What’s The Difference Between Flexitanks – ISO Tanks – IBC Totes?

When it comes to shipping bulk liquids, you have several options as to the tanks you use. With flexitanks for sale, ISO tanks and IBC totes available, which is the best one for the job? It will depend on your specific needs and the liquids you’re looking to ship. Here’s what you need to know to make the right decision. 

Your Tank Options For Bulk Liquids

Firstly, you need to know what your options are when it comes to bulk liquids. What can you use when shipping?

ISO tanks: When you think of bulk liquid shipping, this is most likely what you’re thinking of. These are large cylindrical containers that are fitted within a steel frame, and are often pulled behind trucks. These tanks can hold up to 27,000 liters in one container. 

IBCs: Intermediate Bulk Containers, or IBCs, are designed to be the in between tank that fits less than a full ISO tank, and more than a standard drum. These hold up to 1,000 liters each. They’re also unique as they are made in a cube shape, making it very easy to stack them up. 

Flexitanks: Flexitanks, also referred to as a flexibag, are the newest type of container for bulk liquids. They’re unique as they’re not hard walled tanks, but instead large, multilayered bags. Instead of filling the tank up directly and then stacking them into containers, the flexitank for oil is placed into a shipping container empty and then filled up. They can hold up to 24,000 liters each. 

Usage Of Bulk Liquid Tanks

One of the most important things to consider, when picking out a bulk liquid storage tank, is what liquid you’re looking to ship. This will very much impact the one that you choose. 

For example, if you’re looking to ship hazardous liquids, then ISO tanks or IBCs are very commonly used. These can hold liquids like fuels, chemicals, hazardous waste, and so on. Of course, they can also be used for other liquids too, like water, pharmaceuticals, and more. 

While flexitanks for sale aren’t designed for hazardous materials like those, they are very adaptable otherwise. They’re a popular option for shipping food grade liquids, as they’re approved by the FDA. That means you can ship water, beers, wines, oils and more in these. They can also be used for a whole range of non hazardous chemicals and liquids, including printer inks, shampoos, mechanical oils, and much more. 

Bulk Liquid Tank Size

Another important thing to consider when picking tanks is the size of them. You want to use tanks that can easily handle the amount of bulk liquids you’re looking to ship. 

If you’re dealing with smaller amounts, then IBCs are going to be the best choice. It’s easy to calculate how many you’ll need, as they hold 1,000 liters each. You’ll be able to stack them up to make the most of the space you have in the shipping container.

If you’re moving a larger amount of liquid, then a flexibag or ISO tank is going to be a better option. They both hold a similar amount of liquid, although you have to leave a percentage of an ISO tank empty for the ullage. Your main concern here will be whether you’re shipping hazardous or non hazardous liquids. 

Bulk Liquid Tank Cleaning And Storage

Cleaning and storage is something else that you’ll want to keep in mind when picking the right tank. If you decide to use an ISO tank or IBC, you’ll have to incorporate cleaning and storage costs into your plans. Depending on where you’re shipping liquids, you may need to ship the tanks empty to another location to have them cleaned. 

That’s where a flexitank for oil has a lot of benefits, as these tanks are a one use only item. As such, you’ll open up a brand new tank each time, and when you’re done with it it will be recycled. That cuts down on cleaning costs, and it’s a lot cheaper to store new flexitanks for sale. 

Ease Of Use

Another important thing to consider is the ease of use each tank provides. You want it to be as easy as possible to fill up your tank and get it on the road. 

With tanks like IBCs, all of them will need to be filled individually and then loaded into a shipping container. While they can be stacked on top of each other, it is time consuming work. Filling an ISO tank also comes with its own challenges, as they are larger tanks and need trained staff to handle them. 

Flexitanks for sale are a lot easier to use, as they are loaded into the shipping container empty. Then, you pump your liquid in through the nozzle at the end of the tank, so it uses all the available space. Once you’ve delivered the Flexibag and it needs to be emptied, the same happens in reverse. That makes it a lot easier and quicker to get the liquids where they need to go. As an added bonus, they use up all available space so you can get more liquid into one container. 

As you can see, there are a lot of differences between ISO tanks, IBCs, and a flexitank for oil. The one you use will depend on your specific needs. Now you know the main differences, so you can pick one that suits you best.