FAQs

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 chemical’s MSDS.

Precision IBC stainless steel tanks are rated to a 1.9 specific gravity — equivalent to a liquid up to 15.75 pounds per gallon.

No. 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 0.5 lb. or less.

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 transportation within North America.

Per 49 CFR 173.32(e)(1)(ii), federal regulations state that 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.

The date of the most recent periodic retest must be marked on the tank on or near the metal serial number plate, per 49 CFR 173.32(e)(3). Download our tank retest information from the resources page.

The owner or 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).

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 before the retest or inspection due date, per 49 CFR 173.35(a).

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

The UN serial number plate on every stainless steel IBC contains critical compliance and specification data.

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

Approximate figures: 42″ x 42″ base — 7.64 gallons per inch. 42″ x 48″ base — 8.73 gallons per inch. 1″ of body height — 8.518 gallons. Calibration charts are available for download on our resources page.

350-gallon IBCs with a 42″ x 48″ base are 51″ high overall. 550-gallon IBCs with a 42″ x 48″ base are 75″ high overall.

350-gallon IBCs: 48 in a standard 48-foot trailer, 52 in a 53-foot trailer. 550-gallon IBCs: 24 in a standard 48-foot trailer, 26 in a 53-foot trailer.

1 gallon = 3.785 liters
1 liter = 0.2642 gallons
Example: 350 gallon IBC x 3.785 liter = 1324.75 liters
Example: 1000 liters = How many gallons? 1000 x 0.2642 gallon = 264.20 gallons

Per 49 CFR 173.29, all openings, including removable heads, filling, and vent holes, must be tightly closed before shipment. See our UN/DOT Closure Requirements page for detailed specifications.

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 online, go to www.flw.com/datatools/compatibility.

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

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