Containers for hazardous and dangerous fluids must carry UN-recognized markings that enable the operator and those handling the container to ensure suitability with the contained cargo and associated handling requirements.

IBC tank capacities generally used are often 1,040 and 1,250 L (275 and 330 US gal). Intermediate bulk containers are standardized shipping containers often UN/DOT certified for the transport handling of hazardous and non-hazardous, packing group II and packing group III commodities. Many IBC totes are manufactured according to federal and NSF/ANSI regulations and mandates and are often IMDG approved as well for domestic and maritime transport. 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.

Intermediate bulk containers can be manufactured from various materials based on the requirements of the application or service the IBC will be used for. 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. They can also be stacked to save storage space. The replaceable plastic bags with a typical volume of 500 or 1,000 L (130 or 260 US gal) make the container easy to clean and reuse, which is needed for use with food, as strict hygiene regulations must be observed. The space-saving intermediate bulk containers are used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. Several designed have been developed.

Caged IBCs are composite structures and are in very common usage. Caged IBCs are often utilized as one-use containers, especially when it comes to hazardous materials, but are also suitable for cleaning and reuse under many conditions. 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. Caged IBCs are engineered for the bulk handling of liquids, semi-solids, as well as solid materials. All materials can present certain safety and compatibility concerns, especially hazardous liquids, and proper guidance is always recommended whenever using caged IBC totes for harsh chemicals.