Intermediate Bulk Containers Research Articles

Flocculating and dewatering of lake sediment: An in-situ pilot study comparing synthetic polymers and biopolymers for restoring lake water quality and reusing phosphorus

Dredging of lake sediment is a method to remove accumulated phosphorus and nitrogen in lakes and thereby reducing the risk of eutrophication. After dredging, the sediment is dewatered to reduce the volume. It is important to get a high dry matter content and ensure that the filtrate does not contain harmful compounds so it can be returned to the lake. A pilot-scale belt filter and flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) were used for dewatering lake sediment with the sediment treated with a synthetic polymer or three different biopolymers. The goal of the study was to retain the phosphorus in the filter cake while returning the filtrate to the lake with a minimal phosphorus content. Results showed dry matter content of up to 16 % in the dewatered sediment and the sediment retained 96–99 % of the phosphorus. Furthermore, nitrogen was reduced by 27–71 % in the filtrate water. Toxicity tests found low ecotoxicity for most biopolymer filtrates, whereas synthetic polymer showed the highest potential ecotoxicity. Consequently, biopolymers provided satisfactory results, proving more environmentally friendly despite requiring longer filtration time.

Water Quality Effects on Survival and Weight of Tank-Raised African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) Fed Commercial and Farm-made Feeds

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of water quality on survival and weight of tank-raised Clarias gariepinus fed with commercial and farm-made feeds. Nine hundred juveniles (15.15± 3.48g; 128.366± 9.67mm) were stocked in 09 IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tanks (1m3 each) at a density of 100 fish/tank and fed with imported (Le), locally pelleted (Lpe) and locally extruded (Lex) feeds thrice a day for 16 weeks. Water quality parameters (water temperature, suspended particles, turbidity, colour, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia and phosphates) were measured every fortnightly using standard methods. Survivals were determined from the initial and final counts of studied fish and body weight was determined biweekly using a sensitive electronic balance. Regardless of dietary treatments and rearing period, studied water parameters did not differ significantly (p>0.05) except for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH and nitrites (p<0.05). The study also revealed that all the parameters were within acceptable or desirable ranges for fish farming except for dissolved oxygen and ammonia which were below (<3mg/l) and above (>0.05mg/l) optimal recommended ranges respectively. In addition, water temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids, pH and ammonia had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the survival and weight of African catfish. The study concluded that dissolved oxygen and ammonia could have detrimental effects on studied fish growth. However, the fact that the studied fish were exposed short term in holding water as an exchange of water was carried out every day and a complete exchange every fortnightly with well oxygenated water, significantly contributed in reducing the abnormal contents of dissolved oxygen and ammonia. This implies that if best management practices are respected, the studied feeds will not deteriorate holding tank waters and thus not affect fish productivity.

Feasibility of utilization of recycled HDPE in manhole covers for urban traffic areas and industrial zones

The consumption of plastic raw materials has been exponentially growing throughout the world in the last decade and so has, in the same proportion, their associated waste. Recycling through the mechanical treatment of the heavy fraction of these plastics is the most economic and the safest alternative to use this waste and to recirculate it for reuse within the same industry or for other related industries located near the place where the waste is generated. In this paper, a study of characterization and post-processing of recycled high density polyethylene received by a hazardous waste manager in southern Spain is presented, an area in which containers, Intermediate Bulk Containers, and drums, originally used for oil products from refineries and petrochemical industries nearby, are employed. These high density polyethylene materials are validated to meet the requirements of the harmonized standards to be used as self-supply in the production of manhole covers. EN 124–6:2015 standard allows the use of plastic materials such as PE or PP, even using material externally reprocessed, such as material derived from thermoplastic products that have not been previously used as lids or manhole covers. Class A-15 and B-125 of the standard are oriented for the construction of these types of elements to cover or close in certain urban spaces such as pedestrian areas, parking areas or multi-story car parks for vehicles. The study shows that the recycled material fully complies with the density; it keeps unalterable during fire test after application of the coating, there are no adverse effects on artificial ageing; the decrease of the average value of the tensile impact strength by 21.84%; and achieves 6 mm of maximum deflection against the test load Fp (45.3 MPa). Therefore, it can be considered a valid scenario for the effective use of solid plastic waste in products that make up part of the urban or industrial areas, as an example of complete circularity material and offers a valid alternative to the end-of-waste condition.

