Chasing the Protection of Intermediate Bulk Containers, Year 10

The challenges of protecting composite intermediate bulk containers (IBC) storing liquids that burn have been under investigation by a number of groups for more than 10 years. The path to resolving this challenge chosen by FM Global looked at defining the fire hazard created by the liquids and then understanding how the containers reacted to fire. This effort has resulted in a strong understanding of the fire hazards and protection options for several liquid-IBC combinations:

Rack storage of Oil and alcohol in IBCs

Silicone fluids in palletized IBCs

Very high flash point liquids in palletized IBCs

Propylene glycol in palletized IBCs

Storage of Empty IBCs

Defining an FM Approved IBC

This paper will provide an overview of the fire hazards associated with storing liquids that can burn in IBCs and present the new protection options and their associated test programs.