Safeguards to Follow When Using FIBCs for High Temperature Products

With the increasing use of FIBCs for transporting chemicals, food and pharma-grade products, there is a constant rise in demand for bulk bags that can endure exposure to high temperature.

Here we discuss the impact of high temperature on FIBCs and the liners and guidelines that need to be adhered to ensure the safe use of FIBC bulk bags in high-temperature applications.

Impact of High Temperature on FIBC

FIBCs are made using polypropylene strands. These strands are woven in a fashion that makes the material strong and flexible. However, exposure to a temperature above 70°F will cause a shift on a molecular level of the polypropylene sheet and cause it to loosen. At this point, due to the molecular lengthening, the bag is weak and the force required to pull to the breaking point is reduced.

At Rishi FIBC, we recommend that FIBCs should not be filled at a temperature higher than 200°F. In case the temperature does exceed 200°F while the product is being filled, we suggest that the bag is tested to gauge the impact of heat exposure. A safety ratio of at least 5:1 is desirable.

If you need bulk bags for filling high temperature products you can request for custom FIBC for high temperature products at Rishi FIBC.

Impact of High Temperature on the Performance of Liners

FIBC liners are typically made of polyethylene film. While manufacturing liners, polyethylene resin is brought to its melting point and extruded in the blown film at a temperature of 400°F to 425°F. When filling product in the FIBC liners at high temperature, it needs to be noted that the liner material starts softening between 195°F and 210°F and will begin to melt if the temperature reaches between 260°F and 295°F. It is therefore highly recommended that lined FIBCs should not be filled with product at a temperature higher than 170°F as above this point molecules soften and start shifting.

If you are required to fill a lined FIBC at high temperature, Rishi FIBC recommends the use of specially designed high-temperature container liners. These allow you a maximum filling temperature of 295°F.

Recommended Guidelines

Rishi FIBC recommends the following guidelines when filling FIBCs at high temperatures:

• Support the bag from its bottom if you are required to fill the bag with a product which has a temperature higher than 100 F.
• Do not attempt to move or lift the bag by its loop or to stack filled FIBCs if it has been exposed to a more than recommended temperature until the surface temperature of the FIBC fabric drops to a below 100°F.
• Apart from the peak exposure reached by the FIBC, the duration for which it was exposed to heat will also determine the performance of the filled-in FIBC bag so judge the sturdiness of the bag accordingly.
• Do not stress the fabric, liner or any other component of the FIBC while it is at a high temperature as it is bound to have an impact on its performance.

Need FIBC for High Temperature Products? Contact Rishi FIBC

Certain industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and chemical industries require the use of high temperature tolerant FIBCs to ensure safe and efficient transport of products. In such industries, there is a need for bags that can withstand the high temperature of products as they get filled after coming out of certain processes. At Rishi FIBC, we offer you custom FIBCs that can withstand exposure to high temperature and also remain durable for re-use and be refilled with high temperature materials. Give us a call to know more about our products and to discuss your specific requirement.