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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

Contents 1 Shape & Dimensions 2 History 3 Uses 4 Acquisition 5 See also 6 Further reading

[edit] 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 and 2,000 mm (27.6 and 78.7 in) or 46 to 52 in (1,168 to 1,321 mm) in height. The length and width of an IBC is usually dependent on the pallet dimension standard of a given country.

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 and 1,200 kg (198 and 2,646 lb).

[edit] History

The first steel IBC or commonly referred to as Tote tanks were manufactured during World War II by Tote Systems. Today tote tanks are used throughout the world across many industries including offshore oil drilling, chemical, and food packaging. [1]

The majority of steel IBC's or Tote Tanks are made of stainless steel

[edit] 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

[edit] Acquisition

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

Van Finger of Fairhope, Al was the first to lease/ rent a IBC or tote tank in 1984. He is widely considered the most knowledgeable and the pioneer of the IBC and tote tank leasing/ rental industry.

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Intermediate bulk containers

• Intermodal container
• Flexible intermediate bulk container, Big Bag, Bulk Bag, Super Sack
• Packaging

Van Finger only rents intermediate bulk containers. He started by purchasing his containers from Hoover Materials Handling Group.

[edit] Further reading

• Brody, A. L., and Marsh, K, S., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 1997, ISBN 0-471-06397-5