What is an Intermediate Bulk Container?
An intermediate bulk container, commonly referred to as an intermediate bulk container tank, intermediate bulk container tote, or pallet tank, stands as an industrial-grade solution designed for the efficient handling, transportation, and storage of various substances, including liquids, semi-solids, pastes, or solids. The two primary categories of intermediate bulk container tanks are rigid and flexible. Rigid intermediate bulk containers are versatile, stackable, and reusable containers equipped with an integrated pallet base, facilitating easy manoeuvrability with forklifts or pallet jacks.
These containers can be constructed from materials such as metal, plastic, or a composite blend of both. On the other hand, flexible intermediate bulk containers are crafted from heavy polymers like woven polyethylene or polypropylene, making them ideal for storing and transporting dry, flowable products like sand, fertiliser, or plastic granules.
Many intermediate bulk containers undergo reuse or repurposing, with caged intermediate bulk container totes being a widely recognised variant. These totes feature a white or translucent plastic container, typically made of high-density polyethylene, encased and protected by a tubular galvanised steel grid, showcasing a common example of limited re-use in composite intermediate bulk containers.
What is the purpose of intermediate bulk container?
Intermediate bulk containers serve as indispensable assets in diverse industries, excelling in the efficient handling and storage of bulk materials. In the food industry, intermediate bulk containers find utility in storing, packaging, and transporting various food ingredients, including liquids such as syrups and beverages, powdered substances like flour, and flammable liquids such as sterilising alcohols.
The chemical industry relies on intermediate bulk containers for the secure transportation and storage of hazardous and valuable chemicals across extensive distances without the risk of leakage.
In the pharmaceutical sector, intermediate bulk containers are instrumental in the transportation and storage of pharmaceutical products.
Agriculture benefits from the storage and transport capabilities of intermediate bulk containers for materials like sand and grains.
Within manufacturing, where the effective management of bulk materials is crucial, intermediate bulk containers play a vital role.
In the construction industry, rigid intermediate bulk containers are specifically employed for transporting liquids with minimal loss of containment and are known for their reusability.
Rigid intermediate bulk containers also serve essential roles in disaster relief and food delivery, highlighting their versatility. Appreciated for their durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, these containers boast a design that prevents the escape of fumes, rendering them a safe choice for transporting hazardous materials.
How Are Intermediate Bulk Containers Manufactured to Meet Industry Standards?
Intermediate Bulk Containers are manufactured to meet industry standards and are designed for mass handling, transport, and storage of liquids, semi-solids, pastes, or solids. The manufacturing process varies based on the type of intermediate bulk carrier and the materials used. Here’s a general overview:
- Material Selection: Intermediate bulk containers can be made from various materials based on the requirements of the application or service the intermediate bulk container will be used for. Traditional materials include plastic (high-density polyethylene), composite (galvanised steel and plastic), carbon steel, and stainless steel (304 and 316/316L grades).
- Design and Construction: Rigid intermediate bulk container design types are manufactured across a volume range that is in between that of standard shipping drums and intermodal tank containers. They have an integrated pallet base mount that provides forklift and/or pallet jack manoeuvrability.
- Manufacturing Process: The specific manufacturing process can vary based on the type of intermediate bulk container. For example, a popular type of rigid intermediate bulk container is a composite, consisting of a durable plastic (i.e., HDPE) container (commonly known as a bottle) housed within a metal cage and mounted on a pallet.
- Quality Control and Certification: Many intermediate bulk container totes are manufactured according to government and industrial regulations and mandates and are often safety-approved as well for domestic and maritime transport. Metal alloy intermediate bulk container tanks are produced in adherence to suitable certification standards, ensuring compliance for the extensive storage of materials classified as flammable and/or combustible.
- Reuse and Repurposing: Many intermediate bulk containers are reused or repurposed. The limited-reuse, caged intermediate bulk container tote container is the most widely used and known intermediate bulk container.
By adhering to these manufacturing processes and quality control measures, intermediate bulk containers are able to meet industry standards and provide a reliable solution for the storage and transport of a wide range of materials.
What Makes Intermediate Bulk Containers the Preferred Choice for Bulk Material Handling?
Intermediate bulk containers stand out as the preferred solution for bulk material handling due to their multifaceted advantages. Engineered for efficient handling, transportation, and storage of materials, intermediate bulk containers excel at optimising space utilization. Their cost-effectiveness is evident in reduced packaging and transportation expenses, coupled with improved cube utilisation during storage and transport.
Intermediate bulk containers champion sustainability through their reusability and versatility, accommodating various materials across different industries. Beyond economic benefits, intermediate bulk containers prioritise product safety with secure closures and robust construction, ensuring compliance with regulations for handling hazardous materials. Their dust-tight design eliminates contamination risks, offering a superior alternative to traditional boxes or drums.
Further technological advancements, such as Matcon’s precision-engineered cone valve technology, enhance efficiency by enabling complete material discharge and minimising waste. With these qualities, intermediate bulk containers emerge as an exceptional choice for industries seeking efficient, cost-effective, and reliable solutions for bulk material handling.
IDEX as a Reliable Supplier of Intermediate Bulk Containers
IDEX emerges as a trusted supplier of intermediate bulk containers and an extensive range of machinery catering to powders and granules. The intermediate bulk containers provided by IDEX are engineered for swift filling and emptying, facilitating offline cleaning and simultaneous manufacturing processes to enhance production efficiency. These containers ensure controlled discharge, guard against product segregation, and contribute to safe material transport between manufacturing steps, mitigating contamination risks.
IDEX’s intermediate bulk containers boast dust-free transfer capabilities, addressing challenges in powder handling through innovative cone valve technology. With user-friendly handling options, including pillar lifts, straddle trucks, stacker trucks, forklifts, or AGVs, IDEX’s intermediate bulk containers offer versatility.
Serving diverse regions globally, including the Middle East, Oceania, North America, Africa, Central America, East Asia, Europe, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, IDEX India Pvt. Ltd. delivers reliable products and services.
Under the IDEX Corporation umbrella, the brand Matcon has been a stalwart in providing efficient bulk solids and powder handling solutions for over four decades. Matcon’s intermediate bulk container system, designed to the highest hygiene standards, ensures product integrity and safety throughout various manufacturing operations involving powders, granules, and tablets. At the core of Matcon’s Powder Handling System lies their patented Cone Valve technology, contributing to the system’s exceptional performance and reliability.
Conclusion
Intermediate bulk containers have emerged as indispensable tools across industries, offering efficient solutions for the handling, transportation, and storage of bulk materials. With versatile designs incorporating both rigid and flexible options, intermediate bulk containers cater to a wide range of substances, ensuring reliability and safety. The manufacturing process adheres to stringent industry standards, providing durable containers made from materials like plastic, metal, or composite blends. Intermediate bulk containers play a pivotal role in various sectors, including food, chemical, pharmaceutical, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, showcasing their versatility and adaptability. The preference for intermediate bulk containers stems from their cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and adherence to safety regulations, making them the preferred choice for bulk material handling. Trusted suppliers like IDEX, with their commitment to innovative solutions and reliable products, further contribute to the prominence of intermediate bulk containers in optimising industrial processes. In particular, Matcon, a brand under the IDEX Corporation, stands out with its advanced cone valve technology, offering precision and efficiency in powder handling. As industries continue to seek efficient, cost-effective, and reliable solutions, intermediate bulk containers remain at the forefront of modern bulk material handling practices.