Complete IBC Technical Specifications
The definitive technical reference for intermediate bulk containers. Every dimension, material property, valve specification, rating system, and performance characteristic in one place.
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Specification Categories
This page compiles every technical specification for composite IBC tanks (UN type 31HA1) into a single, searchable reference. Whether you are an engineer specifying containers for a chemical process, a procurement manager comparing suppliers, or a facility operator verifying compatibility, the data you need is here. All values represent industry-standard specifications and may vary slightly between manufacturers.
Complete Dimensions by Size
Side-by-side dimensional comparison of all three standard IBC tank sizes. All measurements are for standard composite IBCs (31HA1) with HDPE pallets.
| Specification | 110 Gallon | 275 Gallon | 330 Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Capacity (US Gal) | 110 | 275 | 330 |
| Nominal Capacity (Liters) | 415 | 1,040 | 1,250 |
| Actual Fill Capacity (US Gal) | 107 | 270 | 325 |
| Actual Fill Capacity (Liters) | 405 | 1,022 | 1,230 |
| Headspace Volume | ~3 gal / 11L | ~5 gal / 19L | ~5 gal / 19L |
| External Length | 36" / 914 mm | 48" / 1,200 mm | 48" / 1,200 mm |
| External Width | 36" / 914 mm | 40" / 1,000 mm | 40" / 1,000 mm |
| External Height (body only) | 37" / 940 mm | 46" / 1,168 mm | 53" / 1,346 mm |
| Internal Length | 33" / 838 mm | 45" / 1,143 mm | 45" / 1,143 mm |
| Internal Width | 33" / 838 mm | 37.5" / 953 mm | 37.5" / 953 mm |
| Internal Height | 33" / 838 mm | 42" / 1,067 mm | 49" / 1,245 mm |
| Pallet Footprint | 36" x 36" | 48" x 40" | 48" x 40" |
| Pallet Height | 5" / 127 mm | 5.5" / 140 mm | 5.5" / 140 mm |
| Overall Height (w/ pallet) | 42" / 1,067 mm | 53.5" / 1,359 mm | 58.5" / 1,486 mm |
| Top Fill Opening | 6" / 150 mm | 6" / 150 mm | 6" / 150 mm |
| Bottom Discharge | 2" / 50 mm | 2" / 50 mm | 2" / 50 mm |
| Empty Weight (tare) | 75-90 lbs / 34-41 kg | 130-145 lbs / 59-66 kg | 145-160 lbs / 66-73 kg |
| Filled Weight (water, SG 1.0) | 993 lbs / 450 kg | 2,425 lbs / 1,100 kg | 2,915 lbs / 1,322 kg |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,100 lbs / 499 kg | 2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg | 3,086 lbs / 1,400 kg |
| Max Stacking (filled) | 3 high | 2 high | 2 high |
| Max Stacking (empty) | 4 high | 4 high | 4 high |
| Units per 53' Trailer | ~40 | 20 | 20 |
| Floor Space per Unit | 9 sq ft | 13.3 sq ft | 13.3 sq ft |
| Equiv. 55-Gal Drums | 2 drums | 5 drums | 6 drums |
The 275-gallon column is highlighted as it is the industry standard size, representing approximately 80% of all IBC tanks in circulation.
HDPE Material Properties
High-Density Polyethylene is the standard inner bottle material for composite IBC tanks. These properties apply to the virgin HDPE blow-molding resins used by major IBC manufacturers.
