Frequently Asked Questions

No, most plastic IBCs are not designed to be pressure vessels. However, each IBC is production tested to 3 PSIG, and design qualification tests, required for U.N. marking of an IBC, vary from 14.7 PSIG to 62 PSIG. for a period of 10 minutes, depending on design type and applications. In some cases, users or shippers of IBCs may want to put a N2 blanket on the product or apply some pressure to help facilitate certain off-loading application requirements. Minimal intermittent pressure exposure of between .5 PSIG - 5 PSIG, for all IBC design types marked with a test pressure = 14.7 PSIG is possible to address.
All Snyder IBCs come equipped with an automatic vacuum vent, which begins relieving internal tank pressure at .25 PSIG, so no manual operation is necessary by IBC users.
The useful life of an IBC is dependent on many variables, including the type of IBC, material construction, degree of chemical attack, environmental exposure factors, and the level of handling and transport abuse endured over the years, so it is difficult to define a “rule of thumb” expected useful life. Snyder recommends that IBC owners periodically inspect their IBCs before shipment and use an accredited DOT recertification service provider every 2.5 years to ensure safe IBCs are reused. Snyder provides a Tank and Inspection Guide to help supplement IBC inspection and replacement protocol.
Snyder IBCs are typically acquired as an asset for long-term use in reusable/returnable shipping and handling applications. The lighter duty caged plastic IBCs are primarily sold for one-way or limited reuse shipping applications. Reason being, Snyder's IBCs are four times thicker, corrosion proof, and substantially more impact resistant, which results in a much longer lasting and more durable IBC construction.
Snyder does not recommend stacking full containers during transit.
"Designs" are not approved by the FDA, they only approve the MATERIAL used to construct the tank. Snyder can build IBC's using FDA compliant materials. Snyder IBC’s can be manufactured to comply with FDA Title 21 CFR’s - 177.2600, 178.2010, 177.1520 and 178.3297. Compliant parts include all gaskets, caps, tank material, and valve.
Yes, full Snyder IBCs can be stacked multiple units high, as long as you don't exceed the rated gross capacity of the container or the stacking test load shown in the U.N. marking.
Snyder has been manufacturing plastic containers for over 55 years in Lincoln, Nebraska. We have expanded over the years to include additional plants with similar manufacturing capabilities.
Snyder IBCs must be retested every 2 ½ years for either UN31H1 or UN31H2 marked units.
The following link will take you to the Department of Transportation Research and Special Programs Hazardous Materials Website. This is an invaluable resource for anyone involved with the shipment of or the offering for shipment of Hazardous Materials in U.N. Marked IBC's. http://hazmat.dot.gov