Intermediate bulk container

An Intermediate bulk container (IBC) is a container used for transport and storage of fluids and bulk materials. The construction of the IBC container and the materials used are chosen depending on the application, i.e. there are various types available in the market.

Foldable (collapsable) IBC Container
Plastic composite IBC Container
Steel IBC Container
Stainless steel IBC Container

Shape & Dimensions

There are many advantages of the IBC concept:

They are generally cubic in form and therefore can transport more material in the same area than cylindrically shaped containers and far more than might be shipped in the same space if packaged in consumer quantities.
They rely on plastic liners that can be filled and discharged with a variety of systems.
The manufacturer/processor of a product can bulk package a product in one country and ship to many other countries at a reasonably low cost where it is subsequently packaged in final consumer form in accordance with the regulations of that country and in a form and language suitable for that country.

IBCs range in size but are generally between 700 mm and 2000 mm in height or 46 inches to 52 inches. The length and width of an IBC is usually dependent on the country's pallet dimension standard.

IBCs may have pallet-like bases so that forklifts can move them.

It is common for IBCs to be able to fold down into a compact profile, reducing their height for transportation and storage when empty. IBCs in almost all cases can be stacked vertically.

Depending on the size of the IBC, it can weigh between 90 kg and 1200 kg.

History

Uses

IBCs may ship and store:

Bulk chemicals including hazardous materials or dangerous goods if the IBC is proven suitable
Components
Powder
Some liquid food products, such as sugar
soap, glue, ...
Some foods

Regulations

In the UK, you cannot store a container of oil or fuel outside unless it is bunded in a secondary containment item (Oil Storage Regulations 2001). This means that if the container of oil leaks, it will be contained within the bund. The secondary containment item must be able to hold 110% of the largest container above.

Therefore if a person were to try and store 4 x 205 litres drums on the sump pallet, the sump pallet must be able to hold 225.5 litres of oil.

Although there are no laws in the UK stating that a sump pallet must hold 110% of the largest container upon it, it is still considered good practice to do so. For further information on Regulations

Acquisition

Intermediate bulk containers may be purchased or leased. Bar code and RFID tracking systems are available with associated software.