Preparation of IBCs for testing

Paper and fibreboard IBCs and composite IBCs with fibreboard outer casings shall be conditioned for
at least 24 hours in an atmosphere having a controlled temperature and relative humidity (r.h.). There
are three options, one of which shall be chosen. The preferred atmosphere is 23 ± 2 °C and 50% ± 2%
r.h. The two other options are 20 ± 2 °C and 65% ± 2% r.h.; or 27 ± 2 °C and 65% ± 2% r.h.
NOTE: Average values shall fall within these limits. Short-term fluctuations and measurement
limitations may cause individual measurements to vary by up to ± 5% relative humidity without
significant impairment of test reproducibility.

Additional steps shall be taken to ascertain that the plastics material used in the manufacture of rigid
plastics IBCs (types 31H1 and 31H2) and composite IBCs (types 31HZ1 and 31HZ2) complies
respectively with the requirements in 6.5.5.3.2 to 6.5.5.3.4 and 6.5.5.4.6 to 6.5.5.4.9.

To prove there is sufficient chemical compatibility with the contained goods, the sample IBC shall be
subjected to a preliminary storage for six months, during which the samples shall remain filled with
the substances they are intended to contain or with substances which are known to have at least as
severe a stress-cracking, weakening or molecular degradation influence on the plastics materials in
question, and after which the samples shall be submitted to the applicable tests listed in the table in
6.5.6.3.7.

Where the satisfactory behaviour of the plastics material has been established by other means, the
above compatibility test may be dispensed with. Such procedures shall be at least equivalent to the
above compatibility test and recognized by the competent authority.

For polyethylene rigid plastics IBCs (types 31H1 and 31H2) in accordance with 6.5.5.3 and composite
IBCs with polyethylene inner receptacle (types 31HZ1 and 31HZ2) in accordance with 6.5.5.4,
chemical compatibility with filling liquids assimilated in accordance with 4.1.1.21 may be verified as
follows with standard liquids (see 6.1.6).
 
The standard liquids are representative for the processes of deterioration on polyethylene, as there are
softening through swelling, cracking under stress, molecular degradation and combinations thereof.
The sufficient chemical compatibility of the IBCs may be verified by storage of the required test
samples for three weeks at 40 °C with the appropriate standard liquid(s); where this standard liquid is
water, storage in accordance with this procedure is not required. Storage is not required either for test
samples which are used for the stacking test in case of the standard liquids wetting solution and acetic
acid. After this storage, the test samples shall undergo the tests prescribed in 6.5.6.4 to 6.5.6.9.
The compatibility test for tert-Butyl hydroperoxide with more than 40% peroxide content and
peroxyacetic acids of Class 5.2 shall not be carried out using standard liquids. For these substances,
sufficient chemical compatibility of the test samples shall be verified during a storage period of six
months at ambient temperature with the substances they are intended to carry.
Results of the procedure in accordance with this paragraph from polyethylene IBCs can be approved
for an equal design type, the internal surface of which is fluorinated.

 

For IBC design types, made of polyethylene, as specified in 6.5.6.3.5, which have passed the test in
6.5.6.3.5, the chemical compatibility with filling substances may also be verified by laboratory tests
proving that the effect of such filling substances on the test specimens is less than that of the
appropriate standard liquid(s) taking into account the relevant processes of deterioration. The same
conditions as those set out in 4.1.1.21.2 shall apply with respect to relative density and vapour
pressure.

Design type tests required and sequential order

 

Type of IBC

Vibration f

Bottom lift

Top lift a

Stacking

b

Leak- proofness

Hydraulic pressure

Drop

Tear

Topple

Righting

c

Metal:

                   

11A, 11B, 11N

-

1st a

2nd

3rd

-

-

4th e

-

-

-

21A, 21B, 21N

-

1st a

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th e

-

-

-

31A, 31B, 31N

1st

2nd a

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th e

-

-

-

Flexible d

-

-

c

x

-

-

x

x

x

x

Rigid plastics:

                   

11H1, 11H2

-

1st a

2nd

3rd

-

-

4th

-

-

-

21H1, 21H2

-

1st a

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

-

-

-

31H1, 31H2

1st

2nd a

3rd

4th g

5th

6th

7th

-

-

-

Composite:

                   

11HZ1, 11HZ2

-

1st a

2nd

3rd

-

-

4th e

-

-

-

21HZ1, 21HZ2

-

1st a

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th e

-

-

-

31HZ1, 31HZ2

1st

2nd a

3rd

4th g

5th

6th

7th e

-

-

-

Fibreboard

-

1st

-

2nd

-

-

3rd

-

-

-

Wooden

-

1st

-

2nd

-

-

3rd

-

-

-

 

a When IBCs are designed for this method of handling.
b When IBCs are designed to be stacked.
c When IBCs are designed to be lifted from the top or the side.
d Required test indicated by x; an IBC which has passed one test may be used for other tests, in any order.
e Another IBC of the same design may be used for the drop test.
f Another IBC of the same design may be used for the vibration test.
g The second IBC in accordance with 6.5.6.2.2 can be used out of the sequential order direct after the preliminary
storage.

Bottom lift test

Applicability

For all fibreboard and wooden IBCs, and for all types of IBC which are fitted with means of lifting
from the base, as a design type test.

Preparation of the IBC for test

The IBC shall be filled. A load shall be added and evenly distributed. The mass of the filled IBC and
the load shall be 1.25 times the maximum permissible gross mass.

Method of testing

The IBC shall be raised and lowered twice by a lift truck with the forks centrally positioned and
spaced at three quarters of the dimension of the side of entry (unless the points of entry are fixed).
The forks shall penetrate to three quarters of the direction of entry. The test shall be repeated from
each possible direction of entry.

Criteria for passing the test

No permanent deformation which renders the IBC, including the base pallet, if any, unsafe for
carriage and no loss of contents.

Top lift test

Applicability

For all types of IBC which are designed to be lifted from the top and for flexible IBCs designed to be
lifted from the top or the side, as a design type test.
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