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer Type | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | ISO 1043-1 |
| Density | 0.941 - 0.965 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Melt Flow Index (MFI) | 5 - 12 g/10 min (190°C / 2.16 kg) | ASTM D1238 |
| Tensile Strength at Yield | 3,200 - 4,500 psi (22 - 31 MPa) | ASTM D638 |
| Tensile Modulus | 145,000 - 225,000 psi (1,000 - 1,550 MPa) | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break | 100 - 1,000% | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Modulus | 145,000 - 225,000 psi (1,000 - 1,550 MPa) | ASTM D790 |
| Impact Strength (Izod, Notched) | 0.5 - 12 ft-lb/in (27 - 640 J/m) | ASTM D256 |
| Hardness (Shore D) | 60 - 73 | ASTM D2240 |
| Melting Point | 266°F (130°C) | ASTM D3418 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | 155 - 175°F (68 - 80°C) at 66 psi | ASTM D648 |
| Vicat Softening Temperature | 255°F (124°C) | ASTM D1525 |
| Continuous Service Temperature | -60°F to 180°F (-51°C to 82°C) | Manufacturer spec |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 5.9 - 7.1 x 10⁻⁵ in/in/°F | ASTM D696 |
| Water Absorption (24 hr) | < 0.01% | ASTM D570 |
| UV Resistance | Moderate (stabilizers added) | ASTM G154 |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent to most acids, bases, alcohols | ASTM D543 |
| FDA Compliance | 21 CFR 177.1520 (virgin HDPE) | FDA |
| Typical Wall Thickness | 2.0 - 3.0 mm | Manufacturer spec |
| Color (standard) | Natural / translucent white | -- |
| Recyclable | Yes (resin code #2) | ASTM D7611 |
Key HDPE Characteristics for IBC Applications
- Excellent chemical resistance to acids, bases, alcohols, and most aqueous solutions
- Good impact resistance even at sub-zero temperatures, critical for winter storage
- Low moisture absorption prevents wall degradation from water-based products
- Translucent white color allows visual level checking without opening the tank
- FDA-compliant when manufactured from virgin resin under controlled conditions
- Not suitable for prolonged UV exposure -- outdoor storage requires shade or covers
- Vulnerable to aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, and strong oxidizers
Steel Cage Specifications
| Component | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Low-carbon steel (Q235 or equivalent) | Weldable, ductile structural steel |
| Cage Wire Diameter | 4.0 - 5.0 mm | Varies by manufacturer and model |
| Corner Post Tube | 25 x 25 mm square tube, 1.5 mm wall | Primary load-bearing members |
| Top Frame Tube | 30 x 20 mm rectangular tube | Supports stacking load from above |
| Bottom Frame Tube | 30 x 20 mm rectangular tube | Distributes load to pallet |
| Mesh Pattern | Welded grid, 50-75 mm spacing | Provides lateral bottle support |
| Surface Treatment | Hot-dip galvanized (zinc coating) | ASTM A123 / ISO 1461 compliant |
| Zinc Coating Thickness | 45 - 85 µm (microns) | Determines corrosion life |
| Coating Weight | 305 - 610 g/m² | Per ASTM A123 requirements |
| Estimated Coating Life | 20 - 50 years (indoor) | Reduced to 10-25 years outdoor |
| Weld Type | MIG or resistance projection weld | All joints load-tested |
| Cage Weight (275 gal) | 55 - 70 lbs / 25 - 32 kg | Varies by manufacturer |
| Cage Weight (330 gal) | 60 - 75 lbs / 27 - 34 kg | Taller cage, more material |
| Static Stacking Load | 5,290 - 6,172 lbs / 2,400 - 2,800 kg | Carried by cage, not bottle |
| Number of Reuse Cycles | 5 - 10+ reconditioning cycles | Cage outlasts multiple bottles |
Valve Specifications
Comprehensive specifications for all valve types used on IBC tanks, including the standard butterfly valve, ball valve alternatives, and connection standards.
