Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), also known as bulk bags, are a popular option for storing and transporting a variety of dry, flowable goods due to their adaptability, affordability, and simplicity of handling. FIBCs provide a useful and effective method of managing bulk items, ranging from chemicals and pharmaceuticals to building materials and agricultural products.
However, extra care and specialised FIBCs are needed when storing and handling combustible materials or items that are prone to static electricity. Custom Bulk Bags is a leading manufacturer and supplier of bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million units per year, and our products can safely hold between 500kg and two tonnes of material per bag.
We offer various customisable bulk bags, including anti-static ones that ensure compliance and safety for storing and transporting flammable goods. These FIBCs are made especially to reduce the dangers of electrostatic discharge because of the intrinsic characteristics of some materials and the conditions in which they are handled. Identifying and resolving these risks will allow you to maintain workplace safety and avert potentially disastrous situations.
Key FIBC characteristics for flammable environments
Specialised FIBCs have important properties that increase their safety in flammable or combustible environments, whereas regular FIBCs constructed of non-conductive polypropylene are not recommended. In addition to offering an additional degree of security against possible sources of ignition, these features are specifically designed to stop the accumulation and release of static electricity.
- Flame-resistant coatings – These specialised coatings are applied to the fabric and are used on FIBCs that will be sent into flammable environments. These coatings help to prevent fire from spreading in the event of an ignition by considerably slowing down the rate at which the polypropylene fabric burns – possibly offering vital time for intervention and reducing the degree of the damage. This feature provides an additional degree of security, especially in settings where sparks or flames from the outside could be dangerous.
- Grounding systems – An integrated grounding system is a crucial safety component for Type C (conductive) FIBCs. Conductive threads are woven into the fabric and terminate at specified grounding tabs. These grounding tabs need to be firmly attached to an earth ground during filling and discharging. To prevent the accumulation of a potentially dangerous electrostatic charge, this grounding pathway enables any static electricity produced by the movement of the material or the bag itself to be safely dispersed to the ground.
- Anti-static properties (Type D FIBCs) – Fabrics used to make Type D FIBCs are naturally anti-static or static dissipative. Without the requirement for grounding, these bags are made to stop the production of incendiary discharges. The special weave and chemical treatments in these textiles regulate surface charge and reduce the possibility of high-energy electrostatic discharges that might set flammable items on fire. In cases where grounding is not feasible or when there is a chance of grounding failure, this built-in anti-static capability is highly beneficial.
- Barrier FIBCs – Beyond static electricity, there is a chance that the enclosed material itself could leak and add to the flammable atmosphere in specific settings. To stop tiny particles or volatile materials from escaping, barrier FIBCs use an inner liner, which is composed of a material with limited permeability. By providing an extra layer of security, the barrier liner ensures that the contents within the bag don’t contribute to a dangerous environment.
Examples of combustible environments
Choosing the right FIBC for a flammable environment requires careful thought and consideration of the particular materials being handled, as well as the environment itself. Examples of flammable environments include:
- Chemical processing plants – FIBCs with strong anti-static qualities and perhaps flame-resistant coatings are necessary for facilities that handle and process flammable liquids, gases, or powders.
- Petrochemical industries – To prevent ignition, refineries and storage facilities handling volatile hydrocarbons must use conductive or static dissipative FIBCs with dependable grounding systems.
- Grain and flour mills – There is a considerable risk of dust explosions while handling fine organic dusts, such as grain and flour. To stop electrostatic discharge from serving as an ignition source, anti-static FIBCs are needed.
- Mining operations – To maintain safety, specific FIBCs must be used for certain mining operations that handle flammable dusts or that are used in hot environments, such as smelting facilities.
Buying from a reputable source
Before buying FIBCs for flammable environments, it is essential to get advice from specialists and follow applicable safety guidelines and industry best practices. Choosing the right kind of FIBC requires a thorough understanding of the particular risks related to the materials being handled, as well as the possibility of electrostatic discharge.
As a leading supplier of FIBCs, Custom Bulk Bags is dedicated to giving our clients the safest bulk packaging options. We manufacture a variety of specialised FIBCs, such as Type C (conductive) and Type D (static dissipative) bags, that are made to satisfy the strict safety regulations for handling flammable products.
Our knowledgeable staff can help you through the ordering procedure to ensure you spec your bags correctly and receive the best products for your application. We are committed to providing professional guidance and world-class FIBCs to guarantee the safe and effective storage of your materials. For more information about our conductive bulk bags or to get advice on the ideal designs, please contact us today.
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Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for our latest news and industry insights.
