IBC types
Compare reconditioned IBC tote types by capacity, pallet material, and valve configuration.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) come in various configurations to meet different storage, handling, and transportation requirements. Understanding the differences between IBC types helps you select the right container for your specific application. We stock multiple types and configurations to meet diverse industry needs.
IBC sizes and capacities
The two most common IBC sizes are 275-gallon and 330-gallon. Both use the same footprint but differ in height and capacity.
275-gallon standard
The most common IBC size, the 275-gallon (1,040 liter) container is the industry workhorse. Its moderate height makes it suitable for most facilities and applications.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 275 gallons / 1,040 liters
- Dimensions: 48" L x 40" W x 46" H
- Tare weight: ~130-160 lbs (varies by pallet)
- Fill weight (water): ~2,300 lbs
- Footprint: Standard pallet size
- Stacking: 2-high when full (4-high empty)
Best for:
- Standard warehouse ceiling heights
- Most industrial applications
- Food and beverage ingredients
- General chemical storage
330-gallon high cube
The 330-gallon (1,250 liter) "high cube" IBC offers 20% more capacity in the same footprint. Ideal when maximizing volume per container is important.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 330 gallons / 1,250 liters
- Dimensions: 48" L x 40" W x 53" H
- Tare weight: ~140-175 lbs (varies by pallet)
- Fill weight (water): ~2,750 lbs
- Footprint: Standard pallet size
- Stacking: 2-high when full (4-high empty)
Best for:
- Maximizing volume per container
- Reducing container counts
- High-volume operations
- Lower-density products
Size comparison
| Specification | 275-gallon | 330-gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (gallons) | 275 | 330 |
| Capacity (liters) | 1,040 | 1,250 |
| Height | 46" | 53" |
| Length | 48" | 48" |
| Width | 40" | 40" |
| Typical tare weight | 130-160 lbs | 140-175 lbs |
| Full weight (water) | ~2,430 lbs | ~2,900 lbs |
Bottle construction
The inner bottle is the primary containment vessel. Most IBCs use HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) bottles, though other materials exist for specialized applications.
HDPE bottle
High-Density Polyethylene is the standard bottle material. HDPE offers excellent chemical resistance, durability, and recyclability.
Properties:
- Excellent chemical resistance
- FDA-approved grades available
- Temperature range: -40°F to 140°F
- UV stabilized options
- Recyclable material
- Translucent for level visibility
Natural vs. white
HDPE bottles come in natural (translucent) or white (opaque) colors. Natural bottles allow visual level checks; white provides UV protection for light-sensitive products.
Considerations:
- Natural: Better level visibility
- White: Better UV protection
- Both: Same chemical resistance
- Product requirements determine choice
Bottle thickness
Standard bottles range from 2.0mm to 3.0mm wall thickness. Thicker walls provide extra durability for demanding applications.
Wall options:
- Standard: 2.0mm - most applications
- Medium: 2.5mm - enhanced durability
- Heavy: 3.0mm - maximum protection
- Thickness affects weight and cost
Specialty bottles
Some applications require specialized bottle materials or constructions beyond standard HDPE.
Specialty options:
- UN-rated for hazmat
- Food-contact certified
- Antistatic formulations
- Barrier layer bottles
- Conductive additives
Cage construction
The cage (also called frame or grid) provides structural support, protection for the bottle, and enables stacking and handling.
Steel tube cage
Most IBCs use galvanized steel tube construction for the cage. The tubular design provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Features:
- Galvanized for corrosion resistance
- Welded construction
- Vertical and horizontal members
- Corner posts for stacking
- Top frame for lifting/stacking
- Fork guides on pallet
Cage configurations
Cage designs vary by manufacturer, but all serve the same basic functions of protection and handling capability.
Common designs:
- Wire mesh style
- Tubular grid style
- Heavy-duty industrial
- Lightweight economy
- Various bar spacing patterns
Pallet types
The pallet (base) supports the IBC and enables forklift handling. Different pallet materials suit different applications and environments.
Composite pallet
Wood/plastic composite pallets offer a balance of durability, weight, and cost. The most common pallet type for general industrial use.
Advantages:
- Good moisture resistance
- Moderate weight
- Cost-effective
- Repairable
- Suitable for most applications
Best for:
- General industrial use
- Indoor storage
- Standard handling conditions
Steel pallet
Galvanized steel pallets provide maximum durability and are ideal for harsh environments, heavy products, or applications requiring non-combustible materials.
Advantages:
- Maximum durability
- Non-combustible
- Easy to clean
- Long service life
- Outdoor rated
Best for:
- Outdoor storage
- Chemical environments
- Heavy-duty applications
- Fire-sensitive areas
Plastic pallet
Full HDPE plastic pallets offer excellent chemical resistance and are easy to clean. Ideal for food-grade and pharmaceutical applications.
Advantages:
- Chemical resistant
- Easy to wash
- No splinters
- Consistent weight
- Recyclable
Best for:
- Food and beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Clean room environments
- Wash-down areas
Wood pallet
Traditional wood pallets offer economy but require consideration for moisture and export requirements. Less common in modern IBC applications.
