Classification Of FIBC Bags And Usage
Indian Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association (IFIBCA)
Classification of FIBC Bags and Usage
Classification of FIBC Bags
FIBCs are categorized into four broad types based on static protection that they offer:
- Type A: These are FIBC bags which are plain and offer no static protection
- Type B: These are bags designed to protect against low breakdown voltage that are transmitted due to brush discharges
- Type C: These have interconnecting panels and can control electric charged when grounded. Such bags are suggested for explosive atmospheres or materials
- Type D: These bags dissipate static charges and do not require
FIBC manufacturers know of the static risks involved in handling these bags. The PP fabric used for these bags that are manufactured in different sizes is first UV treated and made insulation proof. By doing this any accumulation of static charge that is gathered during filling or discharge of the product can be dispensed with and made shock proof. Thus many ignitions, explosions or fire accidents to surrounding handlers or unearthed materials are easily avoided.
Types of FIBC Bags A, B, C & D
There are four specific types of bags, each with unique features and safe uses. What are the differences between types A B C & D fabrics used in FIBCs? When FIBCs are filled and discharged, the flowing of the finely powdered substances can cause a build-up of static electricity. Removing and or preventing an electrical charge is imperative in the packaging of flammable and combustible materials OR in an environment where combustible dust is present.
Type A
Type A FIBC bags
Type A FIBCs are made of plain-woven polypropylene and other non-conductive fabrics. Static electricity is generated as products move over or rub against the inside surface of the bulk bag when they are filled/emptied. There is no static protection provided by Type A FIBC’s. Type A FIBC bags can be used to safely transport non-flammable products. There should not be any flammable solvents or gases present around a Type A FIBC.
Safe use for type A FIBC bags:
- To transport non-flammable products.
- No flammable solvents or gases present around the bag.
Type B
Type B FIBC bags
Type B bags are similar to type A bags in that they are made of plain-woven polypropylene fabrics or other non-conductive material. Also like type A bags, type B do not have any mechanism for dissipating static electricity.
An added benefit of type B bags is that they are made from materials that have a low breakdown voltage to prevent incidents where highly energetic, and dangerous propagating brush discharges (PBD) occur. Although type B bags can prevent PBD, they still are not considered anti-static because they do not have a mechanism to dissipate a static electricity charge. For a bag to be considered “anti-static”, bags must have a reliable mechanism for dissipating static electricity.
Aside from the risks of incendiary discharges, there are other consequences associated with not using an anti-static bag such as a type B bag:
- They can cause electrostatic shocks to operators (although not dangerous, these shocks are very annoying and can cause other accidents).
- Dust and other contaminants can become attracted to the surface of the bag.
- Make it difficult to fully empty the bag.
- The product can become stuck to the side of the bags because of static electricity.
Safe use for type B bags:
- To transport dry, flammable powders.
- No flammable solvents or gases are present around the bag.
- Intended to be used in environments with dust with ignition energies less than 3mJ.
Type C
Type C FIBC bags
Type C bags, also known as conductive or ground-able bags are made from non-conductive polypropylene fabrics interwoven with conducting threads traditionally sewn in a grid pattern. These conducting threads must be electrically interconnected as well as connected to a designated ground during filling and discharging.
As with any operation, ensuring that the type C bag is grounded properly is subject to human error. A proper connection to the designated ground during filling and discharging is imperative to the safe use of type C bags. For safe and non-safe uses of type C bags, please see below:
Safe use for type C bags:
- To transport flammable powders.
- When flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dusts are present.
Do not use type C bags:
- When ground connection is not present or has become damaged.
- Resistance from any location bag to designated grounding point.
Type D
Type D FIBC bags
Type D bags are made from anti-static and static dissipative fabrics designed to safely protect against and prevent the occurrence of incendiary sparks, brush discharges, and propagating brush discharges without the need for a connection from the bag to a designated ground.
