IBC Tote Tank

IBC Tote Tank
1. Definition
IBC stands for Intermediate Bulk Container, commonly known as IBC tote / 1000L bulk tank. It is a mainstream packaging for liquid storage & transportation across petrochemicals, AGO diesel, chemicals and food foreign trade, filling the gap between 200L metal drums and bulk tank trucks, widely used in sea freight and containerized shipment globally.
2. Three-piece Construction
Inner Bladder: Integrally blow-molded HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Available in food-grade or industrial grade with UV stabilizer; graduated markings on tank wall; translucent version enables direct liquid level checking. Resistant to most acids, alkalis and common organic solvents; food-grade variant complies with FDA requirements.
Outer Cage Frame: Hot-dipped galvanized steel frame
Full surrounding protection against collision and stacking compression, suitable for dangerous goods logistics.
Base Pallet: All-steel or plastic pallet
Four-way fork entry for easy handling via forklift or pallet jack without extra pallets.
Fittings
Top: DN150 large filling opening equipped with breather vent cap to balance internal pressure, essential for diesel and solvent loading.
Bottom: Standard DN50 ball valve / butterfly valve with S60×6 external thread outlet for quick hose connection and gravity draining; EPDM or Viton gasket optional for oil and corrosive liquid compatibility.
3. Standard Specifications (1000L most popular for export)
Nominal Volume Overall Dimension(mm) Empty Weight Max Filling Capacity Max Allowable Specific Gravity
500L 1000×650×1150 ≈40kg 530L 1.9g/cm³
1000L Standard IBC 1200×1000×1145 ≈58kg 1058L 1.9g/cm³
1200L 1200×1000×1350 ≈65kg 1260L 1.9g/cm³
8pcs of standard 1000L IBC fit in one 20GP container, higher space efficiency vs 200L steel drums.
UN Certified Dangerous Goods Grade (UN31HA1)
Approved for Class II & III hazardous liquids including AGO diesel and industrial solvents; max SG 1.5 for Class II, 1.8 for Class III. Factory tested under 20kPa air tightness and 100kPa hydraulic pressure to meet international maritime dangerous goods regulation.
4. Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages (Preferred for AGO diesel trading)
Space-saving: 35% less storage space than equivalent-volume 200L drums; static stacking up to 3~4 layers, 2 layers during transit.
Cost-efficient: One 1000L IBC equals five 200L drums, cuts labour cost on filling & transshipment; reusable for 5~8 years.
Easy discharging: Bottom valve for gravity draining without tank inversion, ideal for diesel and lube oil dispensing.
Universal compatibility: Fits containers, tank lorries and warehouses for worldwide import & export.
Limitations
HDPE bladder incompatible with strong aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene, acetone) and strong oxidants; stainless steel 304/316 IBC is required for such chemicals. Operating temperature range: -18℃ ~ +40℃.
5. Application Industries (Focus on AGO diesel business)
Petroleum Trading: Storage & distribution of AGO automotive gas oil, fuel oil, lubricant and biodiesel for small-batch split delivery to Africa & Middle East markets.
Chemical Industry: Industrial additives, resin, acidic & alkaline solutions and pesticide concentrates.
Food & Daily Chemical: Edible oil, syrup and cosmetic raw materials (food-grade IBC only).
Coatings, adhesives and antifreeze storage.
6. Product Classification & Selection Guide
Brand-new HDPE IBC: Cost-effective for regular industrial oil and daily chemicals.
UN-certified IBC: Mandatory with UN31HA1 certification and dangerous goods packing certificate for customs clearance of exported AGO and hazardous cargo.
304/316 Stainless Steel IBC: For strong corrosive fluid, high-purity food raw material and organic solvents, long service life over 15 years with higher cost.
Refurbished used IBC: Fully cleaned and pressure tested for non-edible industrial oil with lower procurement cost.