FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What hazardous materials can I ship in Precision IBCs?

Most liquids with a packaging group of II or III provided the shipper has ensured chemical compatibility with the wetted areas of the container and references the 49 CFR for special provisions listed under that specific chemicals MSDS.

How heavy a material can Precision IBC stainless steel tanks hold?

Precision IBCstainless steel tanks are rated to a 1.9 specific gravity. A tank with a specific gravity of 1.9 can hold a liquid up to 15.75 pounds per gallon.   

Can your tanks be pressurized?

Our tanks are not to be pressurized. They are all tested to 3 PSIG at the time of manufacture. An inert gas blanket can be used if the pressure applied is ½ lb. or less.

What is the warranty on your stainless steel tanks?

Precision IBC warrants all rental tanks during the rental contract period and will replace any tank proven to be defective in material or workmanship.  Precision IBC also warrants to the purchaser any new stainless steel tank proven to be defective in material or workmanship within 3 years from date of original invoice.

Should a DOT Specification 57 tank (IBC) be converted to a UN Specification IBC for hazardous product use?

There is a “grandfather” clause in the federal regulations.  Per 49 CFR 173.32 (d), use of a Specification 57 tank is authorized only for a tank constructed before October 1, 1996.

Specification 57 tanks can only be used for transporting within North America.

How often should each IBC used for the transportation of a hazardous material be successfully retested before further use?

Per 49 CFR 173.32(e)(1)(ii), federal regulations state all UN Specification IBCs should be pressure tested at least once every 2.5 years.  All units manufactured with the UN marking also need a thickness test every 5 years.

How do I know if my IBC has a current test date?

The date of the most recent periodic retest must be marked on the tank on or near the metal serial number plate, 49 CFR 173.32(e)(3). (NOTE: Add tab here to take user to retest pdf.)

How can the test be verified?

The owner or the lessee of the tank must retain a written record indicating the date and results of all required tests and the name and address of the testing entity until the next retest has been satisfactorily completed and recorded per  49 CFR 173.32(e)(4).

What if the test date expires while the tank is filled with hazardous product?

An IBC may not be filled and offered for transportation if the inspection period has expired. This requirement does not apply to any IBC filled prior to the retest or inspection due date. 49CFR173.35 (a) 

What is the tare weight of a stainless steel IBC?

Each IBC is weighed by the manufacturer and stamped on the serial number plate on the front of the IBC.

What is the UN number?

The UN (United Nations) number is on the serial number plate.  A full explanation of a 550 gallon stainless steel tank serial number plate is below.


31A/Y/0307/USA/M5406/7674/4263/2082/283/0307/0307/304SS/3.12/0/43626-10

How high can I stack stainless steel IBCs?

Do not exceed the maximum stacking loading listed on the serial number plate located on the front upper part of the IBC.

How many gallons per inch will my IBC hold?
(Click here to see IBC Calibration Chart)

How tall are the 350 and 550 gallon stainless steel IBCs?

350 gallon with a 42” x 48” base is 51” high overall
550 gallon with a 42” x 48” base is 75” high overall

How many empty stainless steel IBCs will fit on a trailer?

350 gallon IBCs – 48 in a standard 48’ trailer
350 gallon IBCs – 52 in a standard 53’ trailer
550 gallon IBCs – 24 in a standard 48’ trailer
550 gallon IBCs – 26 in a standard 53’ trailer

How do you convert liters to gallons?

1 gallon = 3.785 liter
1 liter = .2642 gallon
Example: 350 gallon IBC x 3.785 liter = 1324.75 liters
Example: 1000 liters = How many gallons? – 1000 x .2642 gallon = 264.20 gallons

What are the closure requirements for IBCs?

Per 49 CFR 173.29, all openings including removable heads, filling and vent holes must be tightly closed prior to shipment.  (Click here for DOT Closure requirements and more information.)

Is my product compatible with stainless steel?

Please see the product MSDS for chemical compatibility.  It is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure compatibility.  For a free materials compatibility chart you can download or use on line, go to www.flw.com/datatools/compatibility. 

Does Precision IBC sell parts and accessories to fit other manufacturers’ containers?

Yes, Precision IBC sells and distributes parts and accessories for all IBCs.

What is the fusible cap and what does it do?

The fusible cap is the 3” outside thread device that is located in the center of the lid and secured with a lanyard.  This devise is used for venting the tank in case of a fire and is required by DOT per 49 CFR 178.253.