Description

ISO 21898:2004 specifies materials, construction and design requirements, type test, certification and marking requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) intended to contain nondangerous solid materials in powder, granular or paste form, and designed to be lifted from above by integral or detachable Rigid IBC tanks[edit]

Rigid intermediate bulk containers are stackable, reusable, versatile containers with an integrated pallet base mount that provides forklift and/or 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 that of standard shipping drums and intermodal tank containers, hence the title “intermediate“ bulk container. IBC totes are authorized per Title 49 CFR codes^[4] to be fabricated of a volume up to 3 cubic metres (793 US gal) while maintaining the “IBC” name and their federal shipping and handling permits.

IBC tank capacities generally used are often 1,040 and 1,250 litres (275 and 330 US gal).^[5] 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 labeled as flammable and/or combustible.^[6]

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:

• Plastic (high-density polyethylene)
• Composite: galvanized steel and plastic
• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel (304 and 316/316L grades)

The most widely utilized and known IBC is the limited re-use, caged IBC tote container. Caged IBC totes are composite intermediate bulk containers — a white/translucent plastic container (typically high-density polyethylene) contained and protected by a tubular galvanized steel grid, common. Caged IBC totes are commonly used due to their low cost, wide compatibility, and versatility.

Flexible IBC tanks[edit]Main article: Flexible intermediate bulk containerFlexible IBC

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