The IBC size chart
people actually bookmark.
Nominal capacity, usable capacity, footprint, height, tare, gross, stack rating, valve thread — for every format we handle, with the awkward exceptions written down rather than hidden.
Need a format that is not in the table?
Tell us the volume and the constraint — doorway, rack beam, trailer height — and we will tell you what fits.
Tell us what you have.
We will tell you what it is worth.
Buying, selling, washing, hauling or recycling — one form covers all of it. Replies come from a specialist in York, PA, by email, inside one business day.
Prefer plain email? Write to info@ibctotesreco.com — include your ZIP, quantity and what the totes last held.
A standard 275-gallon composite IBC is 48 × 40 × 46 inches, 137 lb empty, about 2,590 lb filled with water, with a 2-inch S60x6 outlet. A 330-gallon unit is the same 48 × 40 footprint but 53 inches tall and about 3,100 lb filled. Both match the standard GMA pallet footprint, which is why they fit normal racking, dock plates and trailers. Usable capacity is roughly 3–4% below nominal.
| Format | Nominal capacity | Usable | L × W × H | Tare | Gross (water) | Outlet | Stack (filled) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 gal standard | 275 gal / 1,041 L | ≈ 265 gal | 48 × 40 × 46" | 137 lb | 2,590 lb | 2" S60x6 | 2 high |
| 275 gal tall | 275 gal / 1,041 L | ≈ 264 gal | 48 × 40 × 53" | 141 lb | 2,600 lb | 2" S60x6 | 2 high |
| 330 gal standard | 330 gal / 1,249 L | ≈ 320 gal | 48 × 40 × 53" | 165 lb | 3,100 lb | 2" S60x6 | 2 high |
| 350 gal | 350 gal / 1,325 L | ≈ 338 gal | 48 × 40 × 58" | 172 lb | 3,250 lb | 2" or 3" | 2 high |
| 400 gal | 400 gal / 1,514 L | ≈ 386 gal | 48 × 46 × 60" | 198 lb | 3,700 lb | 3" | 1 high |
| 550 gal | 550 gal / 2,082 L | ≈ 532 gal | 48 × 48 × 72" | 251 lb | 5,050 lb | 3" | 1 high |
| 120 gal mini | 120 gal / 454 L | ≈ 115 gal | 32 × 32 × 36" | 71 lb | 1,090 lb | 2" | 2 high |
| Stainless 265 gal | 265 gal / 1,003 L | ≈ 258 gal | 48 × 40 × 50" | 285 lb | 2,490 lb | 2" tri-clamp | 2 high |
| Stainless 330 gal | 330 gal / 1,249 L | ≈ 322 gal | 48 × 40 × 56" | 330 lb | 3,090 lb | 2" tri-clamp | 2 high |
| Stainless 500 gal | 500 gal / 1,893 L | ≈ 488 gal | 48 × 48 × 68" | 430 lb | 4,600 lb | 3" tri-clamp | 1 high |
Gross figures assume water at 8.34 lb/gal. For a denser product, multiply the net weight by your specific gravity — a 275-gallon tote of 1.35 SG liquid is about 3,200 lb and may exceed a light-duty rack beam or a pallet jack rating.
Work backwards from whatever is tightest
Nobody buys a tote by volume alone. Something is always the binding constraint — switch between them below.
