Metal IBC Totes

Metal Alloy Intermediate Bulk Containers

Metal intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) made from carbon steel or stainless steel are one of the industry’s best containers and choices for strength, reusability, and long term service potential. Metal IBC tanks are available in capacity from 110 gallons up to 793 gallons, manufactured from either:

• Mild Carbon Steel
• 304 Stainless Steel
• 316 Stainless Steel, available on request

These containers are well suited for the handling, storage, and transport of bulk hazardous and non-hazardous materials, liquids, flammables and combustibles. Carbon and stainless steel IBCs are the top recommended intermediate bulk containers for use and handling of NFPA class flammable and combustible materials.

Metal IBCs are engineered for compatibility with a range of dense, heavy-weighted, corrosive, acidic, caustic, inert, and reactive materials. When it comes to versatility, durability, container hygiene, and a dependable service life, few stack up against carbon steel and stainless steel IBCs.

Metal IBC Manufacturing and Standards

Carbon and stainless steel IBCs are made in the USA and manufactured using modern industry equipment, techniques, and materials. Every metal IBC is crafted to fully meet the design standards of published codes and governing regulations. Metal IBCs are welded, sanded, and polished to a specific degree depending on product and request.

Selected metal IBC models are manufactured to meet applicable Title 49 CFR, FDA, NSF 61, and NFPA 30 requirements to match the intended use. Stainless steel IBCs are marked with DOT UN31A/Y labels on the tank exterior. Carbon steel IBCs are designed to UN/DOT standards but are not labeled for regulated transit at this time.

The engineering of metal IBCs and accompanying design certifications approve them for transport via motor vehicle, rail, air, and sea cargo vessels. Stainless steel IBCs are permitted for the handling, storage, and transit of material-compatible hazardous Packing Group II and III materials.

Carbon steel IBCs are manufactured from a mild carbon steel. Mild carbon steel is a metal alloy of carbon and iron that is lighter in weight and less expensive than stainless steel alloys.

Stainless steel IBCs are manufactured from 304 grade SS, standard, with 316 SS available on request. Stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and residual product waste. After harsh use, they are capable of being returned to a polished, sanitary surface.

Both metal IBC types are constructed from 10 gauge thick steel, making them robust, resilient containers. The interior surface is polished and smooth to promote cargo fluidity, draining, as well as tank cleaning and sanitization.

• SS IBC Tank Specifications
• CS IBC Tank Specifications

Metal IBC Applications

Both carbon and stainless steel IBCs are utilized across a multitude of industries for a variety of operations. This is due to the IBC’s wide chemical, material, and application compatibility, the robust design, and increased capacity range of the tanks.

Carbon Steel IBCs are durable and dependable for many applications. Primary uses for carbon steel IBC are for the handling of petroleum-based oils, plant-based oils, solvents, and lubricants. They also see use in water treatment chemicals, paints, coatings, dyes, and with cleaning and sanitation chemicals.

Stainless Steel IBCs are actively selected for many chemical industry applications due to the superior corrosion resistance of the metal. Additional primary uses include jobs within the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries.

Following is a list of general applications that carbon or stainless steel IBCs may be used for:

• Chemicals and Solvents
• Petrochemical Applications
• Oil and Gas Refineries
• Offshore Operations
• Drilling Fluids
• Diesel Fuel
• Agriculture
• Water / Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
• Lubricants / Greases
• Mixing and Blending
• Food Manufacture and Processing
• Bulk Food Handling and Shipping
• Beverage, Brewing, Distilling, Fermenting, including Wine and Spirits
• Flavors and Fragrances
• Paints, Coatings, and Dyes
• Personal Care
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Products

Please note that no material is completely inert to everything. Both carbon and stainless steel metals are potentially susceptible to certain chemicals, with potential complications including tank corrosion, tank failure, hazardous gas formation, and product breakdown. Always verify that the storage container and material to be stored are compatible.

Metal IBC Characteristics

Steel IBC containers are highly portable and reusable, are easy to maneuver, fill, load, and discharge, generally require minimal maintenance excluding post-use cleaning and regular inspection approvals, and potentially have long service lives.

Successful metal IBC lifespan can be more than 20 years, even when handling corrosive commodities, making these IBCs long term, cost effective company assets. Lifespan potential is application specific where payload compatibility, good handling practices, and maintenance all affect outcomes. At the end of their service life, metal IBCs may be recyclable, (cargo dependent), where this further contributes to using less industry resources, fewer wastes, and lower associated costs.

Steel IBCs have high reuse potential. This is due to the metal’s durability, versatility, and ability to be cleaned. The reusability of these IBC can be maximized by designing logistic flows where containers are refilled with the same materials.

Metal IBCs are cubical in shape with a footprint sized around standard pallet dimensions. Their cubical shape increases the IBC’s ability to be organized, stacked, transported, and integrated into logistic streams as well as manufacturing, implementation, and processing systems. Most are stackable three high depending on tank sizes, total weight, and scenario safety.

