Types of FIBC bags：Overview

FIBC bags, also known as bulk bags, container bags, or big bags, are large, flexible containers commonly used for storing and transporting dry, flowable products in various industries. With numerous types and designs available, choosing the right FIBC bag for your specific needs is crucial for safe and efficient handling of bulk materials.

Types of FIBC Bags:

Basic Types:

Type A FIBC Bags: made from non-conductive fabric and do not provide protection against electrostatic discharges. They are suitable for packaging non-flammable and non-explosive materials such as grains, sugar, and sand. Type A bags are not recommended for use in environments where static electricity is a concern.

Type B FIBC bags： constructed from non-conductive fabric with a low breakdown voltage. While they offer limited protection against static electricity, they are not entirely safe for use in flammable or explosive atmospheres. Type B bags are suitable for packaging dry, flammable materials such as chemicals and powders.

Type C FIBC bags, also known as conductive FIBC bags or groundable FIBC bags, are made from non-conductive polypropylene fabric interwoven with conductive threads, often sewn in a grid pattern. These conductive threads must be connected to designated ground points during loading and unloading. Type C bags are suitable for transporting flammable powders and for use in environments where flammable vapors, gases or combustible dusts are present.

Type D FIBC bags, also referred to as antistatic bags, are made from static dissipative fabric that prevents the occurrence of incendiary discharges. Unlike Type C bags, Type D bags do not require grounding during filling and discharge operations. They are suitable for packaging flammable powders and other sensitive materials.

Structural Designs:

Beyond the basic types, FIBC bags also differ in structural design and features:

U-Panel Bulk Bags: This type of bulk bag consists of a three-part structure: a complete piece of fabric extending from the bottom of the bag to both sides, forming a "U" shape, and two additional pieces of fabric sewn on either side of the "U"-shaped fabric , forming two additional panels. This design helps maintain the square shape of the bulk bag after filling.

Round Bulk Bags: Round bags are typically made from a continuous loop of fabric sewn at the top and bottom only. Bulk bags with this structure look like square bags when filled, but are not actually truly round.

Four-Panel Bulk Bags: Four-panel bulk bags are sewn with four side panels and a bottom panel to better maintain their square shape when loaded.

Barrier Bulk Bags: Barrier bulk bags add partitions to the interior of U-shaped, four-panel or round bulk bags. These dividers help the bag stay square after filling, improving stability and stackability. Therefore, clapboard bulk bags are called "Q bags".

Single-ring and double-ring bags: The hanging rings of this bulk bag are an extension of the bag fabric, that is, the bag fabric directly forms the hanging rings. This design makes the bulk bags easier to lift and relatively low cost.

In addition, FIBC bags can also be divided into coated and non-coated types according to whether they are coated or not.

Coated FIBC bags:

Advantage:

Moisture Resistant: The polypropylene film layer blocks moisture and protects interior materials from moisture damage.

Dustproof: Blocks dust and particles to keep the product clean.

Stable woven mesh: Enhances bag structure, improves load-bearing capacity and durability.

Leak-proof: Prevents leakage of powder or granular materials.

Shortcoming:

Poor breathability: Not suitable for products that need to breathe or release gas.

Higher cost: The coating process increases production costs.

Not suitable for high temperature environments: High temperatures may cause the coating to melt or crack.

Uncoated FIBC bags:

Advantage:

Good breathability: allows air circulation, suitable for products that need to breathe or release gas, such as fresh produce or chemical products.

Lower cost: no coating process, production cost is relatively low.

Suitable for high temperature environments: resistant to high temperatures and will not melt or crack due to high temperatures.

Shortcoming:

Poor moisture resistance: Not waterproof and easily damaged by moisture.

Poor dust resistance: unable to block dust and particles and may contaminate products.

Poor stability: load-bearing capacity and durability are not as good as coatings.

Other considerations

In addition to the types of bulk bags mentioned above, there are other factors to consider when choosing the right FIBC bulk bag:

Top style: Determine the top design of the bulk bag according to your material characteristics, processing flow and specific requirements, such as open, tube orifice and tie-top designs.

Coated vs. Uncoated: Decide whether to use coated or uncoated bulk bags based on your material characteristics and specific needs. If your products are susceptible to moisture or are at risk of leaking, coated bulk bags can provide extra protection.

Loops: Most bulk bags have loops on them, and depending on the structure of the bulk bag, you can choose between cross corner loops or side seam loops.

Electrostatic protection: Bulk bags are divided into four categories: A, B, C and D based on different levels of electrostatic discharge (ESD) risk. Class A has no static protection function and is not suitable for flammable or combustible materials. Class B, C and D bulk bags provide varying degrees of static protection.

When choosing the best FIBC bag for your needs, consider these factors to ensure you can provide a packaging solution that meets specific material handling and industrial specifications. If you have more detailed needs or questions, it is recommended to consult BagKing for professional advice and solutions. By understanding the different types and characteristics of FIBC bags, bulk materials can be handled and transported more efficiently and safely.