| Route element | Minimum clear | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Door, pallet jack, 40" leading | 42" | Needs 48" of swing to turn |
| Door, pallet jack, 48" leading | 50" | Straight through only |
| Door, forklift carrying | 60" | Mast and operator clearance |
| Corridor turn, 90° | 60" × 60" | Diagonal is the real limit |
| Height, 275 gal standard | 48" | 46" plus pallet jack lift |
| Height, 330 gal | 56" | 53" plus lift |
| Lift gate platform | 60" × 48" | Check gate rating: 2,600 lb+ |
| Freight elevator | 60" × 60" × 80" | And capacity for 2,600 lb |
| Configuration | Load per beam level | Typical rating needed |
|---|---|---|
| One 275 gal, filled with water | ≈ 2,590 lb | 3,000 lb+ |
| Two 275 gal, filled with water | ≈ 5,180 lb | 6,000 lb+ |
| Two 330 gal, filled with water | ≈ 6,200 lb | 7,000 lb+ |
| Two 275 gal at 1.35 SG | ≈ 6,400 lb | 7,000 lb+ |
| Beam pair width for two units | 96" clear | Standard |
| Beam depth | 42–48" | Pallet overhang acceptable |
| Clear height per level, 275 std | 52" | Allows 46" + lift clearance |
| Clear height per level, 330 | 59" | Check sprinkler clearance |
| Vehicle | Single tier | Two tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48" flatbed | 40 | 80 | Strapping critical, tall light load |
| 53" trailer | 45 | 90 | Stacking subject to grade and cage |
| 26" straight truck | 12 | 24 | Lift gate rating governs |
| Box van, 16 ft | 9 | 18 | Ground level loading |
| Pickup bed, tailgate down | 3 | — | Strap to the bed, not the cage top |
| 20 ft shipping container | 16 | 32 | Door height limits to 46" formats |
| 40 ft shipping container | 36 | 72 | Floor-loaded, blocked and braced |
| Product behaviour | Max fill | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Water, stable at ambient | 98% | Minimal expansion |
| Stored outdoors, freeze risk | 66% | Water expands ≈ 9% on freezing |
| Thermally expanding (solvents, oils) | 92% | Allow for a 60°F swing |
| Fermenting or off-gassing | 85% | Plus a vented lid, always |
| Hot-filled above 120°F | 90% | Contraction pulls a vacuum on cooling |
| Foaming on transfer | 90% | Avoid overflow at the lid |
| Regulated liquid under DOT | Per 49 CFR | Filling limits are prescribed |
Five companion references
Each of these exists because the master table above cannot hold it without becoming unreadable.
275 vs 330 gallon
Same footprint, seven more inches, 55 more gallons. When the bigger one is a mistake.
OpenWeights & footprints
Tare, gross, specific-gravity maths, stack ratings and rack beam planning.
OpenValve & fitting sizes
Outlet threads, bore sizes, outlet heights above the deck, adapter chains.
OpenUN / DOT marking decoder
Read a plate line by line: 31HA1, the test pressure, the reconditioner code.
OpenPallet types compared
Steel, composite and timber: handling, hygiene, export rules and repairability.
OpenInteractiveTote Studio
Build a spec against your constraints and send it straight to the yard.
Open“275 gallon” is a market name, not a measurement.
It descends from the 1,000-litre European standard, rounded. The honest number for planning is usable capacity — about 265 gallons — and for anything that expands, off-gasses or might freeze, considerably less. Build your process around usable volume and you will never be surprised.
Dimension FAQ
What are the dimensions of a 275 gallon IBC tote?
A standard 275-gallon composite IBC is 48 inches long by 40 inches wide by 46 inches tall, on a 48 by 40 inch pallet footprint — the same footprint as a standard GMA pallet. A taller 275-gallon variant exists at 53 inches high with a narrower bottle; it holds the same volume but stacks differently. Tare weight is about 137 lb and gross is about 2,590 lb when filled with water.
How tall is a 330 gallon IBC tote?
53 inches, on the same 48 by 40 inch footprint as a 275. That is the key practical fact about the 330: it does not take more floor space, only more headroom. Tare is about 165 lb and gross about 3,100 lb with water.
Why does a 275 gallon tote not hold 275 gallons?
It does, but not usefully. Nominal capacity is the brim-full geometric volume; usable capacity is lower because you need headspace for thermal expansion and because the outlet sits slightly above the floor of the bottle. Reckon on about 265 usable gallons in a 275 and about 320 in a 330. For anything that expands or off-gasses, fill to 95% or less.
Will an IBC tote fit through a standard doorway?
A 48 by 40 inch footprint will not pass through a 36-inch residential door. It will pass through a 48-inch double door or a roll-up. Diagonally on a pallet jack, a 40-inch-wide presentation can sometimes clear a 42-inch opening, but you will need the full 48 inches of swing. Measure the narrowest point of the whole route, not just the door.
How many IBC totes fit on a pallet rack beam?
