FAQ
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FIBC?
A flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) or bulka bags, or bulk bags or bulker bags, is an industrial container made of flexible fabric that is designed for storing and transporting dry, flowable products, such as sand, fertilizer, and granules of plastic. [Wikipedia] FIBC were first produced in Europe in the early 1970s. Now FIBC are widely used worldwide in industries in which dry bulk solids are handled including food, chemicals, and even pharmaceuticals.
Interestingly in Canada, specially in Perth, WA, FIBC is known as bulk bag, bulka bag, bulker bag, bulky bag and may be many more! Please visit wikipedia for more information.
What sizes do bulk bags come in?
Bulk bags do not have any standard size, they can be various sizes, styles and shapes – mostly cubical. Industries usually require customising to fit their needs.
What is a bulk bag made from?
Generally polypropylene is used to make FIBC.
What does SF mean?
SF is Safety Factor Ratio according to ISO 21898, for example, SF 6:1 means that a bag is specified to hold 6 times of the bag’s safe working load. If a bulk bag’s Safety Factor is 6:1 and SWL is 1000 Kg, it means the bulk bag will break when it’s loaded with material 6000 Kg or more.
What is UV treated?
UV is for Ultra Violet. To protect from UV ray, additive is added during manufacturing process to protect the bag and filled materials from harmful UV ray. All of our bags are UV treated.
Can bulk bags be stored outside?
It is recommended to store FIBC under cover to protect from sunlight and adverse weather.
What is a Baffle Bag?
Baffles are pieces of fabric that are sewn to the inside corners of a bag to maintain its cube shape after filling. The baffles have holes that allow the product to flow freely through them. The baffles also prevent the bag from bulging, which makes the bag stand up straight and in turn allows the bags to be more efficient in their use of space. Net and tie baffles are another type of baffle option, but not as common.
What is AS3668 Certification?
AS3668 is testing certification done by independent testing laboratory in Australia. Australia is a country that has zero tolerance about safety. FIBC standard AS3668 was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 10 January 1989 and published on 21 July 1989.
Can BulkBags supply AS3668 certified bags?
Yes, we can supply. If you require getting your required bulk bags tested to meet AS3668 standard, we will get it tested and certified prior to supply you. We will send 5 sample bags to an independent testing laboratory in Australia, they will test and certify according to the AS3668 standard. The testing process is extensive to ensure safety.
What is UN Certification?
UN Certification is a testing certification for the FIBC to handle dangerous goods. The certification is done by independent testing facility that put the specified bulk bag through a set of rigorous test, i.e. drop test, topple test, and top lift test.
Are there other colour choices of fabric besides white?
Yes, we can make any colour besides white. Usually all bags are made of white fabric though.
How do I attach my documents to FIBC?
There is a document pouch sewn into the seam of a bulk bag. The document can be placed inside. The pouch has a zip lock opening or a basic opening.
What is your minimum quantity order?
You can order any quantity from our stock. For customised bags, usually minimum order quantity is 1 pallet or more.
What is meant by “sift-proofing”?
The purpose of sift proofing a bulk bag is to stop product leaking from the seams.
Can bulk bags be patched?
Bulk bags can be patched, although it is not recommended.
Can a bulk bag be recycled?
Yes. They are made from polypropylene, which is recyclable.
What is a food grade FIBC?
Food grade bulk bags or food grade FIBC are known for storage of foods. Foods like sugar, rice and other similar products are stored inside these bags.
What are helicopter lifting FIBC?
Helicopter lifting FIBC are designed to be lifted by helicopters. They’re made specifically for transporting materials to remote places, which are not accessible by truck or lorry.
What is a fill spout and discharge spout?
A fill spout is a spout usually have 40 cm diameter opening in the top-centre with 50 cm height. Fill spout is used to fill the bag, it reduces dust while the bag is being filled. The discharge spout is to discharge materials, usually have same diameter and height as filling spout. Both spout can be customise according to customer’s specific needs.
What are lift loops?
Lift loops are the loops made of woven polypropylene attached to corners or sides of the bags to lift the loaded bag by fork lift. The bags come with 4-loops, 2-loops and 1-loop. Most commonly used lift loops is the 4-loops FIBC bulk bags in Canada.
What is fabric weight?
In simple word, this is the weight of the bag in grams per bag. For example fabric weight 1875 grams means one piece bag’s weight is 1.875 Kg. The fabric weight depends on SWL and SF of the bag.
Can you print on to a bulk bag?
Yes, we can print your company name, logo, address and so on in 4-colours or black and white.
How much does a bulk bag cost?
Bulk Bag costs vary and are dependent on a variety of design and specification requirements. BulkBags are happy to listen customer’s requirements and provide with free quote. In our case, the price also depended on the quantity. The more quantity you would order, we can make the price cheaper. Usually our price in Canada can vary from A$5 to A$40 depending on the capacity, size and many other factors.
Can I use a crane to lift a bag?
Yes. But you have to use the right type of lifting straps which are made for a crane lift. You need to follow the appropriate manufacturer guidance when lifting a bulk bag.
What is a chain and over-lock stitching?
There are numerous designs of stitching when a bulk bag is sewed. Chain and over-lock stitching are used the most. Chain stitching is a technique where a series of looped stitches form a chain-like pattern. Over-lock stitching sews over the corners of two pieces of fabric. These styles are most commonly used because they have a tight seam, which assures of no sift occurrences.
Are FIBC waterproof?
An FIBC’s material is made from woven polypropylene, which is not waterproof. We laminate the fabric to make it water proof fabric. We also supply the bags with LDPE inner liner (Low-density polyethylene) for water proofing and moisture proofing.
What does 5:1 SF mean?
Bulk bags are rated at an average 5:1 Safety Factor. This implies that the bag is stated to hold 5 times weight of its safe working load.
What is a lifting sleeve?
A lifting sleeve is a tube of polypropylene fabric which allows the forks of a forklift to fit into the sleeves and lift the bag.
What is woven polypropylene?
Woven polypropylene is made from ejected polypropylene resin pellets.
What is the difference between duffle top and open top?
The difference between the two types of bags, is the duffel itself. An open top bag is just a bulk bag without a top closure.
What is a B-lock?
A B-lock is made to assist in the closure of a spout. Its good way to close a spout and stops the flow of product.
Are FIBC waterproof?
When products move over or rub against each other, inside the bulk bag, static electricity is generated.
Type A bulk bags are made out of plain-woven polypropylene as well as other non-conductive fabrics. Type A FIBC provide no static protection. They can only be used for non-flammable products.
Type B bulk bags are also made of plain-woven polypropylene as well as other non-conductive material. Type B bags can prevent incidents involving highly energetic and dangerous multiple brush discharges. They can prevent this because they’re made from materials that have low breakdown voltage. They are not considered as anti-static.
Type C FIBC are made from non-conductive polypropylene fabrics sewn with conducting threads in a grid pattern. These threads must be electrically connected to the ground/earth while filling and emptying. This is how you safely use the Type C bulk bags.
Type D bulk bags are made from anti static and static fabrics which are designed to prevent the occurrence of sparks, brush discharge and multiple brush discharges. You do not need a connection from the FIBC to a ground/ earth.
