The capacity of an IBC tote (often referred to as a "ton-barrel") is not actually a fixed value; rather, it is strictly categorized based on specific application scenarios (e.g., industrial transport vs. daily drinking water).
Regarding the industrial sector you previously inquired about, the most common standard capacity is 1,000 liters (1 cubic meter); however, this represents just one specific variant. The following provides a detailed breakdown of the classifications:
The primary raw material for manufacturing plastic drums is polyethylene (PE), a high-molecular-weight organic compound produced through the addition polymerization of ethylene. Polyethylene is globally recognized as the optimal material for food contact applications; it is non-toxic, tasteless, and odorless, and fully complies with hygiene standards for food packaging. Polyethylene film is lightweight and transparent, possessing properties such as moisture resistance, oxygen barrier capabilities, acid and alkali resistance, moderate airtightness, and excellent heat-sealing characteristics. Often hailed as the "Flower of Plastics," it is the most widely used and critical material in the plastic packaging and printing industry.
Polyvinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl chloride, abbreviated as PVC, has the molecular formula (CH2-CH2Cl)n. It constitutes the most prominent category among vinyl polymers and is currently the world's second-largest plastic variety by volume, surpassed only by polyethylene; domestically, however, it ranks first in terms of production output among all plastics. In the printing industry, colored calendered PVC films and transparent glazing films are frequently utilized to create decorative covers and packaging for books, folders, tickets, and similar items.
Shrink Film
Shrink film is a thermoplastic film that undergoes stretching and orientation during its manufacturing process. When subjected to hot air treatment or infrared radiation during application, it contracts. Following this thermal treatment, the film tightly encases the packaged object; the contractile force reaches its maximum intensity during the cooling phase, ensuring the package remains securely bound for an extended period.
Low-Density Polyethylene
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is the most widely utilized variety within the plastic packaging and printing industries across various nations. It has a specific gravity ranging from 0.92 to 0.93, allowing it to float on water. Characterized by low crystallinity (approximately 60%), it is produced via bulk polymerization under high pressures-typically between 1,000 and 3,000 kg/cm²-and is therefore also referred to as "high-pressure polyethylene." At a temperature of 23°C, its density is approximately 0.92. Due to its poor calenderability, it is typically processed into tubular films using the blown film extrusion method. It is suitable for packaging food products, textile goods, and daily chemical commodities.
High-Density Polyethylene
High-density polyethylene, abbreviated as HDPE, possesses a density ranging from 0.941 to 0.965 g/cm³. Produced via low-pressure polymerization, this material is also known as low-pressure polyethylene. It appears milky white and exhibits a relatively low surface gloss. Films made from this material can be processed using either the blown film method or the T-die extrusion process. It offers excellent resistance to heat and boiling, as well as cold and freezing temperatures; furthermore, it possesses superior moisture-proof, gas-barrier, and isolation properties. Highly durable and resistant to breakage, its tensile strength is twice that of LDPE. It features excellent "easy-opening" properties (low blocking). It also exhibits strong paper-like characteristics, earning it the reputation of being a "paper-like plastic film."
Polypropylene Film
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film-also referred to as bi-oriented polypropylene film-is characterized by its molecular orientation achieved through biaxial stretching. Consequently, it demonstrates mechanical strength, folding endurance, gas tightness, and moisture-barrier properties superior to those of ordinary plastic films. When compared on a unit-area basis, its cost is lower than that of cellophane. Due to its exceptional transparency, colors printed on the reverse side (reverse printing) appear particularly vivid and lustrous; thus, it serves as a vital base material for flexible plastic composite packaging.
Scope of Application:
Plastic packaging drums are widely utilized for the storage and transport of various liquids. They possess excellent characteristics for handling specific hazardous materials, featuring properties such as shatter-resistance, rust-resistance, light weight, and resistance to deformation. Furthermore, they exhibit outstanding resistance to oil and strong corrosive substances, making them ideal for packaging hazardous materials that require thermal insulation, moisture protection, pressure resistance, and corrosion resistance. These drums are frequently used to contain liquid and solid goods across various industries, including chemical raw materials, pesticides, lubricants, paints, pharmaceuticals, food products, hardware and electronics, and electromechanical equipment. Available capacities range from 100 mL to 200 L.
Drum Functions and Features:
1. Aesthetically pleasing, the plastic drums feature smooth interior and exterior surfaces. They are seamless and weld-free, offering light weight, high structural strength, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, and non-toxic, odorless properties, thereby facilitating convenient transport.
2. Long Service Life: Under normal filling, transport, and handling conditions, the product maintains a shelf life of 1.5 years.
3. Technical Parameters: The product's technical specifications strictly adhere to national standards. Additionally, the exterior design and dimensions of the drums can be customized to meet specific requirements.
4. Hot Filling Capability: The drums are suitable for hot filling applications; however, the filling temperature should generally not exceed 60°C. Following hot filling, the contents must be allowed to cool completely and reach room temperature before the lid is securely fastened and the drums are stacked.
5. If used to contain volatile chemical substances, the container can be fitted with a lid featuring a venting mechanism; this prevents the hazard of excessive internal pressure buildup during transit while simultaneously ensuring a secure, leak-proof seal for the liquid contents.
Product Features: Designed for efficient stacking and storage, as well as streamlined filling operations, the entire process results in significant savings in both space and material usage. The containers are lightweight, resistant to low temperatures and corrosion, and help minimize environmental contamination; they are exceptionally clean and possess excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and high temperatures. Furthermore, they are non-toxic, sterile, and odorless, exhibiting superior dimensional stability and impact resistance-qualities that meet the rigorous requirements for medical testing and applications.
Production Raw Materials:
The primary raw material used in the manufacture of these plastic drums is Polyethylene (PE). PE is a high-molecular-weight organic compound produced through the addition polymerization of ethylene monomers. Polyethylene is globally recognized as the optimal material for food contact applications; it is non-toxic, tasteless, and odorless, fully complying with established hygiene standards for food packaging. Polyethylene film is lightweight and transparent, featuring excellent moisture resistance, oxidation resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and superior heat-sealing properties (though its gas barrier properties are moderate). Often hailed as the "Flower of Plastics," it remains the most widely used and critical material in the plastic packaging and printing industry.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Abbreviated as HDPE, this material has a density ranging from 0.941 to 0.965 g/cm³. It is produced via low-pressure polymerization-hence it is also referred to as "low-pressure polyethylene"-and typically appears as a milky-white solid. It can be processed using techniques such as blow molding or T-die extrusion. HDPE exhibits excellent resistance to heat (including boiling temperatures) and cold (including freezing temperatures); it offers superior moisture-proofing, gas-barrier, and isolation properties. Furthermore, it is highly durable and resistant to breakage, boasting a tensile strength approximately double that of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE).