One per 48-inch-deep position, two across a standard 96-inch beam pair. The limiting factor is almost always beam capacity rather than space: two filled 275-gallon totes is roughly 4,800 lb on one beam level, which exceeds many light-duty rack configurations. Check the rack's capacity plate before loading.
Are all IBC totes 48 by 40 inches?
Most North American composite IBCs are, which is deliberate — it matches the GMA pallet footprint and therefore standard racking, dock plates and trailer widths. The exceptions are larger formats: 550-gallon units are commonly 48 by 48 inches, and some stainless and specialty vessels use their own footprints. Always check the specific unit if racking or trailer loading is tight.
Related pages
Twelve formats, seventy products, every conversion
The tables below are the complete dataset rather than a summary of it. Nothing here is behind a form, and nothing is rounded to look tidier than it is.
Composite containers, full dimensional data
| Format | Nominal | Usable | L × W × H | Tare (steel base) | Gross, water | Outlet | Stack filled | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 gal standard | 275 gal / 1,041 L | 265 gal | 48 × 40 × 46" | 137 lb | 2,347 lb | 2" S60x6 | 2 high | Ex-stock |
| 275 gal tall | 275 gal / 1,041 L | 264 gal | 48 × 40 × 53" | 141 lb | 2,342 lb | 2" S60x6 | 2 high | Regular |
| 330 gal standard | 330 gal / 1,249 L | 320 gal | 48 × 40 × 53" | 165 lb | 2,834 lb | 2" S60x6 | 2 high | Ex-stock |
| 350 gal | 350 gal / 1,325 L | 338 gal | 48 × 40 × 58" | 172 lb | 2,991 lb | 2" or 3" | 2 high | Occasional |
| 400 gal | 400 gal / 1,514 L | 386 gal | 48 × 46 × 60" | 198 lb | 3,417 lb | 3" buttress | 1 high | Order |
| 550 gal | 550 gal / 2,082 L | 532 gal | 48 × 48 × 72" | 251 lb | 4,688 lb | 3" buttress | 1 high | Occasional |
| 120 gal mini | 120 gal / 454 L | 115 gal | 32 × 32 × 36" | 71 lb | 1,030 lb | 2" S60x6 | 2 high | Occasional |
| 180 gal | 180 gal / 681 L | 174 gal | 40 × 40 × 42" | 98 lb | 1,549 lb | 2" S60x6 | 2 high | Order |
Stainless vessels
| Format | Nominal | Usable | L × W × H | Tare (steel base) | Gross, water | Outlet | Stack filled | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless 265 gal | 265 gal / 1,003 L | 258 gal | 48 × 40 × 50" | 285 lb | 2,436 lb | 2" tri-clamp | 2 high | Occasional |
| Stainless 330 gal | 330 gal / 1,249 L | 322 gal | 48 × 40 × 56" | 330 lb | 3,015 lb | 2" tri-clamp | 2 high | Occasional |
| Stainless 400 gal | 400 gal / 1,514 L | 390 gal | 48 × 46 × 62" | 385 lb | 3,637 lb | 3" tri-clamp | 1 high | Order |
| Stainless 500 gal | 500 gal / 1,893 L | 488 gal | 48 × 48 × 68" | 430 lb | 4,600 lb | 3" tri-clamp | 1 high | Order |
Specific gravity is the number that decides what fits
Filled weight = tare + (usable gallons × 8.34 lb × specific gravity). Use usable, not nominal, and compare the answer against the lowest rating in your chain.
