Poly IBC Tote Temperature Ranges
Plastic IBC totes are traditionally made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a type of plastic known for its durability and resistance to a wide range of chemicals and common environmental concerns, such as rusting. As a raw material, HDPE can be capable of withstanding temperatures up to 248° Fahrenheit (120°C) for short periods and 230° Fahrenheit (110°C) continuously. *Please note, this temperature rating is for the base synthetic material itself and various factors come into play as to whether this max temperature range will apply to a product, such as an IBC tote, that is made from the material.
According to many IBC manufacturers and distributors, most poly IBC totes are rated to handle a maximum fill temperature of 140° Fahrenheit (60°C) and rated to run a constant temperature of 120° Fahrenheit (49°C). These temperature ratings are listed and provided as a safety feature to ensure the integrity of the IBC tote and its cargo is maintained, as exceeding these temperatures could potentially soften the tank and weaken its structural integrity. *Note, these temperatures are for internal temperatures rated for the IBC’s cargo, not external temperatures as in ambient weather conditions.
The primary reason for the difference in the maximum temperature ranges between raw HDPE and an HDPE IBC tote, is due to the IBC’s manufacturing method and the amount of HDPE material used in its production. A caged IBC tote is blow-mold manufactured with a fairly thin tank wall to decrease the tote’s total weight and cost. Due to this, the IBC is not suited for the maximum temperature range that is listed for raw HDPE as a material.
When it comes to storing hot water in an IBC, some DIY users have reported that their IBC totes have successfully been used to handle temperatures as high as 225° Fahrenheit. However, this seems to be an exception rather than the standard, and IBC Tanks® as an IBC tote distributor that believes safety is paramount, we cannot recommend the use of plastic IBC totes above their maximum recommended fill temperature of 140° F and constant temperature of 120° F.
Temperature and Chemical Storage
For storing chemicals or other substances with low flashpoints (at or below 60ºC/140ºF), they often need to be stored in a specifically engineered explosion-protected IBC or a metal IBC, such as a stainless steel IBC tank. Certain cargo types will require a specific IBC material or components that can handle the safety concerns associated with these substances. Such guidelines are often overseen by regulations such as OSHA and the NFPA.
Temperature and Freezing Conditions
Poly IBC totes can handle freezing and sub-freezing conditions. If the air temperature goes down to -20°F / -29°C for a week, this can essentially freeze the IBC plastic as well as whatever cargo is being kept within the container, making it significantly more susceptible to physical impact damage. Therefore, if you’re storing cargo that can freeze, it’s important to know the freezing point of your liquid cargo and consider the effects freezing temperatures may have on your IBC tote and prepare accordingly.
Thermal Expansion
It’s worth noting that liquid materials stored in an IBC tote will expand or contract with temperature fluctuations as this can play a role in the integrity of the tote during extreme conditions and/or for very old, well used, and already potentially weakened IBCs.
Insulation
For extreme temperatures, it might be necessary to use an insulated IBC tote or provide some form of external insulation to maintain the temperature of the IBC’s cargo. Insulation options vary depending on what the IBC owner needs, is storing, willing to spend, transport requirements, etc. IBC insulation options include electric heating jackets, IBC tote blankets, submersible heaters, and DIY type methods such as home-type insulation, blankets, and tarps.
Takeaway
By material of manufacture, poly IBC totes can handle a wide range of temperatures, but the specific temperature range depends on how the tote is made and the nature of the stored substance. Our high density polyethylene IBC totes, such as the caged IBC tote and rigid plastic IBCs, are rated to handle temperatures ranging from -20°F to 120°F (-29°C to 49°C) with a max filling temperature rating of 140°F (60°C).
