FIBC Types
Types of FIBC
During the process of filling and emptying/discharging a Bulk Bag, the flow of the material may cause a buildup of static electricity.
To prevent or remove such an electrical charge is necessary during the packaging of combustible or flammable material or Bag is being filled in an environment where combustible dust is present. Pacific Bulk Bag will work with you to determine the right type of fabric to ensure safe handling of your product.
Please take some time to read about the different types of FIBC fabrics and how to use and not to use them.
Type A bulk bags
Type A Bulk Bags are made of normal woven PP (Polypropylene) fabric.
When these bags are filled Static electricity is produced as material move over or touch against the inside of the bulk bag when they are being discharged or loaded. Type A Bags do not provide protection towards static electricity.
Type A Bulk Bags can be used to transport or store non-combustible materials. Also, there should not be any combustible gases or solvents around a Type A Bulk Bag.
Safe use for type A bulk bags:
- To transport non-combustible/non-flammable products
- There should not be any combustible/flammable gases or solvents
- Present around the bag
Do not use type A bulk bags for:
- Storing or Transporting combustible / flammable products
- When combustible / flammable gases or solvents may be present around the bulk bag
- Not to be used where a flammable atmosphere with a MIE (minimum ignition energy) ≤1,000mJ is present.
Type B bulk bags
- Type B Bulk Bags are like Type A Bulk Bags as they are also made of normal-woven polypropylene fabric. Type B bags, similar to Type A Bags, do not have any mechanism for dissipating static electricity.
- The main difference between Type A & B Bulk Bags is that Type B Bags are manufactured from materials that have a low breakdown voltage in an environment where highly energetic, and dangerous propagating brush discharges occur.
- Type B Bags are not considered anti-static bulk bags because they do not dissipate an electrostatic charge.
Type B bulk bags
- To Store / transport dry, combustible/ flammable powders.
- There should not be any combustible/ flammable gases or solvents
- present around the bag
- Being used in environments with dust with ignition energies less than 3mJ.
Do not use type B bulk bags for:
- When combustible/ flammable gases or solvents may be present around the bulk bag.
Type C Bulk Bags
Type C Bulk Bags, also referred as conductive Bulk Bags, are manufactured from normal woven polypropylene fabric interweaved with conducting yarns traditionally sewn in a grid pattern or parallel pattern.
These conducting yarns must be electrically interconnected and also connected to a specified ground/earth during filling and emptying/ discharging. Connection to the ground/earth during filling and emptying/discharging is necessary to safely use of Type C bulk bags.
Safe use for type C bulk bags:
- To store or transport combustible/ flammable powders
- When flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dusts are present
Do not use type C bulk bags:
- When earth connection is damaged or not present
- Resistance from any location of Bulk Bag to ground-able point
Type D Bulk Bags
Type D Bulk Bags are manufactured from antistatic and static dissipative Polypropylene fabrics which are specially engineered to provide safety by preventing the occurrence of combustible sparks, brush discharges and propagating brush discharges with no need for a connection from the Bulk Bag to a specific ground/earth connection.
These conducting yarns must be electrically interconnected and also connected to a specified ground/earth during filling and emptying/ discharging. Connection to the ground/earth during filling and emptying/discharging is necessary to safely use of Type C bulk bags.
Safe use for type D bulk bags:
- To store or transport combustible/ flammable powders
- When flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dusts are present
Do not use type D bulk bags:
- When fabric of the Bulk Bag is contaminated or coated with conductive material such as grease or other combustible and or flammable material.