| Product | SG | 275 gal filled | 330 gal filled | 550 gal filled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetone | 0.79 | 1,883 lb | 2,273 lb | 3,756 lb |
| Ethanol | 0.79 | 1,883 lb | 2,273 lb | 3,756 lb |
| Kerosene | 0.81 | 1,927 lb | 2,327 lb | 3,845 lb |
| Citrus terpene oil | 0.84 | 1,993 lb | 2,407 lb | 3,978 lb |
| Diesel fuel | 0.85 | 2,016 lb | 2,433 lb | 4,022 lb |
| Mineral oil, hydraulic | 0.88 | 2,082 lb | 2,514 lb | 4,155 lb |
| Biodiesel B100 | 0.88 | 2,082 lb | 2,514 lb | 4,155 lb |
| Concrete release agent | 0.89 | 2,104 lb | 2,540 lb | 4,200 lb |
| Gear oil | 0.90 | 2,126 lb | 2,567 lb | 4,244 lb |
| Canola oil | 0.91 | 2,148 lb | 2,594 lb | 4,289 lb |
| Soybean / olive oil | 0.92 | 2,170 lb | 2,620 lb | 4,333 lb |
| Flavour concentrate | 0.95 | 2,237 lb | 2,700 lb | 4,466 lb |
| Amine corrosion inhibitor | 0.98 | 2,303 lb | 2,780 lb | 4,599 lb |
| Water | 1.00 | 2,347 lb | 2,834 lb | 4,688 lb |
| Antifoam emulsion | 1.00 | 2,347 lb | 2,834 lb | 4,688 lb |
| Quaternary sanitiser | 1.01 | 2,369 lb | 2,860 lb | 4,732 lb |
| Asphalt emulsion | 1.01 | 2,369 lb | 2,860 lb | 4,732 lb |
| Maple sap | 1.02 | 2,391 lb | 2,887 lb | 4,777 lb |
| Non-ionic surfactant | 1.03 | 2,413 lb | 2,914 lb | 4,821 lb |
| Milk / dairy intermediate | 1.03 | 2,413 lb | 2,914 lb | 4,821 lb |
| Car wash soap concentrate | 1.04 | 2,436 lb | 2,941 lb | 4,865 lb |
| Propylene glycol | 1.04 | 2,436 lb | 2,941 lb | 4,865 lb |
| Anionic surfactant | 1.05 | 2,458 lb | 2,967 lb | 4,910 lb |
| Apple cider | 1.05 | 2,458 lb | 2,967 lb | 4,910 lb |
| Spent grain slurry | 1.05 | 2,458 lb | 2,967 lb | 4,910 lb |
| Laundry detergent | 1.06 | 2,480 lb | 2,994 lb | 4,954 lb |
| Flexographic ink | 1.08 | 2,524 lb | 3,047 lb | 5,043 lb |
| Wine / must | 1.08 | 2,524 lb | 3,047 lb | 5,043 lb |
| Acrylic adhesive emulsion | 1.08 | 2,524 lb | 3,047 lb | 5,043 lb |
| Urea solution (DEF) | 1.09 | 2,546 lb | 3,074 lb | 5,087 lb |
| Alkaline degreaser | 1.10 | 2,568 lb | 3,101 lb | 5,132 lb |
| Humic acid | 1.10 | 2,568 lb | 3,101 lb | 5,132 lb |
| Tomato paste | 1.10 | 2,568 lb | 3,101 lb | 5,132 lb |
| Ethylene glycol | 1.11 | 2,590 lb | 3,127 lb | 5,176 lb |
| Peracetic acid sanitiser | 1.12 | 2,612 lb | 3,154 lb | 5,220 lb |
| Fruit purée | 1.12 | 2,612 lb | 3,154 lb | 5,220 lb |
| Hydrogen peroxide 35% | 1.13 | 2,634 lb | 3,181 lb | 5,265 lb |
| Acid descaler | 1.14 | 2,657 lb | 3,207 lb | 5,309 lb |
| Hydrochloric acid 31% | 1.16 | 2,701 lb | 3,261 lb | 5,398 lb |
| Glyphosate concentrate | 1.17 | 2,723 lb | 3,287 lb | 5,442 lb |
| Brine 23% / soy sauce | 1.20 | 2,789 lb | 3,368 lb | 5,575 lb |
| Sodium hypochlorite 12% | 1.21 | 2,811 lb | 3,394 lb | 5,620 lb |
| Phosphate coating | 1.22 | 2,833 lb | 3,421 lb | 5,664 lb |
| Pigment dispersion | 1.25 | 2,900 lb | 3,501 lb | 5,797 lb |