| Specification | 2″ Butterfly (Standard) | 2″ Ball Valve | Camlock Adapter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet Connection | S60x6 coarse thread | S60x6 coarse thread | Attaches to valve outlet |
| Outlet Connection | 2" Camlock Type A | 2" NPT or BSP | 2" Camlock (M or F) |
| Port Size (bore) | 2" (50 mm) full bore | 2" (50 mm) full bore | 2" (50 mm) pass-through |
| Operation | 90° quarter-turn handle | 90° quarter-turn lever | Pull cam arms to release |
| Flow Coefficient (Cv) | ~75 | ~85 | N/A (pass-through) |
| Max Operating Pressure | 14.5 psi (1 bar) | 150 psi (10 bar) | 150 psi (10 bar) |
| Max Temperature | 140°F (60°C) | 250°F (121°C) | 250°F (121°C) |
| Body Material | Polypropylene (PP) | Polypropylene or stainless steel | Aluminum or stainless steel |
| Disc/Ball Material | Polypropylene | Polypropylene or stainless steel | N/A |
| Standard Gasket | EPDM | EPDM or Viton | EPDM or Buna-N |
| Food-Grade Gasket | FDA EPDM or Silicone | FDA EPDM or PTFE | FDA EPDM |
| Shutoff Rating | Drip-tight (bi-directional) | Bubble-tight (bi-directional) | N/A |
| Recommended Use | General purpose, most liquids | Viscous liquids, chemicals | Hose connection |
| Typical Price | $15 - $35 | $25 - $60 | $8 - $20 |
S60x6 Thread Specification (IBC Standard)
- Designation: S60x6 (DIN 6131)
- Outer Diameter: 60.0 mm
- Pitch: 6.0 mm (coarse thread)
- Thread Type: Buttress / trapezoidal
- Starts: Single start
- Thread Depth: ~3 mm
- Material: Molded into HDPE bottle outlet
- Orientation: Right-hand thread (standard)
- Seal Method: Gasket face seal
- Torque Spec: Hand-tight + 1/4 turn
- Compatibility: Universal across IBC manufacturers
- Alternatives: 2" NPT, 2" BSP (with adapter)
Top Cap / Fill Opening Specifications
| Feature | Standard Cap | Vented Cap | Tamper-Evident Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Size | 150 mm (6") DN150 | 150 mm (6") DN150 | 150 mm (6") DN150 |
| Thread Type | 150 mm buttress thread | 150 mm buttress thread | 150 mm buttress thread |
| Breather Vent | No | Yes (spring-loaded) | No (sealed) |
| Tamper Band | No | No | Yes (breaks on first open) |
| Material | HDPE or PP | HDPE or PP with EPDM seal | HDPE with security band |
| Recommended Torque | 15-25 ft-lbs | 15-25 ft-lbs | 15-25 ft-lbs |
| Typical Use | Closed storage | Gravity dispensing | New / virgin tanks |
UN Rating System Explained
How to Decode a UN Rating Stamp
| Segment | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| UN Symbol | UN | Certified under UN performance standards |
| Container Type | 31HA1 | 31=rigid IBC, H=plastic inner, A=with structural equipment (cage), 1=for solids & liquids |
| Packing Group | Y | X=PG I/II/III (most dangerous), Y=PG II/III (medium), Z=PG III only (least) |
| Manufacture Date | 05 20 | Month (05=May) and year (20=2020). Certification expires 5 years from this date |
| Country of Approval | USA | Country where UN approval was granted |
| Manufacturer | SCHTZ | Manufacturer name or registered code (Schutz in this example) |
| Serial/Batch | 20-028 | Internal production batch or serial number |
| Specific Gravity | 1.9 | Maximum SG of contents allowed. Water=1.0, most chemicals below 1.9 |
| Test Pressure | 1500 | Hydrostatic test pressure in kPa (kilopascals). 100 kPa = 14.5 psi |
Common UN IBC Type Designations
| Code | Description | Inner Material | Outer Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31HA1 | Composite IBC, plastic inner + metal cage | HDPE | Galvanized steel cage |
| 31HH1 | Composite IBC, plastic inner + plastic outer | HDPE | Molded plastic shell |
| 31HH2 | Composite IBC, plastic inner + plastic outer (liquids only) | HDPE | Molded plastic shell |
| 31A | Metal IBC (all-steel) | Carbon steel | Carbon steel tank |
| 31B | Metal IBC (aluminum) | Aluminum | Aluminum tank |
| 31H1 | Rigid plastic IBC (no cage) | HDPE | None (self-supporting) |
| 31H2 | Rigid plastic IBC (liquids only) | HDPE | None (self-supporting) |
| 13H1 | Flexible IBC (woven plastic) | Woven PP | None (flexible) |
Packing Group I (X)
High danger. Substances that present the greatest hazard. IBCs rated X can carry PG I, II, and III materials. Examples: concentrated sulfuric acid, bromine, certain organic peroxides. X-rated IBCs are relatively uncommon and represent the highest performance tier.
Packing Group II (Y)
Medium danger. The most common rating for composite IBC tanks. Y-rated IBCs can carry PG II and PG III materials. This covers the vast majority of industrial chemicals, solvents, and hazardous substances encountered in normal commerce. Most new and reconditioned IBCs ship with a Y rating.