Advantages:
- Lowest cost
- Easy to repair
- Widely available
- Biodegradable
Considerations:
- Moisture absorption
- ISPM-15 treatment for export
- Splinter potential
- Shorter service life
Pallet comparison
| Feature | Composite | Steel | Plastic | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Good | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Moisture resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Poor |
| Chemical resistance | Good | Good | Excellent | Poor |
| Weight | Medium | Heavy | Light | Medium |
| Cost | Medium | High | Medium-High | Low |
| Cleanability | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Poor |
| Food-grade suitable | Some | Yes | Yes | Limited |
Valve and fitting types
The discharge valve determines how product is dispensed from the IBC. Different valve types suit different products and dispensing systems.
2" ball valve
The standard valve for most IBCs. Simple ball design with lever handle provides reliable on/off control for general liquids.
Features:
- 2" (DN50) opening
- Full port design
- Quarter-turn operation
- Polypropylene construction
- EPDM or Viton gaskets
2" butterfly valve
Butterfly valves allow finer flow control and work well with viscous products. Common in food and chemical applications.
Features:
- 2" (DN50) opening
- Variable flow control
- Good for viscous products
- Lower pressure drop
- Multiple material options
3" butterfly valve
Larger 3" butterfly valves provide higher flow rates for viscous products or when faster discharge is needed.
Features:
- 3" (DN80) opening
- High flow rate
- Ideal for viscous products
- Faster discharge
- Requires larger bottom outlet
Camlock fittings
Quick-connect camlock adapters enable fast, secure connections to transfer hoses and systems. Available in multiple sizes.
Features:
- Quick connect/disconnect
- Multiple sizes available
- Aluminum, stainless, or PP
- Industry standard connections
- Adapter kits available
Top fill options
Standard fill cap
The standard 6" (150mm) screw cap provides a large opening for filling and cleaning access. Gasket provides secure seal.
Features:
- 6" (150mm) opening
- Screw-on cap
- Gasket seal
- Vented or non-vented options
- Tamper-evident versions
Specialized closures
Specialized top closures are available for specific applications including dust covers, pressure relief, and recirculation systems.
Options include:
- Dust caps
- Pressure/vacuum relief
- Closed-fill adapters
- Recirculation fittings
- Tamper-evident seals
UN certification types
IBCs for hazardous materials transport must meet UN performance standards. Certification is marked on the container and determines approved uses.
UN 31H1 / 31HA1
Composite IBC with rigid HDPE inner receptacle and steel outer cage. The most common UN-rated IBC type.
Designations:
- 31H1: For liquids (standard)
- 31HA1: For liquids (high density)
- Packing Groups II and III
- Various specific gravity ratings
Packing groups
Packing group indicates the degree of danger and determines container requirements for hazardous materials.
Groups:
- PG I: High danger (not for IBCs)
- PG II: Medium danger
- PG III: Low danger
- UN marking shows approved PG
Specific gravity
UN certification specifies maximum product specific gravity. Higher SG ratings accommodate denser products.
Common ratings:
- SG 1.2: Standard water-like products
- SG 1.5: Moderate density
- SG 1.8: Higher density products
- SG 2.0: Dense liquids
Reuse requirements
UN-rated IBCs can be reused within their certification if properly inspected and maintained. Reuse rules vary by certification.
Requirements:
- Inspection before reuse
- No damage to containment
- Proper cleaning for product
- Certification still valid
- Documentation maintained
Selecting the right IBC
Key considerations
Selecting the right IBC depends on your product characteristics, handling requirements, and regulatory needs.
Consider:
- Product chemical compatibility
- Required volume/capacity
- Temperature range
- Viscosity and flow needs
- Regulatory requirements (UN, FDA)
- Storage environment
- Handling equipment
Need help selecting?
Our team can help you select the right IBC configuration for your application. We consider your product, handling, and compliance requirements.
We'll help with:
- Chemical compatibility review
- Capacity recommendations
- Valve and fitting selection
- Pallet material choice
- UN certification matching
- Cost-effective options
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between 275 and 330 gallon IBCs?
Both have the same footprint (48" x 40") but 330-gallon IBCs are taller (53" vs 46") providing 20% more capacity. Choose based on ceiling height constraints and volume needs.
Which pallet type should I choose?
Composite pallets work for most indoor industrial applications. Steel for outdoor or harsh environments. Plastic for food-grade or wash-down environments. We can recommend based on your use case.
Do I need UN-certified IBCs?
UN certification is required for transporting hazardous materials. For non-hazmat applications, non-UN IBCs may be suitable and more cost-effective.
Can I switch valve types on reconditioned IBCs?
Yes, we can install different valve types to match your dispensing system. Let us know your requirements when ordering.
What's the maximum weight an IBC can hold?
Standard IBCs are rated for products up to SG 1.2 (similar to water). Higher specific gravity ratings are available for denser products. Check UN markings for exact ratings.
How do I read UN certification markings?
UN markings include the UN symbol, IBC type code (like 31HA1), packing group, specific gravity, test pressure, and manufacture date. We can help interpret markings for your application.
Find the right IBC type
Not sure which IBC configuration is right for your application? Contact us with your requirements and we'll help you select the optimal container type, size, and configuration.