Choosing The Correct Type Of FIBC To Suit Your Requirement
FIBC bags (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers), also known as jumbo bags, bulk bags, tonne bags or super sacks, are the best and most effective containers for storing and transporting industrial goods such as sand, fertilizer, plastic granules and more. You can find FIBC bags in Canada that are made of 100% virgin Polypropylene, a petroleum-based product also known as thermoplastic.
Different kinds of materials are used to manufacture these FIBC bags, which gives you a range of choices to choose from when selecting the best material for your Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container. Based on their material, we can categorize the FIBC into four main groups – Type A, Type B, Type C and Type D bulk bags.
When choosing the suitable material for your FIBC bags, you must consider many considerations, such as the product you are planning to store, the production plant’s environment, and the location where the bags will be loaded and unloaded. Static electricity is another critical factor when choosing the suitable material for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers.
Here are some brief explanations about the different types of FIBC bags that will help you choose the perfect packaging for your products.
How Does Static Electricity Affect FIBC Bags?
Static electricity is important when choosing the suitable material for your FIBC bags. Static electricity occurs when there is an imbalance of electric charges within some of the materials, caused during the filling and discharging processes of the bulk bags where static electricity can build up. Therefore, it is imperative to prevent choosing materials prone to building up static electricity, especially when packing flammable or combustible products.
Here is what you need to know about the different FIBC bags that will help you avoid such mistakes and choose the right material to suit your requirements.
Type A FIBC Bags
The type A FIBC bags are the standard version of the bulk bags you are looking for. They are made using a mixture of plain-woven polypropylene and calcium carbonate. They are also made using non-conductive fabrics and a UV additive that protects them from erosion when they are stored outside.
Type A bags are usually used when you transport products that are not flammable since they do not possess static protection and other electrostatic safety and protection features. Using type A FIBC bags in a flammable atmosphere with minimum ignition energy ≤1,000mJ is present can be extremely dangerous. Therefore it is greatly advised not to keep any combustible gases or solvents closer to these type A bags.
Type B FIBC Bags
The type B FIBC bags are similar to type A in the sense that they are produced using standard propylene materials as well. However, type B bags are manufactured using materials with low breakdown voltage that is usually below 6kV, which helps prevent sparks’ dangers. This is possible because of the special anti-static coating that is used to make type B bags. They can therefore prevent explosive dust-air mixtures from igniting.
However, type B bulk bags cannot be labelled as anti-static either. While they are highly suited for transporting dry and flammable powders, they should be kept away from flammable gases and solvents because they cannot dispel static electricity charges.
You can obtain customizable type B bags, as they can be manufactured without coating or with an anti-static liner and a standard outer bag.
Type C FIBC Bags
Type C FIBC bags are also called Conductive Jumbo FIBCs because they are manufactured using non-conductive fabrics, although they are interwoven with conductive threads. Since they can transport highly flammable materials and chemicals, chemical companies often use them. However, you must make sure to handle them right to avoid dangers.
It is highly recommended to keep the type C bulk bags electrically grounded during the process of either filling or emptying the bags. Therefore, only use type C bags when there is a ground connection or when it is damaged.
Type C Flexible Intermediate Bulk bags are superior to the previous two types because they are safe to use in flammable gasses or solvents.
Type D FIBC Bags
Type D Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers are also known as Dissipative FIBC bags and Anti-Static bulk bags. They are much similar to type C bags, except they must not be kept grounded. This is because the fabric or material that is used to manufacture the type D bags is a complete static dissipater.
The type D bulk bags are made using quasi-conductive yarn suited to handle products within flammable or combustible environments. They can automatically dissipate the static charge instead of gathering it up and causing a spark. Therefore, they are perfect and extremely efficient in transporting combustible substances without any risks.
Unlike the other types, type D bags can be used safely around flammable solvents and gases. However, you must be careful not to use them when the surface is wet or has water or grease. They are the most advanced type of FIBC bags because they can prevent the occurrence of incendiary sparks, brush discharges and propagating brush discharges without connecting to the ground.
The Best Partner For Your FIBC Bags / Packaging Needs
If you are looking for a safe, durable and efficient solution for your packaging needs, then it is crucial to choose wisely to ensure the safety of all your products. Get in touch with our expert team of professionals who will help you determine the most suitable and ideal FIBC bags for transporting and storing your valuable products.
Contact us now to get the best FIBC bags in Canada or for any questions that you might have about the different types of flexible intermediate bulk containers!