Packing Group III (Z)
Low danger. Substances that present relatively minor hazard during transport. Z-rated IBCs are only approved for PG III materials. Examples: dilute solutions, certain paints and coatings, low-hazard flammable liquids with flash points above 141 degrees F.
Weight Capacity Calculations
The maximum fill weight of an IBC depends on the specific gravity (SG) of the contents and the UN rating of the container. Use these reference calculations to determine safe fill levels.
| Product (Example) | Specific Gravity | Weight per Gallon | 275 Gal Fill Weight | 330 Gal Fill Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 1.00 | 8.34 lbs | 2,294 lbs | 2,711 lbs |
| Diesel Fuel | 0.85 | 7.09 lbs | 1,950 lbs | 2,304 lbs |
| Vegetable Oil | 0.92 | 7.67 lbs | 2,109 lbs | 2,493 lbs |
| Corn Syrup | 1.38 | 11.51 lbs | 3,165 lbs | 3,741 lbs |
| Glycerin | 1.26 | 10.51 lbs | 2,890 lbs | 3,416 lbs |
| Hydrochloric Acid (37%) | 1.19 | 9.92 lbs | 2,728 lbs | 3,224 lbs |
| Sodium Hydroxide (50%) | 1.53 | 12.76 lbs | 3,509 lbs | 4,147 lbs |
| Sulfuric Acid (98%) | 1.84 | 15.35 lbs | 4,221 lbs | 4,989 lbs |
| Phosphoric Acid (85%) | 1.69 | 14.09 lbs | 3,875 lbs | 4,579 lbs |
| Ethanol (95%) | 0.81 | 6.76 lbs | 1,859 lbs | 2,197 lbs |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | 0.79 | 6.59 lbs | 1,812 lbs | 2,142 lbs |
| Acetic Acid (glacial) | 1.05 | 8.76 lbs | 2,409 lbs | 2,847 lbs |
Fill Weight Formula
Important: The fill weight must not exceed the IBC gross weight minus tare weight. For example, a 275-gallon IBC with a max gross weight of 2,645 lbs and tare weight of 140 lbs can hold a maximum net product weight of 2,505 lbs. For high-SG liquids like concentrated sulfuric acid (SG 1.84), the volume must be reduced to stay within the weight limit. Always check the SG rating on the UN label to ensure it meets or exceeds your product SG.
HDPE Chemical Resistance Ratings
Chemical compatibility of HDPE with common substances stored in IBC tanks. Ratings assume ambient temperature (68 degrees F / 20 degrees C). Chemical resistance decreases at elevated temperatures.
| Chemical | Concentration | 68\u00B0F (20\u00B0C) | 140\u00B0F (60\u00B0C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetic Acid | 10% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Acetic Acid | Glacial | A - Excellent | B - Good |
| Acetone | 100% | A - Excellent | B - Good |
| Ammonia (aqueous) | 30% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) | 12.5% | A - Excellent | B - Good |
| Citric Acid | Saturated | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Diesel Fuel | 100% | B - Good | C - Fair |
| Ethanol | 95% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Ethylene Glycol | 100% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Gasoline | 100% | B - Good | C - Fair |
| Hydrochloric Acid | 37% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | 30% | A - Excellent | B - Good |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | 100% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Linseed Oil | 100% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Methanol | 100% | A - Excellent | B - Good |
| Nitric Acid | 25% | A - Excellent | B - Good |
| Nitric Acid | 70% | B - Good | D - Not Recommended |
| Phosphoric Acid | 85% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Potassium Hydroxide | 50% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 50% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Sulfuric Acid | 50% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Sulfuric Acid | 98% | B - Good | D - Not Recommended |
| Toluene | 100% | D - Not Recommended | D - Not Recommended |
| Xylene | 100% | D - Not Recommended | D - Not Recommended |
| Benzene | 100% | D - Not Recommended | D - Not Recommended |
| MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) | 100% | C - Fair | D - Not Recommended |
| Vegetable Oils | 100% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
| Vinegar | 100% | A - Excellent | A - Excellent |