Analisis Penerapan Green Supply Chain Management Pada Kemasan Ibc Di PT. DC Cilegon

Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) is a type of tank used in packaging, shipping & storage efficiently and safely applied to various types of chemical industries made from liquid. However, with a high number of uses and the price of this IBC tank is relatively expensive creating new high cost for industry. IBC with strong and durable material characteristics, has potential to improve its usage. To gain efficiency and positive effects on the environment, the concept of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) is the method used by PT DC Cilegon. The purpose of this study is to analyze the reuse of IBC tanks so that the level of efficiency can be expressed in numbers. The data used is the use of IBC in Delivery Note letters for the period of September 2022 to January 2023. The result are 284 IBC was delivered and reused with a ratio of 2.39 times per IBC. Its mean that PT DC Cilegon was increasing efficiency of IBC usage 23,67%. This is the application of the concept of green industry (Green Manufacturing) with focus on Green Supply Chain which has positive impact for environment. Keywords: IBC, Reduce Reuse Recycle (3R), Efficiency, Green Manufacturing, Green Supply Chain.

Process characterization and pretreatment of container and drum cleaning industry wastewater using a heat‐activated persulfate oxidation process

AbstractThe aim of this study was to treat wastewater from washing, cutting or crushing of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), steel drums and plastic drums, using the sulfate radical‐based oxidation method. In this study, it was planned to make the wastewater suitable for activated sludge treatment by applying neutralization after a sulfate radical‐based oxidation process. Samples were taken from the industry three times to study these treatment processes. To determine the optimum conditions in the study, chemical oxygen demand (COD), removal efficiency was calculated, and optimum temperature, optimum time, and optimum persulfate dose were determined. Since the washing is done with hot water in the industry, the thermal activation method was used for the activation of persulfate. In the results of the study, COD removal efficiency, and total organic carbon (TOC), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and potentially toxic metal(s) removal efficiency was measured in three wastewater samples. According to the results of the study, the temperature at which the best COD removal efficiency was observed was 70°C, the COD/S2O82− ratio was 1:2, and the contact time was 5 h. As a result of the study, it has been revealed that such wastewater can be given to the activated sludge after sulfate radical‐based oxidation and neutralization in the same existing reactor instead of the existing FeCl3 process.

Bench to batch: Linking pharmaceutical powder flow characterisation, intermediate bulk container discharge and video observations

Five well known excipients and a model drug substance with varied particle properties and bulk behaviour were chosen for the study. Based on the results APAP, NaCMC-XL, mannitol and DCPA were selected for a design to understand the impact of different blends. Two pilot scale unvented IBCs were used in the study. The IBC discharge rates were measured using a catch balance and the mode of flow and powder behaviour inside the IBC was recorded using a camera. The videos inside the IBC showed that regardless of flow mode, for powder to flow from the IBC an air burst was necessary. This was similar to observations when emptying water from a bottle. The extent of the air flow inside the IBC was strong and could possibly result in fluidisation segregation. The discharge curves of 15° and 30° hopper half angles were very similar, which was explained by the vertical air movement in the steeper hopper, which reduces the particle acceleration. Several good indicators of flow/no flow in the IBCs were found. However, for predicting the discharge rate there was a linear correlation between flow through an orifice and IBC discharge rate.

