The DOT have specific requirements when it comes to transporting regulated liquid products, especially when it comes to chemicals. There are also certain qualities you should look for in an IBC tote tank in order to move your liquids safely;this great article in PCI Magazine help us better understand some of the best practices direct from the DOT.
There is no doubt IBC tanks are the best choice when it comes to storing and transporting your liquid goods. For many manufacturers, production levels can ebb and flow, which can make the job of planning and procuring your IBC tanks a real challenge. Is it a better investment to purchase your IBC tanks or is preserving capital more of a necessity? We can help you take the guesswork out of managing this important asset with the right planning tools, such as our IBC Rental Guide. Metano can ensure that you have the tanks you need, when you need them; here are 4 quick signs why a rental fleet may be the right choice for you.
Ultimately, your container selection will depend on the type (and quantity) of liquid you need to move and how often you plan to move it. Need to move paint resins to a long-term client? Stainless steel tote tanks are the way to go. But for a one-time transport of agricultural pesticides, poly tanks might be the better fit. The IBC shipping pros at Metano can help you find the right container in the correct size for your application.
Traditional methods of moving and storing liquids rely on standard 55-gallon round drums, an antiquated practice that has been proven to be less efficient and not nearly as cost effective as using stainless steel IBC tote tanks, or intermediate bulk contains (IBCs). With their ability to reduce cost via their decades of useful life, provide valuable practical storage capacities, and lower liabilities, IBCs are the modern way to ship liquids in a newer, better way.
Properly installing the lid on a stainless steel tote tank is crucial to ensuring the tote functions properly and safely. It is important when the stainless steel IBC leaves the shipper’s facility that the lid is installed correctly in order to comply with The Department of Transportation title 49 CFR 178.2. There are two main components to installing the lid on a tote. First the gasket must be installed properly, and then the clamp ring must be tightened to 30 ft-lbs to comply with UN/DOT specifications.
For most businesses using stainless steel Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), a standard tote configuration will suit their needs. Standard totes are the most cost effective and have the shortest lead times. Occasionally, a standard tote design does not meet the requirements of a specific application, and a custom IBC must be fabricated. Custom built IBCs can be configured in many different ways. Some of the more common customization options include various sanitary fittings, level indicators, and additional fittings in the tank top.
When shipping regulated products, as determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT), it is necessary to select a container that is certified to transport regulated materials. A common solution is to ship regulated products using stainless steel tote tanks. Stainless steel totes are compatible with many different types of products, and are often designed to be compliant with DOT requirements. Three key features of UN/DOT certified IBCs are totes with current test dates, a fusible vent installed in the top, and a secondary closure on the outlet.