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Types of Products Transported Using IBC Containers

IBC containers, or Euro cubes, are used across many industries to transport products.

The special design includes a steel frame and a polyethylene inner container. This setup protects the contents well. It also makes handling easy and uses transport space efficiently.

IBC containers are known for being completely impermeable. They offer strong mechanical strength and resist chemicals well. This makes them great for transporting different types of products.

Transporting bulk liquids and solids this way is easy and beneficial for business. For extra savings, check out the offer on used IBC totes for sale. By purchasing previously used IBC Totes you can significantly reduce your costs.


General Classification of Products for Transportation in IBC Containers

IBC containers are made for repeated use. They are used to transport and store liquids and solid bulk products. This includes chemicals and food items. These containers handle all hazard classes. 

Their versatility comes from their design features. They feature a welded steel frame and a polyethylene inner container. They also come with service equipment. The capacity of these containers ranges from 169 to 330 gallons. Some models can hold up to 793 gallons.

All containers meet international rules for moving hazardous materials. They may have breathing or safety valves, depending on the product type.

U.S. Government Requirements for IBC Totes

I can share what U.S. government agencies need for IBC containers, also known as IBC Totes. In the United States, IBC container standards come from these key agencies:

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

  • Regulates through the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically 49 CFR, parts 173-180
  • Requires that IBCs be certified and marked according to UN/DOT standards
  • Mandates periodic inspections every 2.5 years for rigid IBCs
  • Requires leak testing and external inspection

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Control IBC use for storing hazardous waste under RCRA.
  • Requires secondary containment for IBCs containing hazardous materials
  • Establishes standards for preventing spills and leaks

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

  • Sets safety standards for working with IBCs
  • Requires chemical hazard labeling (GHS)
  • Regulates storage conditions and handling of IBCs in workplaces

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  • Establishes requirements for IBCs used to store food products
  • Requires that materials in contact with food products be FDA-approved
  • Regulates cleanliness and sanitary storage conditions

Key Requirements for All IBCs

  • UN marking indicating type, packing group, maximum weight, date of manufacture
  • Compliance with drop tests, leak tests, hydraulic pressure tests
  • Materials must be compatible with stored substances
  • Regular inspections and certification

 

Remember! IBCs may have extra requirements based on what material they store and where they are used. 

Physical States of Transported Products 

IBC containers transport products in different physical states, broadening their use. They hold liquids, solids, and bulk materials well. This keeps everything safe during transport. This versatility makes them indispensable in logistics operations across various industries. 

It should be noted that most products transported in IBC containers are liquids. The containers have a unique design. They include special drainage devices. This design works well with liquids of different thicknesses and chemical types.

Liquid Products Transported in IBC Containers

Despite their universal application, IBC containers are predominantly used for transporting liquid substances. Some common liquid products transported in these containers fall into several main categories.

Petrochemical Products

IBC containers are actively used for transporting various petrochemical products. This category includes motor, turbine, aviation, transmission, and hydraulic oils. IBCs protect sensitive liquids from outside influences and contamination. Their design ensures safety and security. Containers for moving petrochemical products often have special gear for safe drainage. They also need to meet higher impermeability standards.

Chemical Substances

A wide range of chemical substances is transported using IBC containers. These include alcohols, resins, acids, and other chemical compounds. The inner container material is highly resistant to chemicals. You can safely carry substances that may not react well with other packaging types. 

A special category includes flammable liquids, combustible liquids, and other flammable substances. IBC containers work well for transporting these materials. Containers for these substances must meet safety requirements and have proper certification.

Substances Posing Environmental Hazards

IBC containers are successfully used for transporting substances hazardous to water pollution. Their sealed design reduces leak risks. This helps prevent environmental damage while transporting and storing these substances.

Bulk and Solid Materials for Transportation in IBC Containers

IBC containers also transport bulk and solid materials, not just liquids. For these products, you can use slide gate devices to modify containers. This makes it easier to empty the contents than using standard drain taps. 

Bulk materials can include many things, such as:

  • Granulated chemicals
  • Construction mixtures
  • Raw materials for industrial production
  • Other items that need protection from moisture and damage

 

IBC containers have a strong outer frame and a handy square shape. This design helps use space well when moving solid and bulk materials.

Hazardous Goods and Chemical Substances

In Russia, they make containers just for medium and low hazard products. Imported containers, however, can transport first hazard class substances. 

Specially certified containers are used for transporting hazardous goods. For example, some models have UN 31A/Y certification. They meet ADR, RID, ADN, and IMDG rules. These models are for transporting liquid hazardous goods in packing group II or III. They can be used for road, rail, or sea transport.

Food Products and Features of Their Transportation

IBC containers transport food products. They must meet strict safety and hygiene standards. Food products use containers that follow directive EG 1935/2004. This rule controls materials and products that touch food.

In the food industry, IBC containers transport many liquid ingredients. These include vegetable oils, juices, syrups, dairy products, food additives, and concentrates. The inner container must be food-grade. It should not release harmful substances. Also, it should not change the product’s taste or smell.

Industrial Sectors Using IBC Containers

The main users of IBC containers are companies in several sectors. These include oil, chemicals, food, cosmetics, paint, varnish, and pharmaceuticals. Each sector has its own needs for packaging. This is why there are different types of IBC containers.

In the oil and chemical industries, containers need to resist aggressive substances. They must also handle a wide range of temperatures. In the paint and varnish industry, containers must be fully impermeable. They also need to be designed so they can be emptied fully without any product loss.

The cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries need cleaner containers that are free from contamination. They often use special designs. These have sterile inner surfaces or extra barrier layers.

Conclusion

They transport liquids like petrochemical products, chemicals, and food liquids. They also carry bulk and solid materials, plus hazardous goods of different classes.

IBC containers are versatile, durable, and easy to use. They can serve many purposes, making them great for logistics in different industries. Standard sizes help use transport space well. Choose a container that fits your product and transport needs. There are various modifications available 

IBC container production technologies are advancing. This growth increases the variety of products they can manage. It also improves logistics efficiency in many industries.






author

Chris Bates

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Thursday, May 15, 2025
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