The winter guide to the IBC universe

Have you considered how an efficient media transport and storage solution can make your life easier and optimize your operations? If you work with liquids, semi-solids or granules, you probably know how crucial it is to have a container that both protects the contents and makes handling easy.

The IBC tank is unique because of its thoughtful design and ability to meet specific requirements. Designed to fit into complex systems, it allows you to work with media in a safe and organized way. Whether you need a standard container or something more customized, the IBC tank offers flexible application options to suit your needs.

In this guide, we not only put the IBC tank and its components under the microscope, but we also highlight the main benefits and give you an overview of the most relevant products from our IBC range. In other words: Knowledge that can help make a difference in your daily operations.

Learn more with this IBC winter guide!

An IBC tank, also known as an Intermediate Bulk Container or simply pallet tank, is a versatile and in many cases reusable container used across the process industry to store and transport liquids, semi-solids and granules. For example, we see it used in the food industry to store media such as syrups, oils and concentrated juice.

With a general capacity size of either 1040 or 1250 liters, the IBC tank is a popular choice for manufacturing companies that need flexibility and efficiency in their operations. It is made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic, steel or a combination of both. The choice of material depends on the medium to be stored; the plastic version is ideal for most purposes, including non-aggressive liquids, while steel tanks are often used for corrosive or hot media.

A major reason for the popularity of the IBC tank is its standardized design. The square shape combined with a protective frame of galvanized steel pipes makes it easy to stack on top of others, saving space during both storage and transport. In addition, it is normally delivered including drain valve and fittings, making it easy to integrate it into different process flows right away.

The IBC tank is used for transportation and storage of various types of media across several different industries, including:

• Food industry: Syrups, oils, juice concentrates, liquid sweeteners, wine etc.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Sterile liquids, solutions, powdered ingredients (APIs) etc.
• Chemical industry: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, ethanol, isopropanol, sodium hydroxide, acetone etc. 

The efficiency of an IBC tank is highly dependent on all the components that make up the total storage solution. Together they play a crucial role in the functionality and durability of the tank, while ensuring efficient, safe and hygienic storage.

• The tank container: The core of the entire storage solution. Usually comes in plastic (HDPE) and/or steel, depending on the media to be stored.
• Drain valves: Enables precise and safe dosing of media. Typically butterfly valves and/or stainless steel ball valves.
• Fittings and connections: Connecting the IBC tank to other process equipment and ensuring seamless integration. Many use standard fittings, but there are also tailor-made solutions for more specialized needs, such as SAV adapters.
• Lids and gaskets: Ensure that the contents of the IBC tank remain intact and free from contamination. They’re normally made of EPDM or PTFE, materials that are both chemical resistant and leak-proof, even under extreme temperature conditions.
• Protective frame and pallet: Protects the IBC tank from impact and allows it to be stacked with others safely. The pallet, typically made of wood, plastic or steel, ensures stability and easy transportation.

The IBC tank is incredibly popular in the process industry, and there are several good reasons for this. Overall, it provides a flexible and efficient solution for storing, transporting and handling various media, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

• Efficient logistics and space utilization
  Its square shape makes it easy to optimize storage space. It can be easily moved by forklift and stacked to save space, making it ideal for both storage and transportation.
• Flexibility for all needs
  The tank can be customized with fittings and valves to match your exact needs. This means tailor-made solutions for every task.
• Sustainability in focus
  The tank can be cleaned and, in most cases, reused, reducing waste. A sustainable solution for the process industry.
• Reliability and protection
  With robust materials, tight-fitting lids and compatibility with multiple types of valves, the risk of leaks is minimal. There are also Ex-approved models that are designed for explosive environments where safety is paramount.
• Standardization for easy integration
  The uniform dimensions make it easy to integrate the IBC tank into existing logistics and production systems. This means less hassle and more efficiency in everyday operations. 

For many years, we’ve supplied stainless steel IBC components to both Danish and international customers, and we’ve built up solid expertise in the field. That's why we stock a wide range of IBC couplings and adapters, which often play a key role in storage solutions for manufacturing companies. With our experience, we ensure you get the right components to make your production more efficient and reliable.

See our range of IBC couplings
See our range of butterfly valves

However, it doesn't just stop at a wide range of stainless-steel IBC component in our warehouse. Our experienced metalworkers and blacksmiths in the assembly workshop specialize in creating tailor-made IBC hose solutions that fit your exact needs. From selecting the right type of hose to installing the optimal couplings, we take care of the entire process and are ready to solve even the most complex tasks.

For example, did you know that we can supply suction tubes and IBC hose solutions with SAV unions that fit directly onto your IBC tank? These solutions make it easy and efficient to handle both filling and emptying. The SAV union, which can be configured together with a hose using our user-friendly hose configurator, ensures a strong and secure connection that minimizes the risk of leaks and spills. The suction tube allows you to efficiently reach the very bottom of the tank, ensuring you utilize the entire contents without spillage, while achieving precise and even dosing.

Still not sure which IBC solution is the perfect fit for your production? Then get in touch with our experienced sales team, who are ready to assist. Contact us by phone +45 7020 0422 or email inquiry@alfotech.eu and let’s make sure your business is IBC ready!