Rating Key
Temperature Operating Ranges
| Component | Minimum | Recommended Max | Absolute Max | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE Inner Bottle | -60°F / -51°C | 140°F / 60°C | 180°F / 82°C | Chemical resistance reduced above 140°F |
| HDPE Bottle (empty) | -76°F / -60°C | 180°F / 82°C | 220°F / 104°C | Empty bottle tolerates wider range |
| PP Butterfly Valve | -4°F / -20°C | 140°F / 60°C | 176°F / 80°C | PP becomes brittle below -4°F |
| EPDM Gasket | -40°F / -40°C | 250°F / 121°C | 300°F / 149°C | Excellent thermal range |
| Viton Gasket | -15°F / -26°C | 400°F / 204°C | 500°F / 260°C | Best for high-temp chemicals |
| Silicone Gasket | -65°F / -54°C | 400°F / 204°C | 500°F / 260°C | Wide range, FDA food-grade |
| PTFE Gasket | -328°F / -200°C | 500°F / 260°C | 500°F / 260°C | Broadest temperature range |
| Galvanized Steel Cage | -40°F / -40°C | Unlimited | Unlimited | Steel not a limiting factor |
| HDPE Pallet | -40°F / -40°C | 140°F / 60°C | 180°F / 82°C | May warp under heavy load + heat |
| Overall IBC System | -4°F / -20°C | 140°F / 60°C | 176°F / 80°C | Limited by weakest component |
Freeze Warning
Water expands approximately 9% when it freezes. A full IBC tank left outdoors in freezing conditions can crack or rupture the inner HDPE bottle, causing catastrophic failure and a 275-gallon spill. In the Omaha/Nebraska climate where winter temperatures regularly reach 0 degrees F or below, always drain water-filled IBCs or move them to heated indoor storage before the first freeze.
Pressure Ratings
| Parameter | Standard IBC | High-Performance IBC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrostatic Test Pressure | 75 kPa / 10.9 psi | 100 kPa / 14.5 psi | Applied during UN certification testing |
| Maximum Internal Pressure (use) | 10 kPa / 1.45 psi | 20 kPa / 2.9 psi | Do NOT pressurize IBC tanks |
| Vacuum Rating | Minimal (gravity fed) | Minimal | Vented cap prevents vacuum collapse |
| Stacking Test Pressure | 2x gross weight for 28 days | 2x gross weight for 28 days | Per UN testing protocol |
| Drop Test Height (PG II) | 0.8 m / 31.5" | 1.2 m / 47.2" | Filled to max gross weight |
| Drop Test Height (PG III) | 0.8 m / 31.5" | 0.8 m / 31.5" | Filled to max gross weight |
| Vibration Test | Per DOT 49 CFR 178.801 | Per DOT 49 CFR 178.801 | 1-hour vibration test |
IBC Tanks Are NOT Pressure Vessels
IBC tanks are designed for atmospheric storage and gravity-fed dispensing only. They must never be pressurized with compressed air, nitrogen, or any gas to accelerate dispensing. Pressurizing an IBC can cause catastrophic failure of the inner bottle, resulting in a dangerous burst and potential injury. If you need pressurized dispensing, use an IBC-compatible pump system instead.
Stacking & Load Specifications
| Condition | 110 Gallon | 275 Gallon | 330 Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max stack height (filled) | 3 high | 2 high | 2 high |
| Max stack height (empty) | 4 high | 4 high | 4 high |
| Static stacking load per unit | 2,200 lbs / 998 kg | 5,290 lbs / 2,400 kg | 6,172 lbs / 2,800 kg |
| Total 2-high stack weight | 1,986 lbs | 4,850 lbs | 5,830 lbs |
| Floor loading (2-high stack) | 22 PSI | 25.3 PSI | 30.4 PSI |
| Min. floor rating required | 25 PSI concrete | 30 PSI concrete | 35 PSI concrete |
| Aisle clearance required | 18" | 18" | 18" |
| Stack alignment tolerance | ± 0.5" | ± 0.5" | ± 0.5" |
| Pallet-to-pallet interlock | Cage top nests into bottom | Cage top nests into bottom | Cage top nests into bottom |
| Mixed-size stacking | NEVER | NEVER | NEVER |
Pallet Types & Dimensions
HDPE Plastic Pallet
- Material: High-density polyethylene, injection molded
- Weight: 22-30 lbs (10-14 kg)
- Dimensions: 48" x 40" x 5.5" (standard)
- Fork Entry: Four-way
- Load Rating: 2,645 lbs static
- Advantages: Lightweight, non-absorbent, chemical resistant, no splinters, FDA-compliant, fully recyclable
- Disadvantages: Can warp under extreme heat + load, lower repairability