| Nickel plating solution | 1.25 | 2,900 lb | 3,501 lb | 5,797 lb |
| Foliar micronutrient | 1.25 | 2,900 lb | 3,501 lb | 5,797 lb |
| Glycerine | 1.26 | 2,922 lb | 3,528 lb | 5,841 lb |
| Sulphuric acid 35% | 1.26 | 2,922 lb | 3,528 lb | 5,841 lb |
| Sodium hydroxide 25% | 1.27 | 2,944 lb | 3,554 lb | 5,886 lb |
| UAN 28 | 1.28 | 2,966 lb | 3,581 lb | 5,930 lb |
| Potassium acetate de-icer | 1.28 | 2,966 lb | 3,581 lb | 5,930 lb |
| Latex paint | 1.30 | 3,010 lb | 3,634 lb | 6,019 lb |
| UAN 32 fertiliser | 1.32 | 3,054 lb | 3,688 lb | 6,108 lb |
| Magnesium chloride de-icer | 1.32 | 3,054 lb | 3,688 lb | 6,108 lb |
| Liquid sugar / maple syrup | 1.33 | 3,076 lb | 3,715 lb | 6,152 lb |
| Ammonium thiosulphate | 1.33 | 3,076 lb | 3,715 lb | 6,152 lb |
| Aluminium sulphate | 1.33 | 3,076 lb | 3,715 lb | 6,152 lb |
| Juice concentrate (70 Bx) | 1.35 | 3,121 lb | 3,768 lb | 6,241 lb |
| Polyaluminium chloride | 1.35 | 3,121 lb | 3,768 lb | 6,241 lb |
| Liquid starter 10-34-0 | 1.38 | 3,187 lb | 3,848 lb | 6,374 lb |
| High-fructose corn syrup | 1.38 | 3,187 lb | 3,848 lb | 6,374 lb |
| Calcium chloride brine | 1.38 | 3,187 lb | 3,848 lb | 6,374 lb |
| Sodium silicate | 1.39 | 3,209 lb | 3,875 lb | 6,418 lb |
| Molasses / honey | 1.42 | 3,275 lb | 3,955 lb | 6,551 lb |
| Ferric chloride 40% | 1.42 | 3,275 lb | 3,955 lb | 6,551 lb |
| Calcium nitrate solution | 1.43 | 3,297 lb | 3,981 lb | 6,596 lb |
| Potassium hydroxide 45% | 1.46 | 3,364 lb | 4,061 lb | 6,729 lb |
| Potassium thiosulphate | 1.47 | 3,386 lb | 4,088 lb | 6,773 lb |
| Sodium hydroxide 50% | 1.52 | 3,496 lb | 4,222 lb | 6,995 lb |
| Phosphoric acid 75% | 1.58 | 3,629 lb | 4,382 lb | 7,261 lb |
| Sulphuric acid 93% | 1.83 | 4,181 lb | 5,049 lb | 8,370 lb |
| Configuration | Load per beam level | Rating needed |
|---|---|---|
| One 275 gal, water | 2,347 lb | 3,000 lb level |
| One 275 gal, SG 1.3 | 2,010 lb liquid + tare = 2,872 lb | 3,000 lb level, tight |
| Two 275 gal, water | 4,694 lb | 5,000 lb level |
| Two 275 gal, SG 1.3 | 5,744 lb | 6,000 lb level |
| Two 275 gal, SG 1.5 | 6,620 lb | 7,000 lb level |
| One 330 gal, water | 2,834 lb | 3,000 lb level, tight |
| Two 330 gal, water | 5,668 lb | 6,000 lb level |
| Two 330 gal, SG 1.3 | 6,936 lb | 7,000 lb level, tight |
| One 550 gal, water | 4,688 lb | 5,000 lb level |
| One 275 gal stainless, water | 2,436 lb | 3,000 lb level |
A 275-gallon tote of 50% caustic weighs 3,497 lb against 2,347 lb for water. That difference is larger than the gap between a 275 and a 330, which is why density overtakes format choice above about SG 1.2.
Threads, couplings and the parts shelf
There is no single universal IBC thread, which is why so many fittings ordered online do not fit. Measure the crest diameter and the span of six crests, then pick from the table.
