What type of FIBC is right for me?

FIBC Bulk Bags are large, flexible containers that are used to store and transport dry bulk materials such as grains, fertilizers, chemicals, sand, and more. They are also known as big bags, bulk sacks, or super sacks. FIBC Bulk Bags offer many advantages over other types of packaging, such as lower cost, higher efficiency, better safety, and easier handling.

However, not all FIBC Bulk Bags are the same. There are different types of FIBC Bulk Bags that are designed for different purposes and applications. Choosing the right type of FIBC Bulk Bag for your needs is crucial to ensure the quality and safety of your product and your operation. Below, we will explain the main types of FIBC Bulk Bags and how to select the best one for you.

 

Types of FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container)

Type A FIBC Bulk Bags are made of plain-woven polypropylene or other non-conductive fabrics. They do not provide any static protection and can generate static electricity when they are filled or emptied. They are suitable for transporting non-flammable products in non-flammable environments. Type A FIBC’S should not be used for flammable or combustible materials, or in the presence of flammable solvents or gases.

Type B FIBC Bulk Bags are similar to Type A, but they are made of materials that have a low breakdown voltage. This means they can prevent the occurrence of propagating brush discharges, which are highly energetic and dangerous sparks that can ignite flammable materials. However, Type B bags do not have any mechanism for dissipating static electricity, so they can still produce normal brush discharges. Type B FIBC’s can be used for transporting dry, flammable powders, but only if there are no flammable solvents or gases around.

Type C FIBC Bulk Bags are also known as conductive or groundable FIBC. They are made of polypropylene fabrics interwoven with conducting yarns, usually in a grid pattern. These yarns are connected to each other and to a grounding point, which allows the static electricity to be safely discharged to the earth. If they are properly grounded, Type C FIBC’s can be used for flammable or combustible materials or in flammable environments.

Type D FIBC Bulk Bags are also known as dissipative or antistatic FIBC. They are made of fabrics that have antistatic properties, such as special coatings or additives. They can dissipate static electricity without the need for grounding. They can also prevent the occurrence of propagating brush discharges and normal brush discharges. Type D FIBC’s can be used for flammable and combustible materials or in flammable environments.

What is your application?

Choosing the right type of FIBC Bulk Bag for your specific application is crucial to ensure the quality and safety of your product and your operation. You can consider factors such as the product you want to store or transport, the environment you will use the bag in, and the safety requirements you need to follow. Here are some tips and recommendations based on these factors:

• The product you want to store or transport: Depending on the nature of your product, you may need a different type of FIBC Bulk Bag. For example, if your product is fine, powdery, or prone to dusting, you may want to use a coated bag or a bag with a liner to prevent leakage and contamination. If your product is flammable or combustible, you may need a bag that provides static protection, such as Type C or D. If your product is sensitive to moisture or humidity, you may want a bag that has a barrier layer or a desiccant to keep it dry. If your product is food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade, you may want a bag that meets the hygiene and cleanliness standards of your industry.

• The environment you will use the bag in: Depending on the environment you will use the bag in, you may need a different type of FIBC Bulk Bag. For example, if you plan to use the bag outdoors, you may want a bag that is UV-resistant or has a protective cover to prevent degradation from sunlight. If the bag is used in a flammable or explosive atmosphere, you may need a bag that is grounded or dissipative to avoid static sparks. If you use the bag in a wet or humid environment, you may want a bag that is water-resistant or has a vent to allow air circulation.

• The safety requirements you need to follow: Depending on the safety requirements you need to follow, you may need a different type of FIBC Bulk Bag. For example, if you need to comply with the UN regulations for hazardous materials, you may need a bag that has a UN certification and a proper label. If you need to comply with the FDA regulations for food contact, you may need a bag that is made of virgin materials and has a food-grade certificate. If you need to comply with the OSHA regulations for lifting and handling, you may need a bag that has a safe working load and a proper lifting loop.

In conclusion, FIBC Bulk Bags are a great solution for storing and transporting dry bulk materials. They come in different types, such as Type A, B, C, and D, that offer different levels of static protection and suitability for different products and environments. Choosing the right type of FIBC Bulk Bag for your specific application is crucial to ensure the quality and safety of your product and your operation. You can consider factors such as the product you want to store or transport, the environment you will use the bag in, and the safety requirements you need to follow. You can also contact us for more information or check out our products and services. We are happy to help you find the best FIBC Bulk Bag for your business.

For more information on styles of FIBC’s (bag construction, top bottom and lifting options), please refer to our guide for buying FIBC’s.

https://ovasco.com/a-guide-for-buying-fibcs-flexible-intermediate-bulk-containers/

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us at 502-584-2219 or send us an email at sales@ovasco.com.  If you would like to enquire about Ovasco quoting FIBC’s for you, please follow this link.

https://ovasco.com/request-quote/

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