An FIBC is a large flexible container for bulk materials such as pellets, grain or powder. FIBC stands for flexible intermediate bulk container. Choose the bag by matching its rated load, filled size, lifting arrangement and openings to the material and equipment you actually use.
Start with weight and volume
Send the material name, its bulk density if known and your target weight per bag. Bulk density is the weight of material per unit of space as it is normally filled. Two materials at the same weight can fill very different amounts of space.
For example, 1,000 kg of material at 800 kg per cubic meter would take about 1.25 cubic meters before any allowance for the filling process. Treat that as a starting estimate. Confirm the usable fill volume and expected shape with the supplier. Ask for a label and documentation showing the rated load for the proposed configuration.
Match the bag to each work station
Walk through filling, movement and discharge with the people who run the equipment. At filling, check the opening style, available space and how the bag connects to the filler. For movement, send the lifting arrangement and ask for the loop positions, dimensions and handling instructions. For discharge, describe the equipment below the bag and whether you need controlled flow.
A bag may fit on the floor and still be too tall for the filler once its loops are in position. A discharge spout may be the right type but the wrong diameter for your receiving equipment. Put those clearances and connection dimensions in the inquiry so the drawing can be checked before you order samples.
Ask for evidence tied to the quoted bag
Request the drawing, model reference, label and applicable load test documentation. Check that the reference covers the same bag construction, lifting arrangement and openings. Confirm the intended use and follow the instructions for the supplied model. A photo of a similar bag cannot show its rated load.
Ask the seller to list the folded packing dimensions, bags per pallet and gross shipping weight. Compare delivered pricing on the same configuration and quantity. For a bulk bag quote, send your material, target load, available footprint and height, opening sizes, lifting arrangement, quantity and destination. If you need a liner or have a special use condition, state it at the start so it can be reviewed with the bag design.
Choose an opening for the process
Tell the supplier how material gets into the bag. An open top may suit an operation that fills from above, while a fill spout may be proposed for a connection to a filler. At the other end, describe whether the material will leave through a spout and what equipment receives it. Provide the connection diameter and the available space under the bag so the drawing can be checked against the equipment.
Compare two bags using the same operating limits
Imagine two quotations for the same target fill weight. One bag has a wider footprint and the other is taller. The first may not fit your pallet or filling frame. The second may leave too little room above the equipment when the loops are in position. Compare the filled footprint, total height in use, loop positions and opening dimensions. Ask the supplier to identify the model that matches the label and report supplied with the offer.
Make a sample approval record
List the material, expected weight, filler, lifting equipment and discharge station. Record the sample model and drawing revision, then have operations review the proposed setup and handling instructions. Include any liner requirements and packing counts in the approved record. When you request another order, use the same reference and ask the supplier to flag changes in the fabric, loops, openings or packing before you approve the quote.
Sources
FIBCA filling and discharge options, FIBCA handling guide.