Outlet thread identification — seven designations with pitch and crest diameter
| Designation | Male crest OD | Pitch | Six crests span | Where you see it | Adapts to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S60x6 (63 mm buttress) | 61–63 mm | 6 mm | 36 mm | Most NA composite IBCs, 2" outlet | 3/4"–2" NPT, camlock, hose tail |
| S56x4 | ≈ 56 mm | 4 mm | 24 mm | Older and some imported bottles | 3/4"–2" NPT via adapter |
| S70x6 | ≈ 70 mm | 6 mm | 36 mm | Some European bottles | 2" NPT via adapter |
| 3" buttress | 75–80 mm | 6 mm | 36 mm | 330 gal+ and viscous-product units | 2"–3" NPT, 3" camlock |
| 2" NPT | ≈ 60 mm | 11.5 TPI | 13.2 mm | Steel and stainless vessels | Standard pipe fittings |
| 2" tri-clamp | 64 mm ferrule | n/a | n/a | Sanitary stainless IBCs | Sanitary fittings |
| 3" tri-clamp | 91 mm ferrule | n/a | n/a | Larger stainless vessels | Sanitary fittings |
Camlock types — eight halves and what each pairs with
| Type | Half | End connection | Typical use on a tote |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Male adapter | Female thread | Screws onto the valve outlet |
| B | Female coupler | Male thread | Threads into a pump inlet |
| C | Female coupler | Hose shank | The hose end you clamp on |
| D | Female coupler | Female thread | Pairs with a male-threaded port |
| E | Male adapter | Hose shank | Hose to coupler, reverse direction |
| F | Male adapter | Male thread | Most common on IBC valve outlets |
| DC | Dust cap | — | Closes a female coupler in transit |
| DP | Dust plug | — | Closes a male adapter in transit |
Accessories and replacement parts — the full stock list
| Part | Group | Options | Materials | Typical use | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2" butterfly valve | Valves | EPDM, Viton, silicone seat | PP body | Standard composite IBC outlet | Stocked |
| 3" butterfly valve | Valves | EPDM, Viton seat | PP body | 330 gal+ and viscous product | Stocked |
| 2" ball valve, full bore | Valves | EPDM, Viton seat | PP / PE body | Slurries, pastes, abrasives | Stocked |
| 3" ball valve | Valves | EPDM, Viton seat | PP body | High-viscosity decanting | 1–3 days |
| Stainless ball valve | Valves | 2", 3"; PTFE seat | 304 / 316L | Hot fill, solvents, CIP service | 1–3 days |
| Fine-control ball valve | Valves | 2", lever or handwheel | PP | Controlled pail filling | Stocked |
| Tri-clamp butterfly valve | Valves | 2", 3" | 316L, EPDM / PTFE | Sanitary stainless vessels | To order |
| Gate valve | Valves | 2", 3" | Cast iron, PTFE seat | Legacy steel vessels only | To order |
| S60x6 to 3/4" GHT | Adapters | Male / female | PP, nylon, brass | Garden hose connection | Stocked |
| S60x6 to 2" NPT | Adapters | Male / female | PP, nylon | Pipe and pump connection | Stocked |
| S60x6 to camlock | Adapters | Type A, F; 2" | PP, aluminium, 316 | Quick-connect transfer | Stocked |
| S56x4 to S60x6 converter | Adapters | — | PP | Older and imported bottles | 1–3 days |
| Camlock coupler | Adapters | Types A–F, DC, DP | PP, aluminium, 316 | Hose and pump halves | Stocked |
| Hose tail / shank | Adapters | 3/4" to 3" | PP, brass, stainless | Hose clamping | Stocked |
| Reducer / increaser | Adapters | 2"×3", 2"×1.5" | PP, aluminium | Matching an existing hose | Stocked |
| 2.5" fire thread adapter | Adapters | NST / NH | Aluminium, brass | Fire-water draft points | 1–3 days |
| Bulkhead fitting | Adapters | 1/2" to 2" | PP, EPDM gaskets | Through-wall on upcycled builds | Stocked |
| 6" screw lid, vented | Closures | One-way, two-way vent | HDPE | Pumped discharge, off-gassing, outdoor | Stocked |
| 6" screw lid, solid | Closures | — | HDPE | Sealed transport, DOT closures | Stocked |
| Tamper-evident dust cap | Closures | Plain, numbered | PE | Transit protection and evidence | Stocked |
| Camlock dust plug / cap | Closures | DC, DP | PP, aluminium | Closing an unused half | Stocked |
| Outlet gasket, flat | Seals | EPDM, Viton, silicone | FDA grades available | The usual cause of a leak | Stocked |
| Outlet gasket, O-ring | Seals | EPDM, Viton | FDA grades available | Some valve patterns | Stocked |
| PTFE envelope gasket | Seals | EPDM or silicone core | PTFE | Aggressive or mixed chemistry | 1–3 days |
| Lid seal | Seals | Foam, EPDM, silicone | FDA grades available | Second most degraded part | Stocked |
