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 UN/DOT approved containers and choices for strength, reusability, and long term service. Metal IBC tanks are available in capacity from 110 gallons up to 550 gallons, manufactured from either:

  • Mild Carbon Steel
  • 304 Stainless Steel
  • 316 Stainless Steel

These containers are well-suited for the handling, storage, and transport of bulk hazardous and non-hazardous materials, liquids, flammables and combustibles, semi solids, and granulated commodities. 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 or exceed the design standards of published codes, laws, and governing regulations. Metal IBCs are fully welded, sanded, and polished to a specific degree depending on product and request.

Our metal IBCs are approved according to the standards and requirements of Title 49 CFR Section 178, the FDA, IMDG, ANSI/NSF 61, NFPA 30 Section 9.4.1 (1), and are labeled with DOT UN31A/Y markers on the tank exterior.

The engineering of metal IBCs and accompanying design certifications approve them for freight transport via motor vehicle, rail, air, and sea cargo vessels. Metal IBCs are permitted for the handling, storage and transit of hazardous, non-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 either 304 or 316 stainless steel. Stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and to residual product waste. They are capable of returning to a polished, sanitary surface.

Stainless IBCs are constructed to a 10 gauge material thickness, one of the thickest gauges available for stainless steel metals, making them robust, resilient containers. The material is finished, interior and exterior, with a 2B electropolish for a polished and smooth surface that promotes cargo fluidity, draining, as well as tank cleaning and sanitization.

Stainless steel 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 of the tanks.

Carbon Steel IBCs are durable, dependable, and suited 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, cleaning and sanitation chemicals, as well as within the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.

Stainless Steel IBCs are actively selected for a multitude of chemical industry applications due to the superior corrosion resistance of the metal. Additional primary uses include operations within the food, 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
  • Helicopter / Jet Fuel
  • Agriculture
  • Water / Wastewater Treatment
  • 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
  • Plastics

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 tanks potentially have very long service lives, are highly portable and reusable, are easy to maneuver, fill, load, and discharge, and generally require very little maintenance excluding post-use cleaning and passing regular inspection approvals.

Successful metal IBC lifespan can be more than 20 years, even when handling corrosive commodities, making the IBC a long term, cost effective company asset. At the end of their service life, metal IBCs can be recycled, further contributing to limiting the use of industry resources, wastes, and associated costs.

Steel IBCs have a high reuse potential. This is due to the metal’s durability, versatility, and ability to be cleaned. The reusability of an IBC can be maximized by designing logistic flows so that 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.

Metal IBCs are fully welded and, when gasketed and capped, seal the internal payload against 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 capacities from 110 gallons to 550 gallons to meet various needs, product densities, weights, and job specifications. IBC capacities up to 793 gallons maintaining UN31A design labels are available. Container capacities up to and exceeding 2,000 gallons can be requested, noting the absence of DOT / UN markers.350 Gallon Carbon Steel IBC

Portable carbon steel totes are equipped with replaceable bungs for quick filling procedures, integrated vent caps for automatic pressure release, and a detachable manway cover that allows full interior access for mixing, cleaning, or other procedures. Carbon steel IBCs feature sloped bottoms with 2″ stainless steel outlet ball valves that contributes to near total product draining. Standard IBC gaskets are made from EPDM.

The IBCs feature 1/4″ combination lifting lugs with a 10% over shackle diameter and 25% over jaw gap to meet standard requirements for domestic and offshore transport. Carbon steel IBCs have three way forklift, pallet jack access channels for multidirectional mobility. They are stackable to three high given tank sizes, total weight, and scenario safety.

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 features include:

  • 22 ½” Manway Lid
  • Bolted Clamp Ring Lid Closure
  • Black EPDM Gasket
  • 3″ Auto Pressure Relief Vent
  • 2″ Replaceable Bung
  • 2″ Stainless Steel Ball Valve
  • One Piece, Stamped Valve Guard
  • Sloped Bottoms for Draining
  • ¼” Combination Lifting Lugs
  • 3-Way Fork, 3-Way Jack Access
  • Tank Mounted Operating and Warning Labels

Stainless Steel IBC Specifications

Stainless steel IBC tanks are one of the industry’s top choices available in capacities from 110 to 550 gallons. Storage capacity up to 793 gallons with UN31A design markers can be requested. Stainless steel container capacities up to and more than 2,000 gallons are available, noting the IBC will not be DOT / UN approved.350 Gallon Stainless Steel IBC

Stainless steel totes feature replaceable bungs for quick filling, automatic pressure venting caps, a removable manway to allow interior tank access, drain-sloped bottoms, and a stainless steel outlet ball valve. Standard gaskets are made from EPDM.

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

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

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

Stainless steel metal IBCs have a variety of customizable options. 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. Standard features include:

  • 22 ½” Manway Lid
  • Bolted Clamp Ring Lid Closure
  • Black EPDM Gasket
  • 3″ Auto Pressure Relief Vent
  • 2″ Replaceable Bung
  • 2″ Stainless Steel Ball Valve
  • One Piece, Stamped Valve Guard
  • Sloped Bottoms for Draining
  • ¼” Thick Combination Lifting Lugs
  • 3-Way Fork, 3-Way Jack Access
  • Tank Mounted Operating and 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. Additional custom modifications for carbon or stainless steel IBC tanks have been listed below:

  • Manway Lid Size, Specifications, Attachment
  • 18 ¼” Top Port (can be customized)
  • Leverlock Clamp Ring
  • Gasket Material (White EPDM, Viton, Silicon, Teflon Coated EPDM, Heavy Duty White EPDM, White Santoprene)
  • Full Hopper Bottom Tanks
  • Discharge Fittings: NPT Threaded, 150# Flange, Sanitary Clamp, FireSafe Valve
  • Discharge Location
  • Various Pressure Vents: 2″, 3″, 5-in-1 Combo Vent, Pressure/Vacuum Vents, Fusible Cap/Vent
  • Vent Quantity and Location
  • Custom Graphics, Etchings, Markings
  • Company Logo Option
  • Sight Level Gauges
  • Heating: Internal Pipe Coil or 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 tanks. We offer quality, American-crafted IBCs at the industry’s most competitive pricing. Contact us for assistance related to metal IBC, help in product selection, questions on pricing information, or to request custom components, fittings, and more for your carbon steel or stainless steel IBC.

Scroll to top