What are the differences between type A B C and D FIBC Bags

What are the differences between type A B C and D FIBC Bags

Bulk Bags are classified according to one of four Types: A, B, C and D. All these Types are defined by the construction of the Bulk Bags. Bulk Bags or FIBC fabrics are all about controlling static electricity, which is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. When bulk bags are rapidly filled and discharged, the flowing movement of finely powdered substances can cause a buildup of static electricity. Removing or preventing an electrical charge is critical in the packaging of flammable or combustible materials or in an environment where combustible dust may be present.

Type A Bags 

Type A FIBCs are made of plain-woven polypropylene and other non-conductive fabrics. Static electricity is generated as products move over or rub against the inside surface of the bulk bag when they are filled/emptied. There is no static protection provided by Type A FIBCs

Type A bulk bags can be used to safely transport non-flammable products. There should not be any flammable solvents or gases present around a Type A FIBC.

Safe use for type A FIBC Bags:

• To transport non-flammable products.
• No flammable solvents or gases present around the bag.

Do not use type A FIBC Bags for: 

• Transporting flammable products.
• When flammable solvents or gases are present around the bag.

 

 Type B Bags

Type B FIBCs are similar to Type A bulk bags in that they are made  of plain-woven  polypropylene fabrics or other non-conductive material. Also like Type  A bulk bags, Type B FIBC bags do not have any mechanism for dissipating static electricity.

The difference between Type A & B FIBCs is Type B are made from materials that have a low breakdown voltage to prevent an incident where highly energetic, and dangerous propagating brush discharges occur. Although Type B bulk bags can prevent propagating brush discharges, they are not considered anti-static bulk bags because they do not dispel an electrostatic charge.

Safe use for type B FIBC Bags:

• To transport dry, flammable powders.
• No flammable solvents or gases present around the bulk bag.

Do not use type B FIBC Bags for:

• When flammable solvents or gases are present around the bulk bag.

Type C Bags

Type C FIBCs, also known as conductive FIBCs or ground-able FIBCs, are made from non-conductive polypropylene fabrics interwoven with conducting threads traditionally sewn in a grid pattern. These conducting threads must be electrically interconnected as well as connected to a designated ground/earth during filling and discharging. This connection to the ground/earth during filling and discharging is imperative to the safe use of Type C bulk bags.

Safe use for type C FIBC Bags:

• To transport flammable powders.

• When flammable vapors/solvents, gases, or combustable dusts are present in the bag.

Do not use type C FIBC Bags:

• When ground connection is not present or has become damaged.
• Resistance from any location FIBC to ground-able point.

 

 Type D Bags

Type D FIBCs are made from antistatic and static dissipative fabrics designed to safely  prevent the  occurrence of incendiary sparks, brush discharges and propagating brush discharges without the need for a connection from the FIBC to a designated ground/earth.

Type D FIBCs can be used to safely package combustible products and handle products in combustible and flammable environments.

Safe use for type D FIBC Bags:

• To transport flammable powders.

• When flammable vapors, gases, or combustable dusts are present.

Do not use type D bulk bags:

• When surface of FIBC is contaminated or coated with conductive material such as water, grease or other flammable and or combustible materials.