Customers usually ask several questions about choosing the right gasket material to secure the lid to the neck ring of their stainless steel tote tanks. What does the gasket do? What works best for my product? What types of gasket materials are available? Where can I get them?  You will find some of those answers here.

The stainless steel IBC lid gasket is designed to fit around the neck ring of the IBC tank. The 22-1/2" diameter lid is then placed on top of the gasket and a plated steel clamp ring is fitted around and pulled tight with a nut and bolt. The gasket seals the lid to the tank so no leakage can occur while the IBC tank is in transit.

IBC tank lid gaskets come in a variety of materials to match the chemical compatibility of the product contained in the stainless steel tote. It is important to check the gasket compatibility with the product. Click here to view the elastomer chemical compatibility chart.

The most common lid gasket material is black EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). It is a type of rubber that sustains its shape and integrity for any IBC assignment.  EPDM IBC lid gaskets provide a reliable seal and can be reused many times. They are relatively inexpensive so they can be replaced as frequently as you choose. EPDM is compatible with many common products carried in stainless steel tote.

White EPDM is another common gasket material. It is widely used in the food industry as the material is graded by the FDA.  The white EPDM gasket is made of the same material as the black EPDM, but it is white.

Teflon is another type of gasket material that is compatible with most chemicals.  However, Teflon is a very hard material and does not seal well for the lid application on a stainless steel IBC tank. A good alternative is the Teflon-coated EPDM gasket. It combines the chemical properties of Teflon on the outside and the superior sealing capabilities of EPDM on the inside.  The EPDM gasket is typically dipped in Teflon to provide the coating.

Other IBC lid gasket materials include santoprene and solid viton.

Once the appropriate gasket compatibility is determined you must then concern yourself with the proper placement of the gasket on the neck ring. The gasket and clamp ring need to be installed properly in order to obtain the best seal. Special care should be taken when placing the gasket on the neck ring so that you are not exerting too much pressure on the joint. It is best to hold the seam (where the gasket is sealed together) of the gasket between both of your hands while extending the body of the gasket over the man way. Then pull the gasket around the sides until the gasket sits snugly on the neck ring. 

Selecting the appropriate lid gasket for an IBC tank is an essential part of protecting your product. Metano has a wide selection of lid gaskets right at your fingertips. For more information on IBC parts and accessories visit our website.  Please feel free to email us or call us at (800) 634-4128.