How to Choose FIBC Bag ?

FIBC bag is an industrial container made of flexible fabric that is designed for storing and transporting dry, flow able products, such as sand, fertilizer and granules of plastic. They are more popularly known as ‘Jumbo bags’ and are used mainly by food production and pharmaceutical industries.

here is some point that can help you choosing the correct FIBC bag.

Packing process:

Another factor that plays a crucial role when selecting an FIBC bulk bag is the evaluation of the packing process and surrounding when filling and discharging the FIBC bag. You need to find out if flammable vapour or gases would be present when the bag is being filled and discharged. Besides, you also need to evaluate the ability of powdered particles inside the bag to generate or retain an electrostatic charge when it is being processed, filled or discharged. This will determine what Fabric type is used in the production of the FIBC Bags.

Thinking about Liners:

A liner is often used along with FIBC bag. It can either come embedded inside the FIBC or it can be loosely attached. A liner protects both – the FIBC and also the product you put in the bag. Like FIBCs, there are various types and varieties in liners. You need to be sure of the electrostatic properties of the liner material, its surface sensitivity, thickness, resistance to ground-able point.

Type of Fabric:
four types of FIBCs are available in the market:

Type A Bags:

Type A FIBCs are made of plain-woven polypropylene and other non-conductive fabrics. Static electricity is generated as products move over or rub against the inside surface of the bulk bag when they are filled/emptied. There is no static protection provided by Type A FIBCs

• Type A FIBC bags can safely be used for the transportation of non-flammable products.
• Don’t use type A Bag When flammable solvents or gases present around a Type A FIBC.
• Do not Transporting flammable products.

Type B Bags:

These FIBCs made from materials that have a low breakdown voltage to prevent an incident where highly energetic, and dangerous propagating brush discharges occur. This is quite effective for the prevention of explosive dust-air mixtures from igniting. However, these bags cannot dissipate static electricity and hence cannot be termed as ‘antistatic’.

• Type B FIBC bags are best for the transportation of transport dry, flammable powders. They can be transported very safely.
• However, ensure that No flammable solvents or gases present around the bulk bag.
• Type B FIBCs do not have any interwoven materials with conductive properties.
• used in environments with dust with ignition energies.

Type C Bags:

Type C FIBCs are made from non-conductive polypropylene fabrics interwoven with conducting threads, normally sewn in a grid pattern, that connect the bag to ground via a grounding point. The connection to ground or earth during filling and discharging is critical to the safe use of Type C FIBCs. As with any manual operation, ensuring interconnection and grounding of Type C FIBCs is subject to human error.

• Flammable powder substances can be safely transported in these Type C FIBC bags.
• Also, these Type C FIBC bags can be used safely in the presence of gases or solvents which are flammable.
• Don’t use type C FIBC bags When ground connection is not present or has become damaged.

Type D Bags:
These are also known as Dissipative FIBC bags and are generally made from material which is antistatic in nature. It is composed of antistatic and static dissipative yellow threads. These bags do not really require to be grounded.

• Type D FIBC bags are most commonly used for the transportation of flammable powder substances.
• These materials prevent incendiary sparks from taking place.
• They should never be used in cases where the surface is covered in grease or water because these are conductive materials.

Packed Product:

One of the most important factors in FIBC production is understanding the product that will be packed. You need to consider the nature of the product, its size, form, density etc. If you are transporting fine particles you need to ensure a tight pack. Adding sift proof seams or opting for circular woven bags will stop potential contamination or product loss. If you are packing food grade products, you will need to ensure your supplier has the infrastructure and BRC compliance in place.

You also need to be cautious of chemical substances that may be explosive. If the product is detected to be explosive, you will need to find out the Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) of the dust material, which is the lowest electrostatic spark energy that could ignite a dust cloud.

Size and Specifications of FIBC:
Needless to say, you need to buy FIBC of an apt size. Its width should fit into your carrier. It should have strong lifting loops that can hold the weight of the filled bags. Also, check the discharge outlet of the bag when selecting FIBC. The discharge outlet should be large enough to ensure smooth pouring of the material.
Selecting the right FIBC will help to ensure safe and smooth transport of material. It will also help to make the shipping process convenient and lessen the packaging and transport cost.

At FIBC-Silvassa, we consider it our responsibility to guide our clients in selecting most suitable FIBC bag.