Galvanized Steel Pallet
- Material: Galvanized steel tube frame
- Weight: 45-65 lbs (20-30 kg)
- Dimensions: 48" x 40" x 5.5" (standard)
- Fork Entry: Four-way
- Load Rating: 5,000+ lbs static
- Advantages: Highest strength, best for heavy contents (high SG), excellent forklift durability, weldable for repairs
- Disadvantages: Heavy, adds to tare weight, can rust if zinc coating damaged
Wood Pallet
- Material: Hardwood or softwood lumber
- Weight: 35-50 lbs (16-23 kg)
- Dimensions: 48" x 40" x 5.5" (standard)
- Fork Entry: Four-way (some two-way)
- Load Rating: 2,500-3,000 lbs static
- Advantages: Inexpensive, repairable, widely available, biodegradable
- Disadvantages: Absorbs spills, splinters, not FDA-approved for food, can harbor pests (ISPM 15 treatment required for export)
Gasket & Seal Material Comparison
| Property | EPDM | Viton (FKM) | Silicone | PTFE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp Range | -40 to 250°F | -15 to 400°F | -65 to 400°F | -328 to 500°F |
| Water/Steam | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Acids (dilute) | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
| Acids (concentrated) | Good | Excellent | Poor | Excellent |
| Bases/Alkalis | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Fuels/Oils | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Excellent |
| Solvents | Poor | Good | Poor | Excellent |
| Ozone/UV | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| FDA Food Grade | Yes (FDA EPDM) | Yes (FDA FKM) | Yes (FDA Silicone) | Yes (virgin PTFE) |
| Hardness (Shore A) | 40-90 | 60-90 | 10-80 | N/A (55-65 Shore D) |
| Compression Set | Good | Excellent | Fair | Good |
| Cost (relative) | $ | $$$ | $$ | $$$$ |
| Best Use Case | Water, general purpose | Chemicals, fuels, oils | Food/pharma, wide temp | Universal compatibility |
UN Performance Test Standards
To receive a UN rating, every IBC design must pass these standardized performance tests. Tests are conducted on production samples by accredited laboratories.
Bottom Lift Test
UN 6.5.6.4The IBC is filled to 1.25x its maximum gross weight and lifted by the bottom. The test is sustained for 5 minutes. No permanent deformation or leakage that would render the IBC unsafe for transport is permitted.
Top Lift Test
UN 6.5.6.5The IBC is filled to 2x its maximum gross weight and lifted by the top frame structure. The test duration is 5 minutes. This simulates crane lifting during intermodal transfer. No structural failure or distortion allowed.
Stacking Test
UN 6.5.6.6A load equal to 1.8x the combined weight of the maximum number of similar IBCs stacked on top is applied for 28 days (or 24 hours at 104°F). No leakage, permanent distortion, or reduction in structural integrity is allowed.
Leakproofness Test
UN 6.5.6.7The IBC is filled with water and air is applied at 20 kPa (2.9 psi) for 10 minutes. No leakage is permitted at any seal, valve, or joint. This test verifies all gaskets and closures.
Hydrostatic Pressure Test
UN 6.5.6.8The inner bottle is filled with water and pressurized to the rated test pressure (75 or 100 kPa) for 10 minutes. No leakage, rupture, or permanent deformation is permitted. This test is repeated during reconditioning.
Drop Test
UN 6.5.6.9The IBC is filled to maximum gross weight and dropped from a specified height (0.8 m for PG II/III, 1.2 m for PG I) onto a rigid, flat surface. The test is performed with the bottom face, side, and valve impacting the surface. No loss of contents is allowed.
Vibration Test
DOT 49 CFR 178.819The filled IBC is placed on a vibration table and subjected to 1 hour of vertical vibration at 1 Hz frequency with a peak acceleration of 1g. This simulates transport vibration. No leakage or structural failure is permitted.
Need a Specific IBC Specification?
If you need specifications for a specific manufacturer, model, or custom configuration, contact us. We work with all major IBC brands and can provide detailed technical data sheets for any product in our inventory.