A Concise Guide to IBCs

When properly selected and stored, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) can be used to safely transport products in the chemical process industries Demand within the global market for rigid intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) has grown at a steady rate in recent years with the rising need to transport liquids, such as food, fuels, chemicals and hazardous materials. Chemical and pharmaceutical industries are the major end users of IBCs, with growing investment in the chemical industry being a contributing factor in the increase in demand. A major growth driver in the IBC market is the cost-effective transportation and storage, ease of maintenance, and reusability afforded by this industrial packaging type. IBCs are particularly suited to the chemical industry, as they can safely transport a variety of solid or liquid products, including materials requiring safe handling, as well as those identified as hazardous or dangerous.   The main properties of IBCs IBCs are rigid, self-standing vessels made from metal, fiberboard or plastic material (Figure 1). The typical volume is 275 gal although there are specialty versions available ranging from 119 up to 793 gal. The construction typically consists of a base pallet with a bulk tank…