This page contains abstracts of research on small containers and intermediate bulk containers done by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate.
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Abstract - Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Life Extension Research – October 17, 2023
Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are rigid or flexible portable containers that can generally hold up to 3,000 L, other than a bag, box, drum or jerrican. Composite IBCs have a plastic inner container in a metal frame. Plastic IBCs have a plastic inner container and frame. These types of bulk containers can only be used to transport dangerous goods for up to five (5) years.
The goal of this of this research study was to find out if IBCs that have been used for five (5) years can still pass the tests for new container designs. This information will help us determine if the five (5) year service life can be safely extended.
Transport Canada (TC) hired the National Research Council of Canada’s Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre (NRC-AST) to conduct standard performance tests. They also did material property tests to better understand the condition of the container material and find any damage that could have led to failed tests.
The NRC-AST did the following tests:
- bottom lift
- top lift
- stacking
- leak-proofness (air)
- hydraulic pressure (water)
- ambient and cold drops
- vibration
These performance tests are required for new IBC designs. They are normally done on new prototypes.
The NRC tested IBCs from three (3) manufacturers that were only used to transport dangerous goods. All these containers were older than five (5) years and were donated by an IBC user.
Table 1: Test results
| Test | Number of composite containers that passed (by percentage) | Number of plastic containers that passed (by percentage) |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom lift | 100% (6/6) | 100% (3/3) |
| Top lift | 0% (0/2) | 100% (3/3) |
| Stacking | 100% (4/4) | 100% (3/3) |
| Leak-proof test | 33% (2/6) | 33% (1/3) |
| Hydraulic pressure | 33% (2/6) | 0% (0/3) |
| Flat drop – ambient temperature | 100% (1/1) | 0% (0/1) |
| Corner drop – ambient temperature | 0% (0/1) | 0% (0/1) |
| Flat drop – cold temperature* | 100% (1/1) | 0% (0/2) |
| Corner drop – cold temperature* | 0% (0/1) | 0% (0/3) |
| Vibration | 50% (1/2) | 100% (1/1) |
* We used a lower drop height for the cold drop tests after the ambient temperature test failures.
The leak-proof, hydraulic, and drop tests showed problems with leaking around the closures and gaskets. Material testing showed some breakdown of the outside and inside surfaces of the plastic inner container. The inside of the walls stayed intact, but the gaskets were significantly degraded. Material testing the two (2) inch closures showed that they likely failed and leaked because they had been over tightened.
No IBC manufacturer or design performed significantly better or worse than any other. No expired IBC from a single manufacturer was able to pass all the tests. This research shows that there are concerns about extending the service life of IBCs beyond five (5) years without additional steps to reduce risk.
Learn more
Read the summary report: Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Life Extension Research
To get a copy of the reports, please contact us.
Title: Intermediate Bulk Container Life Extension Research
TP: TP 15519E
ISBN: 978-0-660-43878-8
Catalogue: T44-3/31-2022E-PDF
Contact us
Safety Research and Analysis Branch
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate
Transport Canada
Email: TC.TDGScientificResearch-RecherchescientifiqueTMD.TC@tc.gc.ca