Haematological and Serum Biochemical Profiles of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fed Commercial and Farm-made Feeds

The present study was carried out to determine the haematological and serum biochemical profiles of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed commercial and farm-made feeds and reared in intermediate bulk containers (IBC) tanks. Nine hundred juveniles (15.15±3.48g; 128.37± 9.67mm) were stocked in 09 IBC tanks (1m3) at a density of 100 fish/tank in triplicate and fed with imported extruded (Le), locally pelleted (Lpe) and locally extruded (Lex) feeds thrice a day to satiation for 16 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from 10 fish/ dietary treatment to determine haematological and biochemical indices. Results revealed that Red Blood Cells Count, Packed Cell volume and Haemoglobin concentration were highest (p<0.05) in fish fed with “Le” feed while Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration, Mean Cell Haemoglobin, Mean Cell Volume, White Blood Cells Count, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Granulocytes and Platelets showed no significant difference (p>0.05) among the dietary treatments. As for serum biochemistry, Total Cholesterol and Glucose were highest (p<0.05) in fish fed with “Le” feed while Total Protein, Alanine Transaminase, Aspartate Transaminase and Alkaline Phosphatase were significantly higher (p<0.05) in fish fed “Lpe” and “Lex” feeds. Conclusively, variation of dietary treatments was not detrimental to the health status of C. gariepinus reared in plastic IBC tanks.

Explosion Risks during Firefighting Operations in Storage Rooms and the Transport of Ammonium Nitrate-Based Fertilizers

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is a strong oxidizer that undergoes phase transitions and thermal decomposition at relatively low temperatures. This—as verified by historical facts—constitutes a challenge for the fire department during rescue operations. AN is also a highly reactive material widely used for the production of, i.a., fertilizers and explosives. The latter are popular not only in military applications but also in industrial ones, such as mining. They include ammonites and amatols utilized in coal mining, as well as Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) utilized in, i.a., rock mining. As a simple and cheap material, ANFO also tends to be used by terrorists. The spontaneous formation of an AN and polymers mixture—similar to ANFO in terms of composition and explosion force—was observed in fire conditions during previous research. At individual stages (from creation to exploitation), AN often comes into direct contact with various polymers. Polyolefins, in particular polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are among the most popular groups of such materials. They are used for the production of, i.a., foil packaging and flexible intermediate bulk containers for the storage and transport of fertilizers. Despite the frequent mutual contact of these materials, there is little information in the literature on the interaction of AN and its polymer-made packaging in fire conditions. For this reason, it was decided to conduct a series of thermal analyses using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to study the material behavior under the influence of high temperature. As it turns out in practice, the spontaneous formation of a mixture similar to ANFO—in terms of composition and explosion force—can be observed in fire conditions. Due to the results indicating a potentially explosive course of the reaction, laboratory tests on the macro scale were also carried out. The performed observations show that it may be necessary to create a procedure containing several different test methods in order to predict a mixture’s behavior during a fire and to define the appropriate guidelines for firefighting teams. Such guidelines would enable firefighters to prepare the right equipment during a firefighting operation and to develop a strategy based on the observed course of events.

Assessing the Potential Resistance of Floating Vegetations Against Different Flow Rates

Constructed floating wetlands (CFWs) have been rising an innovative and environment-friendly water treatment technology for both stormwater and wastewater over the decades. For the sustainability of these systems, hydraulic components of wetland should be very well monitored and managed. This study examined the root resistance of Baumea rubiginosa (PA) and Phragmites australis (PB) grown in normal drinking water and a synthetic water mix representing stormwater and domestic wastewater with low and high nutrient content against different flow rates. With the nutrient uptakes from intermediate bulk container (IBC) water tanks, two plant species had reached at harvest stage over the period of 35 weeks, and then they were subjected to flume test experiment. Two plant species from five different water types showed different growth levels in roots and shoots, and thanks to their stronger and denser root structures, plant species of PA and PB in domestic wastewater with low nutrient were found more resistant to the flow by pushing water deeper and cause a higher hydraulic head loss between upstream and downstream in comparison to the rest of plant types. The relationship between three different components root volume, flow rate and head loss was also analysed through correlation test in SPSS and the relationship between root volume and head loss was found positive at the higher flow rate(s). The results demonstrate that these native plant species in CFWs could be used to reduce extreme flow rates in upstream side and provide a safe environment during extreme flood events.