| Cage, 275 gal | Structure | Jig-checked, zinc-repaired | Galvanised steel tube | Rebottling, racking, fabrication | Stocked |
| Cage, 330 gal | Structure | Jig-checked | Galvanised steel tube | As above | Stocked |
| Cage section | Structure | Panel, upright, foot | Galvanised steel | Repair | 1–3 days |
| Steel pallet | Structure | Repaired or new | Galvanised steel | Default on rebottled units | Stocked |
| Composite pallet | Structure | Reused or new | Moulded plastic | Hygiene-sensitive environments | Stocked |
| Timber pallet | Structure | New only | Softwood | Indoor, dry, cost-led | 1–3 days |
| Spill pallet / bund | Handling | 1, 2 or 4 tote | PE | Secondary containment | 1–3 days |
| Tote stand | Handling | Fixed, adjustable | Galvanised steel | Gravity head for decanting | 1–3 days |
| Tote tipper frame | Handling | Manual | Steel | Draining the last heel | To order |
| Transfer pump | Handling | Diaphragm, drum, 12 V | PP / SS wetted parts | Dispensing | 1–3 days |
| Heater jacket | Temperature | 120 V, 240 V | Insulated silicone element | Winter viscosity, freeze protection | 1–3 days |
| Insulated cover | Temperature | 275 / 330 gal | Reflective PE / PVC | Frost and UV protection | 1–3 days |
| UV / blackout cover | Temperature | 275 / 330 gal | UV-stable PE | Algae control, triples bottle life | Stocked |
| Level gauge | Measurement | Sight tube, float | PE / PP | Inventory | 1–3 days |
| Temperature strip | Measurement | Adhesive | — | Freeze and hot-fill monitoring | Stocked |
| Stencil kit | Measurement | To your wording | — | Fleet marking, free on orders | Stocked |
Seal compatibility — 21 media against four elastomers
| Medium | EPDM | Viton (FKM) | Silicone | PTFE | We would fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water, potable & process | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | EPDM |
| Dilute acids (<10%) | Good | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | EPDM |
| Concentrated acids | Poor | Good | Poor | Excellent | PTFE |
| Caustic soda, alkalis | Excellent | Fair | Fair | Excellent | EPDM |
| Liquid fertiliser, UAN | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent | EPDM |
| Glycols, coolants, de-icer | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | EPDM |
| Surfactants, detergents | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | EPDM |
| Edible oils, fats | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Viton |
| Mineral oils | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Viton |
| Aromatic solvents | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Viton |
| Chlorinated solvents | Poor | Good | Poor | Excellent | Viton / PTFE |
| Ketones (acetone, MEK) | Fair | Poor | Poor | Excellent | PTFE |
| Alcohols | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | EPDM |
| Fuels, diesel, kerosene | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Excellent | Viton |
| Juice & syrup concentrate | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | FDA EPDM |
| Brine, pickling liquor | Good | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Viton |
| Hot fill 140–180°F | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Viton / silicone |
| Hydrogen peroxide (dilute) | Good | Fair | Fair | Excellent | EPDM / PTFE |
| Sodium hypochlorite | Good | Good | Fair | Excellent | EPDM |
| Steam / CIP chemistry | Excellent | Fair | Good | Excellent | EPDM |
| Outdoor weathering & ozone | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent | EPDM |
Pallet bases compared on twelve factors
| Factor | Steel | Composite | Timber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical weight | ≈ 44 lb | ≈ 31 lb | ≈ 38 lb |
| Outdoor life | Indefinite with zinc repair | Good, UV-dependent | 2–4 winters |
| Forklift tolerance | Excellent | Fair — decks crack | Fair — bearers split |
| Pallet-jack entry | Four-way, usually | Four-way, check depth | Often two-way only |
| Repairable | Yes — welded, re-zinced | No | Partly |
| Washability | Good | Excellent | Poor |
| Pest / splinter risk | None | None | Real |
| ISPM-15 on export | Not applicable | Not applicable | Required |
| Hygiene-sensitive use | Acceptable | Preferred | Avoid |
| Cost new | Highest | Middle | Lowest |
| Replacement rate at our bench | Low | Low–moderate | Highest by far |
| Our default on rebottled units | Yes | On request | No |
The arithmetic, once
Everything on this site is quoted in US units. Here is the bridge.