Type D bags such as Crohmiq™ bags are manufactured with fabric containing quasi-conductive yarns that safely dissipate static electricity into the atmosphere (as seen in the diagram to the left) via safe, low-energy corona discharge. These quasi-conductive yarns in bags such as Crohmiq™ bags do not need to be interconnected. The use of type D bags eliminates the possibility of human error associated with the manufacturing and use of ground-able type C bags.
Safe use for type D bags:
- To transport flammable powders
- When flammable vapors, gases or combustible dusts are present.
Do not use type D bags:
When surface of bag is contaminated or coated with conductive material such as grease or flammable and or combustible materials.
FIBC Bags
COATED VS. UNCOATED.
FIBC bags are used across a varying array of industries and for many different applications. The type of product you will be storing and shipping will determine whether or not you need a coated or an uncoated bag.
COATED:
Coated FIBCs are produced with a laminated layer of polypropylene film to provide a moisture barrier, dust prevention, and weave stability.
APPLICATIONS:
Transporting and storing dry and free-flowing products that come in granule, powder, or crystal form such as:
- Flour, detergents, or salt.
- Fine minerals like sand and sugar.
- Various chemicals, glass, steel, and milled corn.
UNCOATED:
Uncoated FIBCs are made without a layer of lamination that coated bags have. Their weave construction allows air to pass through. Various weave designs are available for highly specialized breathable and ventilation applications.
APPLICATIONS:
Uncoated bags are typically utilized for:
- Products that require breathability
- Food products, such as potatoes, onions, peanuts, tree nuts, coffee beans, hemp, etc.
- Minerals such as rocks, gravel, sand, etc.
One Loop FIBC Bag
What is Meaning of One loop big bag: One loop FIBC bag means a big bag which has only 1 Loop on the whole bag. One loop big bag is normally used for specific requirements of customer. Sometime blue colour of protector can be used on one loop Big Bag.
Circular Cross Corner FIBC Bag
Circular cross big bag are defined by its name – A Bag which are made by circular or tubular fabric with cross corner loop called circular cross corner FIBC bag. On circular big bag there is no side seam only stitched we can see from bottom of the bag. Else everywhere on the bag there is no stitching on the big bag.
U Panel FIBC Bag
How U Panel or U Panel Big bag is made: U Panel Big bag is also known as Builder bag. U+2 or U Panel Big bag is made by 4 different cut size of fabric and its stitched from 4 sides it is called U+2 or U Panel big bag. All U Panel Big bag can be open top and flat bottom or also Top spout or Bottom spout. Specification can be as per customer requirements but 4 different cut size panel stitched together make U panel Big bag.
Baffle Big Bag
How Baffle bag is made: Baffle bag is made to seam 4 panel from each side to make bag square and stable. Baffle bag is made by U panel fabric and tubular fabric is also. We can make baffle bag from any kind of fabric. Baffle Big bag / Q Bag is used to make material stable while transportation from one place to another place.
Food Grade FIBC Bag
Food Grade Big bag are those bags which are made in clean room so that big bag can be used for packaging of food product for both human beings and animals. Food Grade bags are made in clean room so that any kind of thread, insects and other particles can’t enter into the big bag. Food Grade Big bag require specific certificate its depends on different customer requirements. Like HACCP, ISO 22000,AIB certificate , BRC certificate any of the following certificates require by customer its mandatory for manufacturing of food grade big bag. Any kind of Big bag can made for food grade big bag.
UN FIBC Bag
UN FIBC bag certified for the transport of Hazardous Materials name as HAZMAT, all over the world. Dangerous goods OR Hazardous goods products are classified by the United Nations with unique number so that any company or institution can recognize easily which kind of bag it is. UN also define how much danger of the material is danger , it means density of risk define by the UN in High , medium , low , how much material you can stuff in that kind of bag , UN symbol , certificate number also mentioned on big bag. UN Bags are designed to carry Hazardous Product and their use is regulated by UN Association. It is necessary for public health and safety purpose.