Hydraulic Performance Evaluation of Low-Cost Gravity-Fed Drip Irrigation Systems Under Constant Head Conditions

The use of drip irrigation for upland crop production has gained popularity in developing countries due to its relatively high water-use efficiency. To maximize the efficiency of this irrigation method, it is important to evaluate its hydraulic performance in terms of emitter discharge and water distribution uniformity under various operating heads. In this study, the hydraulic performance of two locally available low-cost drip irrigation kits -referred to in this study as Drip Kit A and Drip Kit B - was assessed and compared under constant head conditions. Both drip kits are composed of a 1000-L intermediate bulk container (IBC) tank, 10-m submain line, 20-m lateral lines spaced 0.75 m apart, and cascade labyrinth emitters spaced 0.30 m apart along the laterals. Operating heads of 2.5, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 m were used and maintained throughout the trials with the use of an overflowing tank. The submain and lateral lines were levelled (0% slope). Sampling of discharge rates was done for one-third of the total number of emitters for each of the tests performed. Results showed that the overall system emitter discharge rate generally increases with increasing operating head. Moreover, emitters farther from the submain line generated relatively lower discharge rates than those closer to it. Analysis of the experimental data showed that the Christiansen’s coefficient of uniformity (CU), emission uniformity (EU), and coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 97.5 to 98.5, 95.9 to 97.7, and 0.02 to 0.04 for the drip systems tested. Further statistical analysis also showed that varying the operating heads does not have a statistically significant effect (α=5%) on the CU, EU, and CV of the system. Based on the results, Drip Kit B performed better than Drip Kit A in terms of water distribution uniformity. However, the latter could generate higher emitter discharge rates than the former. For both drip kits, an operating head of 2.5-m is recommendable for a 200 m2 plot, from the practical standpoint. This study has generated important empirical data that could serve as a basis for maximizing the performance efficiency of locally available drip irrigation systems for a more efficient irrigation water management.

Human body electrification in vicinity of charged container - medium charge density limits

Results of numerical simulation of a human body charging in the vicinity of charged dielectric objects, e.g. FIBC (i.e. Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) or other containers are presented in the paper. The effects of object shape, the permittivity of the container contents as well as human-to-container distance on the induced charge on a human body were investigated. Based on the simulations, the threshold values of the space charge density of the dielectric filling (the perception and shock levels for the human beings) were determined. The obtained results allowed to derive theoretical curves defining safe limits of charge density on given dielectric objects (container). The results may be useful for nuisance or risk assessment in industrial conditions.

Static hazards of container filling

AbstractThe maximum filling rates recommended by IEC and NFPA for conductive intermediate bulk containers (IBC) conflict with each other and take no account of the filling pipe diameter. A model previously developed to predict maximum liquid surface potentials in medium tanks was re‐derived using analytical approximation rather than curve fitting techniques and modified for application to conductive containers. Physically consistent flow rate limits are given for all sizes of container. Relative to the 25 kV hazardous potential threshold, IEC's flow velocity limit of 2 m/s theoretically provides a large safety factor for IBC filling that increases linearly from 2 to 5 as the inside diameter of the filling pipe decreases from 78 to 27 mm. However, because potential varies with the inverse cube of pipe diameter, the safety factor provided by NFPA's flow rate limit of 225 L/min diminishes from 8 to 1/2 over the same range and surface potentials exceed 25 kV for filling pipe diameters below about 35 mm. The model is extended to address elevated dielectric constants and practical guidance is provided for different filling pipe options. We also warn of specific practices that could increase the likelihood of a fire or explosion.