Metal IBCs are fully welded and, when gasketed and capped, seal the internal payload from the external environment. Commodities that are sensitive to environmental effects and purity contamination—or that need to remain sealed airtight for extended durations—can be stored in carbon and stainless steel IBCs without experiencing these potential exposure risks during handling, transport, or long term storage.

Carbon Steel IBC Specifications

Carbon steel IBC tanks are robust metal containers manufactured in sizes from 126 gallons to 550 gallons to match job specifications and work needs. Carbon steel IBCs do not currently carry UN/DOT permit labeling.

Portable carbon steel totes feature a replaceable bung for quick filling procedures, integrated fusible vent plugs, and a detachable manway cover that allows improved interior access for mixing, cleaning, or other procedures. Carbon steel IBCs feature sloped bottoms with 2″ stainless steel outlet ball valves for near total product draining. Standard IBC gaskets are made from EPDM.

Carbon steel IBCs can be customized on a by-application need basis. Customizable options are available for certain tank material or weld finishes, for different tank capacities and base sizes, heating and cooling options, tank discharge location, gasket materials, sight levels, and various options for fittings, valves, and pressure or vacuum vent reliefs.

Standard carbon steel IBC features include:

• 22″ Manway
• Bolted Clamp Ring Lid Closure
• Black EPDM Gasket
• 2″ Rieke or 3″ Fusible Vent
• 2″ Replaceable Bung
• 2″ Stainless Steel Ball Valve
• One Piece, Stamped Valve Guard
• Sloped Bottoms for Draining
• 1/2″ Combination Lifting Lugs
• 3 Way Fork, 3 Way Jack Access
• Tank Mounted Operating / Warning Labels

Compare Carbon Steel IBC Tank Specifications, Including Weight, Dimensions, and Capacity

Stainless Steel IBC Specifications

Stainless steel IBC tanks are available in capacities from 110 to 793 gallons and are UN/DOT compliant to 31A design standards.

Stainless steel totes feature replaceable bungs for quick filling, fusible vent reliefs, a removable manway for interior tank access, drainage-sloped bottoms, and a stainless steel outlet ball valve. EPDM gaskets are standard.

Stainless steel IBCs can be manufactured from either 304 or 316 stainless steel grades.

304 SS: Most commonly used stainless steel grade. Provides good resistance against many corrosive chemicals, harsh environments, and working conditions.

316 SS: Greater strength and resistance to pitting and chemical corrosion. Increased strength at elevated temperatures.

Standard stainless steel metal IBC features include:

• 22 1/2″ or 22 5/16″ Manway Lid
• Bolted Clamp Ring Lid Closure
• Black EPDM Gasket
• 2″ or 3″ Fusible Vent
• 2″ Replaceable Bung
• 2″ 316 SS Ball Valve
• One Piece, Stamped Valve Guard
• Sloped Bottoms for Draining
• 1/4″ Thick Combination Lifting Lugs
• 3 Way Fork, 3 Way Jack Access
• Tank Mounted Operating / Warning Labels

Compare Stainless Steel IBC Tank Specifications, Including Weight, Dimensions, and Capacity

Available Options for Custom Manufactured Metal IBCs

Stainless and carbon steel IBC totes have various custom fabrication options available. Custom options can be selected for interior and exterior welds and finishes, tank dimensions and capacities, temperature control, outlet valve locations, component material construction, as well as additional fittings, vents, valves, or access ports.

Additional custom modifications for carbon or stainless steel IBC tanks have been listed below:

• Manway Lid Size, Specifications, Attachment
• Leverlock Clamp Ring
• Gasket Material (White EPDM, Viton, Silicon, Teflon Coated EPDM, Heavy Duty White EPDM, White Santoprene)
• Discharge Fittings: NPT Threaded, 150# Flange, Sanitary Clamp, FireSafe Valve
• Drain/Valve Location: Side, Center, True Center
• Vent Reliefs: 2″ Rieke Vent, 3″ Fusible Vent, 5-in-1 Combo Vent, Pressure/Vacuum Vents
• Vent Quantity and Location
• Custom Graphics, Company Logo, Markings, Stenciled
• Sight Level Gauges
• Heating: Internal Pipe Coil or External Dimple Heat Transfer Jacket
• Insulation: Permanent or Removable
• Interior Finish: 2B Industrial Grade or #4
• Interior Weld: Standard, Blackwheeled, #4
• Exterior Finish: 2B Industrial Grade or #4
• Exterior Weld: Buff, Strip Buff, 150 Grit, 180 Grit, 320 Grit

IBC Tanks | The IBC Tote Authority

IBC Tanks is an industry authority and provider of carbon and stainless steel metal IBC containers. We offer quality, American made IBCs at the industry’s most competitive pricing. Contact us for metal IBC related questions, product selection help, bulk order pricing information, or custom components and fittings requests for your carbon steel or stainless steel IBC.