Intermediate bund containers (IBC) are special containment vessels that are used for storing and transporting bulk liquids. Also referred to as a tote, an IBC can be loaded or unloaded using a pallet jack or forklift. IBCs are used to store and transport chemicals, solvents, petrol, and other combustible or non-combustible liquids.
IBC bunds, on the other hand, are used for mass storage of IBCs and can be utilized for both indoor and outdoor storage. IBC bunds are built with spill pallets that capture leaks, spills, and drips to ensure that no hazardous contents are leaked and spread to the ground during handling or transport. Storing harmful chemicals in bunds protects the environment, the workplace, and employees from contamination in case of a major spillage or captures leakage that can easily go unnoticed.
Types of IBC Bunds
IBC bunds are typically made from either steel or molded plastic. Choosing between plastic and steel bunds depends on the type of chemical stored and the level of activity in the storage area.
Steel IBC Bunds
Steel IBC bund pallets are typically made from galvanized steel, which makes them suitable for storing and transporting petrol and other flammable chemicals. They have great impact resistance, so they are safer to use in facilities where there is a lot of moving machinery and vehicles like forklifts.
Plastic IBC Bunds
Plastic IBC bunds are usually made from a polyethylene material. They are lightweight, and they can be easily cleaned and maintained. Plastic bunds are ideal for static storage as they may not be stable enough to be used for transport. Warehouses and facilities that deal with highly corrosive chemicals may opt to use plastic bunds for storage.
Benefits of Using IBC Bunding
Maximize Space
IBCs can store up to 1,250 liters of liquid and can be stacked on top of one another. Businesses that want to maximize their facility’s storage capacity can store more volume of liquid by using IBCs, compared to using cylindrical or drum containers, which normally contain up to 250 liters of liquid. However, safe stacking must be observed because when an IBC leaks, there is more spillage to deal with.
Better Handling
IBCs can be loaded and unloaded using a forklift or pallet jack, which takes a shorter amount of time to accomplish compared to cylindrical containers. Drum containers may need to be handled one at a time or strapped together to prevent or minimise spills.
Less Waste
IBC bunds are highly resistant to corrosive and combustible chemicals. Storing hazardous chemicals in IBCs and spill bunds protects the environment, the workplace, and employees from contamination in case of spillage due to accident, haste, or while the chemical product is being poured.
Long-Term Value
IBC bunds are made from eco-friendly materials. When IBC bunds reach the end of their service life, they can be recycled into other useful products, extending their value beyond being used as spill containment units.
Transporting and storing chemicals in IBC bunds is a way for a company to prevent spills from happening in the first place. It also saves the company from workplace hazards and the cost of expensive cleanup.