Biodegradation of pesticide-contaminated wastewaters from a formulation plant employing a pilot scale biobed

In this work, a pilot biobed was built up to treat pesticide-contaminated wastewaters discharged from a formulation plant. The pre-treated wastewater was spiked with additional pesticides in order to simulate a scenario of higher contamination: glyphosate, atrazine, imidacloprid, prometryn and carbendazim were added to reach a final Total Organic Carbon (TOC) concentration of 70 mg L−1. An Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) was filled with a biomixture of soil and foxtail millet stubble (50:50% v v−1), and 200 l of the wastewater was added to the system recycling tank. The recirculation to the IBC was established for 12 h. After that (Day 0), the recirculation was turned on during the assay only to maintain the moisture for 180 days. Biomixture and wastewater samples were taken periodically to analyse pesticides and phytotoxicity in both matrices. In addition, hydrolytic and phenoloxidase activities, total bacteria and yeast and fungi communities were determined in the biomixture.The designed pilot scale biobed allowed to treat wastewaters with high concentration of pesticides reaching a complete removal of glyphosate, AMPA, atrazine, carbendazim and prometryn at 180 days. A good degradation percentage of the recalcitrant imidacloprid was achieved (60%) and the biomixture showed enough biological activity to continue treating additional wastewater. The root elongation index from the germination test showed low toxicity on day 180 both in biomixture and wastewater.The millet stubble resulted an appropriate lignocellulosic material to be used in biobeds to treat a wide variety of pesticides. The application of the seed germination test proved to be a low cost and simple tool to determine the end point of the process.

Visualization supported corporate decision making for life cycle sustainability assessment – Illustrated using a case study for selecting a sustainable packaging system for self-leveling compounds

Product life cycle assessment (LCA) and sustainability assessment have proven as powerful methods to identify sustainability hotspots and support decision making. In practice, corporate decision support is often hampered by the complexity resulting from the three sustainability dimensions and inherent uncertainties. In this study, a novel a posteriori visualization is presented, based on the concept of satisficing or similarly sustainable alternatives integrating scenarios to account for different use options. This allows the decision makers (DMs) including management-relevant information in their decision while selecting a satisficing alternative. The presented approach supports consensus building among DMs with differing weighting preferences for the three pillars of sustainability as common in life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) and leads to a consensus in product selection for relevant scenarios. This also supports the selection of more robust alternatives under a variety of use cases compared to the common focus on best performing alternatives for a particular use case.For illustration, a case study of a self-leveling compound (mortar) manufacturer interested in selecting a sustainable packaging system for a variety of different use cases is presented. Paper bags, flexible intermediate bulk container, one-way cardboard container and a pumping truck, all used with different machinery, are evaluated under several scenarios. Using first-hand field data, this case study shows how the proposed visualization supports consensus building among DMs. The case study shows that in 87% of all scenarios the use of the 25 kg paper bag in combination with a mixing drum and cart resulted as a satisficing sustainable alternative.

Powder flow from an intermediate bulk container – Discharge predictions and experimental evaluation

Powders are usually dispensed, blended, and transferred between different manufacturing steps in so-called Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), and discharge from an IBC plays a critical role in the ability to manufacture high-quality tablets. To better understand IBC discharge, the flow behavior of selected excipients was comprehensively characterized using a number of techniques including the Hausner ratio/Carr’s index, Erweka flow test, FlowPro flow test, shear test and wall friction test as well as FT4 powder rheometer experiments. Jenike’s hopper design methodology was then used to predict the minimum non-arching outlet diameter and the mode of flow. Furthermore, the discharge rate from an IBC was predicted using a simple model that takes into account gravity and aerodynamic drag. The predictions were experimentally verified by measuring the discharge rate from a 20 L IBC using five commonly-used excipients. The small-scale Erweka flow test provided the best prediction of the full-scale IBC discharge experiment. Furthermore, a simple model that relied only on the particle size of the material and the diameter of the discharge opening was found to predict the IBC discharge rate remarkably well.

Theoretical and Experimental Evaluation of Flow Pattern of Pharmaceutical Powder Blends Discharged From Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs).

