Type D FIBC Bags – Rishi FIBC

Transportation of granulated / flaked / powdered material is best handled using Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs). Since FIBCs are made of woven plastic, while emptying or filling them, electrostatic charges develop due to the contact established between particles and container walls.

These charges hold the potential to cause ignition when used in an inflammable atmosphere. Either Type B, Type C, or Type D FIBC may be used for gaining protection against the risk of an explosion when handling material in an explosive environment. However, there is a difference in the degree and reliability of protection when we compare a Type B, Type C, and Type D FIBC. A Type D FIBC offers greater protection and also assures higher reliability when it comes to mitigating the risk of explosion on account of the development of electrostatic charges.

To determine which type of FIBC is best suited for your application it is required that you know the minimum ignition energy of the combustible dust or flammable vapor that may be present at the operating site.

Properties of Type D FIBC

Type D FIBCs are manufactured out of antistatic and static dissipative fabrics whose strategic design prevents the formation of incendiary sparks or brush discharges. Unlike Type C FIBC, the electrostatic charges can be propagated off without requiring the bag to be connected to the ground. With Type D, packaging of combustible materials as well as handling of products in combustible or flammable atmospheres becomes a lot easier and safer. However, care should be taken to ensure that a Type D FIBC bag is not used if its surface shows signs of contamination or if is covered with grease, water, and other conductive substances.

The fabric of Type D bags is specially made to control static electricity. Electrostatic electricity is the result of an imbalance between electric charges that exist on the surface of the substance and within it. During rapid filling and discharging of odd bulk bags, the fluid motion adopted by pulverized substances produces static charges when the friction between surfaces takes place and is heightened by the resistance offered by the walls of the containers. The rapid build-up of the charges is hazardous and can cause the dust to become inflamed. The combustible dusts are generated within the bag during handling or may be present in the atmosphere. You must use Type D FIBC to remove or prevent electric charges as the amount of investment on your part is high.

Handling Specifications

Type D FIBCs can be used if combustible dust or flammable vapors are present or in locations that have a minimum ignition energy of 0.14 mJ. However, such Type D FIBCs are not appropriate for use with conductive powders.

It is advisable to use Type D bags inevitably in industries that experience a high risk of electrostatic hazards, prominent among them being minerals, foods, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

The safety features inherent in Type D FIBC assist in mitigating the risk of grounding failures which comes as a part and parcel of Type C FIBC. As you switch from Type C grounded bags to Type D, you are assured of the proven safety of these bulk containers.

Conclusion

Selecting the right FIBC for your application is just as important as selecting the right supplier. At Rishi FIBC, we understand the critical nature of our product and hence we make it a point to test every FIBC bag in our world-class testing laboratory. Our Company complies with all the latest national and international safety standards for static protective FIBC.