| Quantity | From | Equals |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 1 US gallon | 3.785 litres |
| Volume | 1 litre | 0.2642 US gallons |
| Volume | 275 US gal | 1,041 litres |
| Volume | 330 US gal | 1,249 litres |
| Volume | 1 cubic foot | 7.481 US gallons |
| Volume | 1 US gal | 0.1337 cubic feet |
| Weight | 1 US gal of water | 8.34 lb |
| Weight | 1 litre of water | 1.0 kg |
| Weight | 1 lb | 0.4536 kg |
| Weight | 1 kg | 2.2046 lb |
| Weight | 1 short ton | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| Length | 1 inch | 25.4 mm |
| Length | 48" | 1,219 mm |
| Length | 40" | 1,016 mm |
| Pressure | 1 psi | 6.895 kPa |
| Pressure | 1 bar | 14.5 psi |
| Pressure | 1 foot of water head | 0.433 psi |
| Temperature | 140°F | 60°C |
| Temperature | 180°F | 82°C |
| Area | 1 sq ft | 0.0929 m² |
| Rainfall yield | 1" rain on 1,000 sq ft | ≈ 600 usable gallons |
| Exposure | Realistic life | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Indoors, dry, no direct sun | 10–15 years | The bottle outlives most process changes |
| Indoors, skylights / direct sun | 8–12 years | Rotate the containers occasionally |
| Outdoors, fully covered | 9–14 years | A cover is the highest-return intervention there is |
| Outdoors, shaded north side | 7–10 years | Orientation matters as much as cover |
| Outdoors, partial sun | 5–7 years | One face chalks before the other |
| Outdoors, full sun | 3–5 years | Chalky, boardy wall; sudden failures |
| Outdoors, full sun + freeze cycles | 2–4 years | The worst combination we see |
Seven dimensional mistakes that cost real money
Checking the format against the water weight
Spec sheets quote gross at SG 1.0 because they have to quote something. Multiply by your product's specific gravity before you compare anything to a beam rating.
Measuring the door but not the route
A 48 × 40 footprint needs about 48 inches of swing to turn, not 42 inches of doorway. Measure the narrowest point of the whole path, including corners.
Reading the forklift plate headline
A truck rated 5,000 lb at a 24-inch load centre may be rated far lower at the 30-plus inches a 48-inch-deep tote implies. Read the de-rating chart, and again for capacity at height.
Brim-filling anything that moves or warms
Filling limits exist because liquids expand. Outdoors with freeze risk, two thirds is the ceiling; for a regulated liquid the limit is prescribed.
Assuming S60x6 because it looks coarse
S56x4 looks similar across a yard and is not interchangeable. Six crests span 36 mm on S60x6 and 24 mm on S56x4.
A solid lid on a pumped discharge
A transfer pump on a sealed container draws the bottle inwards until a wall panel buckles permanently. Vent anything that is drawn down.
Timber bases on an international shipment
Timber IBC pallets are wood packaging material and need ISPM-15 treatment and marking. Steel and composite fall outside it entirely.
Everything in the tables, on one object
- The cage — hot-dip galvanised tube, square to within a quarter of an inch across the diagonals, rated to carry a filled unit above it.
- The bottle — 60 to 80 mil of natural HDPE, 265 usable gallons of the 275 nominal, and the component with the shortest life.
- The pallet — steel here; composite and timber also exist, and the choice decides outdoor life, pallet-jack entry and export eligibility.
- The outlet — 2-inch valve on an S60x6 buttress thread, centre about 7 to 9 inches above the pallet deck.
- The lid — 6-inch screw closure, vented or solid, and the choice that collapses a wall panel if you get it wrong.