Resources

Most of the FIBCs are made by weaving polypropylene fabric. Process requires stretching of polymers at elevated temperatures to give tensile strength. If filling material increases the temperature of Pp fabric close to these temperatures, there can be temporary or permanent loss of mechanical properties of PP fabric leading to bag failures in handling. The potential for bag damage at high temperatures finds its most critical point at around 200°F/95°C. You can use normal FIBCs/bulk bags at these temperatures, but to ensure you reap all the benefits of your FIBCs, it’s best to follow the below procedures when doing so.

• Proper Support

Support any bulk bag containing high-temp granules from the bottom at all times. Do not lift it using any means other than foundational support. Wait until the fabric’s surface temperature has dropped under 120°F/ 50°C before using any other method except lifting from base support like pallet.

•  Check Structural Integrity

If your company fills an FIBC/Jumbo Bag/ bulk bag with a product that is over 200°F/95°C, test the bag afterward to ensure the fabric has remained uncompromised.

• Pay Attention to Temperatures

Be sure to think about the peak temperature, amount of exposure time and level of material stress on the bulk bag before you determine its future performance and structural integrity. If ambient temperatures are also high, and surface temperature odes not drop to less than 120°F/ 50°C within 4 hours, there could be permanent creep and it is best advisable to use High temperature Bags.

• Indicate Bags for Higher-Temperature Materials

If you consistently ship materials that reach higher temperatures, ask SafeFlex for a bag so suitable. FIBC/Jumbo Bag/Bulk Bag suitable for filling temperatures upto 300°F/150°C can be made and used with a set of instructions provided.

• Always Test Your Bags

If you don’t test your bags, it could lead to a break and could compromise the material being transported. You will then have to pay to repackage the material, increasing time, material, and labor costs to get the project back on track.

• Immediately Replace Compromised Bags

Replacing a bag immediately after you notice an issue will save you in the long run. It will help prevent accidents that could cost you much more than replacing one FIBC/Jumbo Bag/Bulk Bag

• Consider Specialty High-Temperature FIBCs

There are special bags available that are meant to carry high- temperature materials. SafeFlex has FIBCs/Jumbo bags/Bulk Bags which can be filled with materials as hot as 150°C/300°F . Standard PP bulk bags can get the job done for materials coming in at 50°C/120°F , but a high-temperature bag would be more reliable if you transport these types of materials often.

It’s a natural question. Can FIBCs/ bulk bags/ Jumbo bags be stored outside? If you’re going to use them for your business, it can be important to know if they can be stored outside. You use FIBCs/Bulk Bags/ Jumbo bags for packing/storage/transport of your goods, which is a smart choice. But part of that choice involves knowing the proper method for storing bulk bags so they will be fully effective when needed. If you’ve been wondering how to store bulk bags outside or about other aspects of bulk bag care, read on.

It is critical that you store your FIBC bulk bags properly. Bulk bags can stand up to heavy loads and industrial transportation, but only if they are stored properly and protected from any potential damage before use. For this reason, it is important to be aware that it is not recommended that you store bulk bags outside. The main reason for this is to protect your flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) from sunlight, or more specifically, from ultraviolet radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV rays will weaken the strength of an FIBC, making it more likely to break when loaded with goods and/or transported. The easiest way to protect your FIBC bulk bags from ultraviolet radiation is to keep them out of the sun at all times when not in use.

In addition, while you can transport FIBC bulk bags in adverse conditions, continued exposure to inclement weather, such as leaving them out in the cold, rain or snow for days or weeks at a time, can also dramatically weaken the strength of your bags.

Can bulk bags be stored outside if you absolutely have no other choice? If you do so, it will be at your own risk, and there is no guarantee that your bags will perform at the level you can normally expect from FIBC bulk bags. However, if you do store them outside, you must cover them with some material that will protect them from UV rays. If you do not, there is a much lower chance they will perform up to standards. If you are storing them outside in a place where they may be subject to adverse weather conditions, you must find a way to protect them from weather where you are storing them as well.

This information has been provided by the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association. The latest version of The FIBCA Safe Handling Guidelines are available on their website or in this downloadable PDF.

Empty FIBCs and liners should be kept clean and stored undercover in such a manner that accidental damage, exposure to sunlight and extreme climatic conditions are avoided. Additionally, FIBCA has provided an informational video on storage and transportation of FIBCs.

Empty FIBCs and liners should be kept clean and stored undercover in such a manner that accidental damage, exposure to sunlight and extreme climatic conditions are avoided. Additionally, FIBCA has provided an informational video on storage and transportation of FIBCs.

When filled, the ratio of the height of the bag to the width/diameter of the bag should not be more than 2:1. Stability of bags may be improved by vibration during or after filling.

When lifting FIBCs with a fork lift truck, be sure the fork lift tines are spaced correctly. All lifting loops, sleeves, or other lifting devices should be vertical, so no damaging lateral forces will be created. Be sure the lifting loops are not twisted.

Fork-lift tines should have rounded edges and/or protective covers. Do ensure the crane hooks, bars or fork-lift arms used for lifting are of adequate size and are rounded to at least the thickness of the sling, belt or rope suspension, with a minimum radius of 5 mm.

The fork lift truck must be suitable for the load to be carried. When traveling with a FIBC hanging from the fork lift tines, there is a danger of the truck becoming unstable. The FIBC should be held close to the mast and as low as possible with the mast tilted slightly backwards. Make sure the FIBC body will not be damaged by the wheels of the truck. The load should not restrict the view of the driver.

FIBCs must not be dragged. The truck should be brought to a stop before the FIBC is raised or lowered.

The hooks, spreader bars or other devices used for lifting, should have rounded edges and/or protective covers. FIBCA recommends the use of safety hooks with an integrated latch to prevent the hook from accidentally slipping off the loop. Hooks should have a sufficiently large radius to prevent squeezing the loop.

When the FIBC is suspended, the loops must be vertical, without any twists or knots.

To right an FIBC that has toppled on its side, an endless fabric sling, wound through all the lifting loops, should be used. Any attempt to lift the FIBC using fewer loops than those provided, may result in the loops being torn off.