IBC Tanks
(18 Article in 72 versions)Intermediate bulk containers (IBC) offer a versatile solution for the storage of a wide range of materials. Some of the applications for IBC containers include chemicals, food ingredients, water treatment, manufacturing, agriculture and potable water. IBCs can be utilised for both storage and transportation.
IBC Containers from DENIOS
What is an IBC?
An IBC container consists of an internal tank or flexible tote surrounded by a rigid frame that enables stacking. Under ISO 15867:2003(en) standards, an IBC is a form of primary packaging that:
Has a capacity of 3 m³ or less
Can be handled mechanically with or without devices
Contains a solid, paste or liquid
Is resistant to stresses caused by handling or transportation
While the ISO doesn’t define a minimum size for IBC tanks and containers, the typical smallest size for this storage container is 0.25 m³ or 250 L.
Different types of IBC containers are available for hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Our range includes plastic and stainless steel IBC options and specialist designs to suit specific material requirements.
What sizes and dimensions are IBCs available in?
A variety of volumes are available for IBCs to suit your specific needs for logistics, storage and transportation. For example, smaller-volume containers are well-suited to the long-term storage of materials, fitting easily into storage spaces. Larger capacity IBCs are well-suited for transportation, allowing for a cost-effective price-per-litre ratio.
We recommend the following when choosing IBCs for your materials:
600 L IBCs: Ideal for compact floor plans and for easy stacking, particularly for denser materials that would exceed forklift capacity in larger sizes.
800 L IBCs: Suitable for smaller batches, for logistical optimisation or for hazardous materials that need a specific buffer to avoid overfilling.
1,000 L IBCs: A standard IBC size ideal for facilities with high throughput, requiring high-volume capacity and a footprint that fits well into shipping containers and lorries for transportation.
What are the dimensions of an IBC?
| Volume (L) | Outer length (mm) | Outer width (mm) | Outer height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 / 640 | 1200 | 800 | 1000 |
| 800 / 820 | 1200 | 1000 | 1000 |
| 1000 | 1200 | 1000 | 1160 |
Benefits of IBC Tanks
IBCs are a flexible solution for the storage of a wide range of materials. In comparison to drums and fixed storage tanks, they offer the ability to easily transport materials both on-site and via lorries and shipping containers. Their design and shape mean they can easily be relocated with a forklift or pallet truck.
Some of the key benefits of IBC tanks and containers include:
Sustainability: IBC containers are often reusable following thorough cleaning, or the internal tank or tote can be replaced while reusing the existing external rigid frame
Storage capacity: IBCs most commonly have a storage capacity of around 1,000 L, significantly more than drums, enabling the safe storage of materials in bulk.
Filling and dispensing: These containers are both easy to fill and to dispense, typically through a gravity method and dispensing station, though they can be adapted to other methods
Direct stacking: IBC pallets can be directly stacked on top of one another without the strict requirements needed to safely stack drums.
Versatility: Tanks and containers of varying sizes can be used strategically to fill available storage space.
The Right IBC Container For Every Application
Handling and Safety Guidance
Ensuring you are safely handling IBC containers is important to prevent dropping, tipping or spillage. Following this guidance can help you to utilise IBCs safely for storage and transportation:
Decanting: It’s important to use the correct accessories for filling and emptying IBCs to ensure transfers are safe and controlled, preventing the risk of spillage as the container is emptied.
Safe movement: Containers that are not at capacity can be more challenging to move, requiring careful operation with a forklift, as moving liquid or small solids can cause instability and slippage.
Safe stacking: Containers should be stacked to a maximum of two when full or three when empty to ensure they can be removed safely.
Hazardous materials storage: All storage regulations apply to IBC containers, and they should be stored safely according to COSHH and DSEAR requirements.
Frequently asked questions
1,000 L IBC tanks are the most popular option for a wide range of industries.
Yes, IBC containers can often be reused following a thorough cleaning process, though it is not recommended to use these cleaned containers for the storage of potable water or food products, as they may have contained chemicals.
Yes, specific types of IBC can be stored outdoors. Outdoor tanks require UV protection or need to be appropriately stored or covered to prevent degradation.
Secondary containment is a legal obligation under HSE if you are storing hazardous liquids or chemicals. A bund or spill pallet that holds at least 110% of the maximum capacity of the IBC or 25% of the aggregate volume, whichever is greater, is required.
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