IBC tote containers are often used and stored outside as there are many applications that require the use of IBCs outdoors. However, this means that whatever liquids the IBC is holding will be exposed to the ambient weather conditions and affected by seasonal fluctuations in temperature. When keeping totes outside, freezing is a relevant concern during cold weather or the winter season. In these use cases, it’s important to know how to protect the IBC from freezing.
A frozen IBC cannot be used to provide its contents as needed by the owner and can actually cause damage to the tote, the liquid being stored (such as freeze-sensitive chemicals), as well as to any components or plumbing that may be connected to the tote.
Recommended Freeze Protection Methods for IBC Totes
Here, we will look at some of the top recommended solutions:
- Temperature-Controlled Environment: The best way to protect an IBC from freezing is to store the tote in a temperature-controlled environment where the IBC can be maintained and protected from ambient conditions. While this may be an obvious solution, this option may not be possible for many IBC tote owners and use cases.
- Insulation: Insulating an IBC will improve the tote’s resistance to temperature changes and therefore reduce freezing risks. Insulation could involve wrapping the top and sides of the tank with water-heater insulation, insulating blankets, construction-type insulation, or specialized insulation blankets that are built and sold exclusively for IBC tote freeze protection. Other examples can include building a dedicated enclosure and then insulation the IBC house in various ways.
- Use Heat: Water or other liquids in an IBC tote can be protected from freezing by keeping it warmer than the liquid’s freezing point. A common way of doing this is by using a submersible type electric heater, whether a tank heater, a bucket heater, or some other DIY method. Submersible water tank heaters are the preferred option and are often designed to keep liquids in the IBC at a near-consistent temperature, which will protect against freezing. Note, It is important to choose a submersible heater that is designed in such a way that it will not come in contact with the IBC tote walls as the generated heat can actually cause damage to the tote plastic.
- Use Circulation: When liquids are moving, it takes a longer time or colder temperatures for them to freeze. If a water pump and plumbing are used to circulate contents in the IBC tote, such as in a closed loop system, this can be very effective in freeze prevention. Another option is to use an aeration device to oxygenate the liquids and keep them moving. Note, this may be effective only to a point given the large volume of IBC tote containers.
- Solar Absorption: If indoor storage, accessories, or power sources aren’t an option, keeping the tank in a sunny spot and wrapping it with black plastic can be a cost-effective solution. The black plastic will absorb sunlight and convert it into heat, which can help prevent freezing. The black plastic also doubles in protecting against algae growth. Many DIYers opt for a roll of 6 mil black plastic that can often be found at home improvement stores and online. Note that this option will depend on sunny days.
- Compost Heating: An ingenious method used by some DIYers is to bury the tote in an active compost pile. The compost mass works to both insulate and heat the tote to keep it warm as compost piles naturally generate heat from the decomposition process.
- Straw Bale Insulation: Using straw bales around your IBC tote can provide an additional layer of insulation. This method is often recommended as an extra as it is often not sufficient on its own. This method works by making use of the latent heat of the water and the insulation capabilities of the straw bales, especially when coupled with solar heating.
Takeaway
Protecting your IBC totes from freezing will help keep the container and your contents usable and safe. Whether you choose one method over another, the key here is to ensure your totes are adequately protected from freezing temperatures.