FAQ

FIBC FAQ

Q: What is a bulk bag?

Bulk bags are big size bags used for transportation and storage of powders or flakes or other products which can freely flow. Bulk bags are usually manufactured from woven polypropylene. The dimensions of the bags can be customised according to the customer’s needs. The bags typically hold about 500 – 2000 KG of material. The use of Bulk Bags makes the handling of material very easy as the filled bags can be put on pallets or can be lifted by forklifts through loops of the bags.

Q: What are bulk bags made from?

Bulk Bags are made out of 100% virgin polypropylene (a petroleum byproduct).

Q: What sizes do bulk bags come in?

Bulk Bags are tailor-made products and can be customised to suit the need of the customer depending upon the type of material to be filled in the bag and the equipment being used to fill the stuff inside the bag. If you have questions about the sizes, let the experts at Pacific Bags Australia help you.

Q: What is the difference between 5:1 and 6:1 safety factors?

The differences are as follows

• The Certification term 5:1 ‘Single Trip’ relates to bags being tested to the following standards

• The bag is tested by having 30 cycles of the bag being filled to twice the safe working load.

• Then the bag is tested to destruction. In order to gain a 5:1 certificate the bag mustn’t fail before 5000Kg

• 5:1 ‘Single trip’ is An FIBC that is designed to be filled once, this bag is not to be refilled after use.

• There are no set amount of lifts an FIBC can or can’t take. It is advised that before each lift all the bags & loops are inspected for damage.

• The Certification term 6:1 ‘Multi Trip’ relates to bags being tested to the following standards

• The bag is tested by having 70 cycles of the bag being filled to four times the safe working load.

• Then the bag is tested to destruction in order to gain a 6:1 certificate the bag mustn’t fail before 6000Kg

• 6:1 ‘Multi trip’ is an FIBC that is capable of being refilled after use. There are no set amount of lifts a 6:1 ‘Multi Trip’ FIBC can or can’t take. It is advised that before each lift all the bags & loops are inspected for damage.

Q: Can I reuse a bulk bag?

Yes, usually the Bulk Bags with a safety factor of 6:1 or above may be reused. These are also called Multi-Trip Bags. The number of times a bag has been used is usually monitored, and the condition of the bag has to be inspected after each use to ensure that the bag is not damaged and safe to use. However, this may be dangerous because bags can get damaged while in use and decrease their life expectancy.

Q: How do you lift a bulk bag?

Bulk bags can be lifted in several ways depending upon the equipment being used by the user. Some examples are Single Loop bags, standard four lift loops, Cross Corner loops, lifting sleeves, and stevedore straps. If you have difficulty finding a way to lift your bulk bag, Pacific Bags Australia will find the right pickup method for you.

Q: How do you discharge a bulk bag?

Bulk Bags are generally emptied by the discharge spout at the bottom of the bag. The discharge spout is usually designed to stay inside a closure known as Petal or Duffle Closure. It is done in such a way as to protect the material from inside the bag to leak out of the discharge spout. Pacific Bags can design your discharge spout size and closure for your specific need.

Q: What does FIBC stand for?

FIBC stands for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container, also known as Bulk Bags.

Q: What does SWL mean?

Safe Working Load

Q: What does 5:1 SF mean?

It merely means that the Bag is tested to hold five times the amount of material of the Safe working load.

Q: What is the difference between a duffle top and open top?

An open top bag does not have any closure on the top. The filled material is exposed. The duffle top, also known as a top skirt is the closure on the top part of the bag.

Q: What is a fill spout?

As the name suggests, it is a sleeve-like opening that fits the hopper, and the material can be filled in the bag. It is usually 35-40 cm in Dia and 50 cm long. The dimensions can be customised depending upon the needs of the customer. It is helping in minimising the dust while the material is being filled.

Q: Can you print onto a bulk bag?

Yes, the Bulk Bags can be printed according to the requirement of the customer. We can quickly reproduce the customer's logo and other requirements up to four colours. Please get in touch with one of our representatives to know the additional costs and lead times of getting a printed bag.

Q: What are the baffles?

Baffles are panels of fabric sewn in the corners of Baffle Bags so that to maintain the shape of the bag the in cube form after being filled. The Baffle Panels have got holes that allow the material to flow through them into the corners of the bag freely.

Q: What is a perimeter band?

Perimeter Band provides extra strength to the loops of the bags when they are lifted. It is a webbing that is sewn on the top part of the bag.

Q: What is a B-lock?

B-lock is an accessory of the bag which helps in regulating the flow of product while it is being discharged manually through the discharge spout.

Q: What is a fully open bottom?

A bag with full open bottom also known as a full bottom discharge bag has a bottom flap that covers the entire bottom opening on the bag. To discharge the bag, the bottom flap is untied, and the material is released quickly. This type of bag is used when the material tends to bridge or cake while being discharged.

Q: What is the UV content in the Bag?

It is a unique masterbatch that is added to the resin during the extrusion of tapes. It protects the bag against the harmful effects of UV rays from the sun, hence protecting the bag from degrading and losing its strength, becoming unstable and unsafe to use.

Q: What does dustproof or sift proofing, or sift resistant sewing mean?

Sift proofing the stitching of the bag, prevent the material from leaking out from the bag. While the bulk bags are stitched, the needle of the machine punch in the holes in the fabric. In case the material to be filled in the bag is very fine material, it may leak from these holes. To prevent this sifting or leaking of material, a fluffy/spongy rope is stitched along with the threads to close these holes and thereby prevent leaking.

Q: What are the different fabric weights there?

The polypropylene fabric comes in a wide range of weights from 130 GSM to 240 GSM. The weight of the fabric to be used in the bag depends upon its SWL and bag dimensions. Please get in touch with one of our reps to design a bag for your needs.

Q: Can bulk bags have liners?

Yes, Bulk Bags can have loosely inserted tubular-shaped liners or form fit coatings. The liners can also be attached to bags by way of 8 point tabbing or gluing or can be sewn to the seams of the bag.

Q: Can bulk bags be stored outside?

Yes, they may be stored outside. However, it is recommended not to store the bags in the open as the UV rays of the sun will degrade the strength of the bag. A standard bulk bag has a UV masterbatch added by the manufacturer which protects against UV rays for up to 60 days. However, the UV radiation of the sun varies from place to place and from different seasons.

Q: What is UN Certification?

It is a test certificate performed by an independent testing laboratory that tests the bulk bag to check if they meet the criteria required.

Q: What are the food grade bulk bags?

These bags are just like standard bulk bags, but they are manufactured in a unique BRC certified facility of the manufacturer. The bags are used to store and transport food products.

Q: How fast can I get my bulk bags delivered?

We keep stock of some of the standard types of bags. For custom made bags that are imported from overseas, it takes 10-12 weeks time.