The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of funnel flow pattern for common pharmaceutical powder blends, upon discharging from modern intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) in drug product manufacturing. The estimation was built upon Jenike's original radial stress field theory. It was modified to account for the stress-dependence of wall friction angle commonly observed in pharmaceutical powders. A total of 260 flow pattern estimations, based on 20 real-life IBCs and 13 investigational powder blends, were made. The estimated results showed that the mass flow pattern is present in less than 5% of all cases. Funnel flow pattern is clearly prevalent among pharmaceutical powder blends. The prevalence of funnel flow stems from several factors: 1) relatively shallow hopper section shared by all IBCs, 2) the common transition-type geometry, leading to even shallower hopper inclination at the edge of the hopper section, and 3) relatively high wall friction angles resulting from low wall normal stresses. This conclusion was verified through at-scale experiments, by discharging multiple pharmaceutical powder blends from a representative IBC. In general, our study suggests that, unless the powder wall friction can be substantially reduced, pharmaceutical powders are likely to discharge under funnel flow from modern IBCs.

An Analysis of Performance Factors Evaluation of Reusable/Returnable Packaging

Development and application of reusable industrial packages, which can be used in assembly line has been investigated. The reusable industrial packages are often called reusable crates and totes or reusable/returnable packaging containers. The trend of development of reusable packaging systems has been facilitated by the plastics industry developing lightweight rugged crates and totes, which can be used in storages and manufacturing lines. Sizes range of these kind packages is from handled totes to pallet-load sized intermediate bulk containers for manufacturing.Possibility that each component reaches the manufacture at the right time, in the right sequence, and in the appropriate version, referred as Just-In-Sequence was analysed. An automotive supply chain characteristics and scheme of component suppliers’ structure in Just-In-Sequence way was illustrated. Materials properties of reusable packaging was studied. The most important packaging performance factors are durability, flammability, sanitation and ergonomics of packaging, which affect the cost, and operations of a reusable packaging system. Since the importance of industrial reusable packaging is growing up, the new sophisticated test method for transport packages are needed by which vulnerabilities and exposures in the application of reusable industrial containers will be taken into account.

The evaluation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation within feed as an antioxidant towards growth performance of catfish Clarias gariepinus Burchell 1822 in zero water exchange condition

The objective of this research was to evaluate the supplementation of turmeric in the diet on antioxidant status and growth performance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in zero water exchange condition. This study used a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. Each treatment consisted of feed supplementation turmeric at dosage of 0; 2.5; 5 or 7.5 g kg-1 diet. One hundred catfish juvenile (5.95±0.05 g) were stocked in intermediate bulk container (IBC) tank (1×1×1 m3) and rearing in zero water exchange condition for 60 days. Catfish were fed at satiation twice a day, in the morning and evening. The results showed that an increase in antioxidant content in catfish fed with the addition of turmeric, which simultaneously also reduced the percentage of liver damage. The parameters of liver damage can be seen from several parameters i.e. pale liver, droplet fat and fat content in the addition of turmeric treatment is lower than without the addition of turmeric. However, catfish fed with the addition of turmeric did not show significant results in terms of growth performances.

Calorific Value of Biogas Obtained by Cavia Porcellus Biomass

The objective of the investigation is to determine the calorific value of the biogas obtained from the biomass of manure from Cavia porcellus (guinea pig), for which a biodigester model Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) with a capacity of 1 m3 was designed and built. The physicochemical properties and the amount of animal biomass to generate biogas were determined. 459 kg of Cavia porcellus manure (guinea pig) was used, the weekly load was 233 L of guinea pig mixture with water in a 30-day retention time. At the end of the process, biogas was obtained with a calorific value of 6 527.3 kcal / m3, corresponding to 72.3% methane with a volume of 1 m3. The method to obtain unconventional energy from biogas produced by animal biomass has environmental advantages and low cost.

Electrostatic Characteristics of Insulating Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container

Electrostatic Characteristics of Insulating Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container