IBC's - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I pressurize KEFCO IBCs?
2. Do KEFCO IBCs have to be vented before unloading?
3. How long will a KEFCO IBC last?
4. What is the difference between KEFCO's rotationally molded IBCs and the "caged", blow molded plastic IBC design type?
5. Can I ship filled IBC's stacked. How high can I stack them?
6. Can an IBC be FDA approved?
7. Can I stack filled IBC's for storage?
8. How long has KEFCO been manufacturing plastic containers?
9. How often does the DOT/UN Marking have to be updated?
10. Where can I find information regarding Department of Transportation Hazardous material regulations?
1. Can I pressurize KEFCO IBCs?
No, most plastic IBCs are not designed to be pressure vessels. However, each IBC is production tested to 3 PSIG, and design qualification tests, required for U.N. marking of an IBC, vary from 14.7 PSIG to 62 PSIG. for a period of 10 minutes, depending on design type and applications. In some cases, users or shippers of IBCs may want to put a N2 blanket on the product or apply some pressure to help facilitate certain off-loading application requirements. Minimal intermittent pressure exposure of between .5 PSIG - 5 PSIG, for all IBC design types marked with a test pressure = 14.7 PSIG is possible to address these requirements.
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2. Do KEFCO IBCs have to be vented before unloading?
All KEFCO IBCs come equipped with an automatic vacuum vent, which begins relieving internal tank pressure at .25 PSIG, so no manual operation is necessary by IBC users.
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3. How long will a KEFCO IBC last?
Useful life is dependent on many variables, including chemical attack, IBC design type, UV exposure, and handling wear and tear. KEFCO INCORPORATED has tanks that have been in the field for over twenty years. While the latest generation of thick walled IBCs have been on the market for only 10 years and many of those original units are still in service, it is difficult to make a judgment on expected useful life. For additional information regarding tank life please review the IBC Environmental Stress Inspection Guide.
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4. What is the difference between KEFCO's rotationally molded IBCs and the "caged", blow molded plastic IBC design type?
KEFCO IBCs are typically acquired as an asset for long-term use in reusable/returnable shipping and handling applications. The lighter duty caged plastic IBCs are primarily sold for one-way or limited reuse shipping applications. Reason being, KEFCO's IBCs are four times thicker, corrosion proof, and substantially more impact resistant, which results in a much longer lasting and more durable IBC construction.
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5. Can I ship filled IBC's stacked. How high can I stack them?
If IBC's are UN labeled, they can be stacked two high when full, as long as the rated gross capacity is not exceeded.
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6. Can an IBC be FDA approved?
"Designs" are not approved by the FDA, they only approve the MATERIAL used to construct the tank. KEFCO can build IBC's using FDA compliant materials.
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7. Can I stack filled IBC's for storage?
You can stack a KEFCO IBC 3 high for storage, as long as you don't exceed the rated gross capacity of the container or the stacking test load shown in the U.N. marking.
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8. How long has KEFCO been manufacturing plastic containers?
KEFCO has been manufacturing plastic containers for over 40 years. We have expanded over the years to include 4 additional plants with similar manufacturing capabilities. KEFCO is the most experienced plastic IBC distributorship in the U.S. We have a full staff of engineers and testing personnel available.
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9. How often does the DOT/UN Marking have to be updated?
KEFCO INCORPORATED IBCs must be retested every 2 ½ years for either UN31H1 or UN31H2 marked units.
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10. Where can I find information regarding Department of Transportation Hazardous material regulations?
The following link will take you to the Department of Transportation Research and Special Programs Hazardous Materials Website. This is an invaluable resource for anyone involved with the shipment of or the offering for shipment of Hazardous Materials in U.N. Marked IBC's.
http://hazmat.dot.gov
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