Intermediate Bulk Containers Intermediate bulk containers tend to fit into two main categories which are either rigid or collapsible, folding IBC containers. Each type of container has its benefits, some of which are unique to the manufacturer. Application Application plays a significant role in the selection process as does tradition. If you are storing or moving hazardous chemicals then there really is only one option and that is a rigid IBC. If you are storing or moving non-hazardous chemicals, food groups, drinks, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for example there are indeed more options to choose from. TPS Rental Systems specialise in folding Intermediate bulk containers best known as bag-in-box. Through combining an intermediate bulk container with a liner bag, this opens up the potential to achieve a more tailored solution - designed specifically for the product, the application, how the containers will be filled and discharged and the needs of the supply chain. Whilst this may sound complicated it really isn’t and we have been doing this successfully for many years, growing to become one of the leading intermediate bulk container suppliers. Purchase or hire intermediate bulk containers Rigid intermediate bulk containers tend to be purchased although there are some suppliers who offer a delivery and collection service, full or empty of product. The growth in commercial vehicle AdBlue use provides a good example of this. Folding intermediate containers can be purchased or hired from TPS rental Systems. Some businesses hire IBC’s to achieve: • Fixed rental costs. • Trialing in new ways of working or products to market. • Flexibility in the demand for their containers and size of their fleet. • Off-balance-sheet hire flexibility. • Better use of their finances and budgets to deploy capital elsewhere in the business. • A logistics partnership with a supplier who works with them. The majority of our containers are on hire mainly because we offer a fixed cost solution. When doing a direct cost comparison and comparing the use of rigid and folding IBCs there may be significant savings to be gained through using new liner bags for every fill. These may be direct cost savings to your bottom line as well as environmental benefits too. The best solution will be that which fits your needs and requirements. Safety and intermediate bulk containers Folding or rigid intermediate bulk containers have completely different safety benefits. The primary one for rigid being that they are for hazardous liquids. People first When it comes to operator safety in the supply chain there are significant differences between folding and rigid IBC’s. The best solution will be achieved by doing a direct comparison that considers the containers before filling, during filling, in storage, transport and when being discharged. Impact on customers or consumers As we have already pointed out a rigid IBC is the only way to go for certain hazardous products. They are designed for purpose and ergonomically easy to use. The use of a liner bag within an IBC is recognised best practice in many sectors where product integrity is best achieved using this method. Some businesses need the certainty that their product is sealed inside a new and sterile liner every time their containers are used. Safety and stacking your intermediate bulk containers The weight of product within an IBC can affect the stability of the container, especially when they are stacked. A direct comparison should be done to consider the impact of weight on container life and employee safety. Some rigid IBCS have feet that need regularly checking. Using a pallet base made of metal or plastic will improve container life and safety. TPS offer both steel and plastic container options. Delivery, return and collection This image compares full with folded intermediate bulk containers. If you can use a folding IBC and liquid liner then this may be a more cost effective option. Being able to completely open and fold the container makes it easier to move and stack when empty. New intermediate bulk containers 1000 litre intermediate bulk containers are by far the most used. Some manufacturers are choosing to make smaller batches or to trial smaller quantities, which has seen the growth in demand for smaller containers. The smaller containers are increasingly being used for high value products and ingredients. Having the flexibility to use the same system for 1000, 500 or 250 litres means that manufacturers can quickly change hire the container to meet the demands of their markets and business objectives. 250 litre intermediate bulk containers are likely to continue to grow in use for niche markets and focused initiatives in manufacture, marketing and supply of unique products. Innovations and intermediate bulk containers Trying to find better ways to fill or discharge has lead to the development of equipment parts and fittings. The liner bags for bag-in-box containers have grown significantly. The TPS Autofill liner system is another example of product development where we have designed a bag that can be easily installed, filled, discharged and removed by one person. The open top on the container allows the operator to see exactly what is happening inside the container. TPS have also produced equipment for discharging viscous products of high value and parts and fittings that help to preserve and protect the contents. ABOUT TPS RENTAL SYSTEMS We offer a global service from our offices in the UK, US, Scandinavia and Europe. Our mission is to provide industry leading customer service, to make supply chain logistics as easy as I.B.C. We employ industry specialists and we will be happy to discuss your requirements no matter what they are and to see how we can help. Product specifications TPS Unifoldd 1000 IBC TPS Unifoldd 500 IBC TPS Unifold Heater Mat and Control Box The TPS Unifold® 500 IBC is designed specially for the storage The TPS Unifold® 1000 IBC is a 1000 litre container designed and transport of liquid products. specifically for the storage and transport of liquid products. The TPS Unifold liner heating system consists of two main components – a silicone rubber heater mat and an electronic temperature control system. The heater mat is placed in the bottom of the container directly underneath the inner liner in order to heat up the product contained within the inner liner. The heater mat contains a temperature sensor placed close to the surface of the heater mat. This measures the temperature of the surface of the heater mat, which is in contact with the inner liner and consequently the product. The sensor is connected to a control box through 4-core cable and a 4-pole locking plug and socket arrangement. This connection can only be made in one orientation, making incorrect coupling of the power and the sensor connections impossible. The cable connections to the heater mat are insulated within a silicone rubber mould. The cable passes through a secondary mould, which limits the movements of the cable in the primary mould – eliminating the possibility of any strain on the electrical connections. The seal around the cable also prevents ingress of moisture. The IP65-rated control box contains an electronic temperature control unit (connected to the sensor within the heater mat) and a residual current device (RDC) for protection against electric shock. There is also a 30-amp relay unit. Both the heater mat and the relay unit are CE marked. A metal bracket on the back of the control box enables the control box to hang on the top edge of The advanced features of the Unifold® 500 have been developed the container. When the control box is hung correctly, The advanced features of the Unifold® 1000 have been developed by TPS to overcome the shortcomings of rival bag-in-box systems. the system is fully earthed and must be connected to by TPS. These include; through the front and base discharge, fully Easy to clean and assemble, with no loose parts, the Unifold® 500 an earthed power supply. folding, full length drop side and no loose parts. IBC corresponds to the hygiene standards of the food and cosmetic industries. TPS Unifold® 500 IBC is the perfect choice if you need For mounting and operating instructions – see overleaf. Easy to clean and assemble, the Unifold® 1000 IBC meets all of the your container to fit on to a Euro Pallet. hygiene standards of the food and cosmetics industries. For specifications see overleaf. For specifications see overleaf. To see the full range of TPS IBC-related supplies To see the full range of TPS IBC-related supplies www.tpsrentalsystems.com email: [email protected] www.tpsrentalsystems.com email: [email protected] To see the full range of TPS IBC-related supplies MAKING SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS AS EASY AS I BC or visit the TPS web site MAKING SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS AS EASY AS IB C or visit the TPS web site www.tpsrentalsystems.com email: [email protected] MAKING SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS AS EASY AS IBC or visit the TPS web site TPS Unifold 1000 IBC TPS Autofill with sump discharge The TPS Autofill Liquid Liner System is designed for the hygienic The TPS Unifold 1000 with Sump Discharge is a 1000 litre storage and transportation of liquid products. container designed specifically for the storage and transport of viscous products. It has a 165o sloping base for optimum discharge. The advanced features of Unifold containers have been developed by TPS to overcome the shortcomings of rival bag-in-box systems. One of the advantages of Autofill is that it unfolds all by itself during Easy to clean and assemble, with no loose parts, the Unifold 1000 the filling operation.