Environmental Science & Engineering - www.esemag.com - May 2004
Comments? send them to the editor.


A review of IBC containment solutions

Secondary chemical containment basins are becoming the norm across Canada. Many users of chemicals and other specialized liquids receive their products from the supplier in large portable containers called Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) or totes. These users now have an easy containment solution.

The use of IBCs and other totes is widespread across every sector. IBCs, manufactured and filled in accordance with United Nations specifications, are tested and safe containers when properly stored.

On average, an IBC contains approximately 1,100 litres (250 IG). Liquids inside may vary from lubricants to very strong chemicals such as sulfuric acid, any of which can have disastrous environmental effects if spilt, or may harm persons in contact. The use for IBCs has evolved from shipping containers to storage tanks for those seeking more flexibility in their capacity. The IBCs are plumbed directly from their bottom valves into pumps or machines via hoses and conveniently replaced with a full container when empty. This set-up is quite common, even indispensable to many manufacturers.

It may take several days, or even weeks to empty an IBC and the risk of leaks or bad spills exists while the container is attached to the equipment. Should the hose fail or be pulled off the IBC, the entire container could drain if unattended. If the product were hazardous, could anyone shut if off anyway? More common is a simple leak, which tends to damage floors and frustrate plant maintenance personnel. All have the potential to be costly and dangerous to the surrounding area and personnel.

ACO Container Systems Ltd. in Pickering, Ontario, has manufactured a series of polyethylene (PE) basins and steel stand “teams” for use with IBCs and tanks of all shapes.

Large polyethylene containment basins have become a popular safeguard. PE is the same type of plastic used for the inner receptacle (the bottle portion) of composite IBCs. It is durable, UV stabilized against sunlight for outdoor use, and resistant against most aggressive chemicals. General containment capacity guidelines are to have a minimum of 110% of the intended primary container – the IBC in this case. ACO manufactures a 300 imperial gallon basin for this application.

The steel stand fits inside the basin and the IBC is moved on and off by forklift truck. The IBCs can be lowered directly into the bottom of the basin but it may be required to pump the product out over the containment wall. When full, some totes can weigh in at well over 3,000 lbs. If the IBC is to be placed on any platform by a forklift truck, it should be a heavily built, well painted steel stand. Industrial environments are very demanding on all equipment. A steel stand should perform better than a plastic grating or other types of platforms placed on top of the basin.

With a little initiative and responsiveness, accidental spills can now be avoided. The potential costs of cleaning up after one bad spill will far outweigh the minor one-time cost of the basin and stand.

Contact Matthieu Tanguay, e-mail: matt@acotainers.com.

See our home page on how to order your subscription. We regret we can only accept orders from Canada and the United States.