Ecobulk SX-D now with FM Global approval

Ideal for flammable liquids and sensitive hazardous materials – the Ecobulk SX-D from Schütz. (Photo: SCHÜTZ)

The Ecobulk SX-D significantly contributes to risk minimization with its double-walled construction and closed withdrawal system. (Photo: SCHÜTZ)

Equipped with a steel shell, the Ecobulk SX-D provides extensive fire protection and thus withstands even extreme conditions. In the event of a fire, the steel catch basin prevents the leakage of often flammable fill material and significantly reduces the spread of fire. The Schütz IBC thus contributes to risk minimization through double spill protection. Demanding, hazardous fill materials are always safely packaged within it. Its performance has now been further documented by an external authority: As the first and so far only combination IBC, this container from Schütz bears the "FM approved" certification from FM Global Group. The approval, based on the FM 6020 test standard of the internationally recognized industry property insurer, applies to flammable and combustible liquids with a flash point of ≥ 37.8°C. The prerequisite for this certification was a particularly demanding fire test, which the SX-D fully passed, as well as a comprehensive audit of Schütz's production facility by FM Global.

Active risk minimization reduces costs and saves time

Most damages can be avoided, according to the firm belief of the specialized US insurance company. Therefore, FM engineers analyze and evaluate the business requirements of the insured comprehensively in advance. Based on this, possible risks are specifically reduced through the application of tested concepts, techniques, and operational measures. The SX-D completely convinced the experts in this regard. It meets the highest safety standards thanks to its special construction: As an extension of the classic grid basket, the IBC features a closed, fire-resistant outer shell made of steel. Welded with the integrated catch basin, this shell forms a sealed container around the inner bladder of the container. This double-walled construction proves to be an effective additional spill protection, even in extreme situations such as a fire with very high temperatures. Furthermore, all three openings of the container for filling or dispensing are located on the top – including an opening with a nominal diameter of DN 150, a G2, and an S56 bung. This also enhances safety. They are protected by steel caps. The front bung is equipped with a dip-tube system. A pump system can also be connected for dispensing.

By using this IBC, customers actively contribute to risk minimization and save costs within the supply chain through more efficient handling, storage, and transport processes compared to alternative packaging. The highly mobile complete solution of packaging and integrated catch basin particularly reduces storage risks at every installation site – from the filling line to the assembly line. By preventing leaks, for example in the event of an accident, over large areas, long downtimes due to cleaning work are a thing of the past. This also positively impacts the economic efficiency for the user.

Double-tested fire resistance

The SX-D already demonstrated its fire resistance in UL Test 2368 by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. The independent organization based in Illinois investigates and certifies products regarding their safety. It subsequently awarded the IBC the "UL listed" certification. Therefore, it also complies with the fire protection guideline "NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code" of the National Fire Protection Association in the USA. The combination of both test seals – "UL listed" and "FM approved" – is currently unmatched by any other IBC. Thus, it has been confirmed twice by independent institutions: The Ecobulk SX-D is ideally suited for flammable and easily ignitable liquids, as well as for use in explosion hazard zones 1 and 2! The approval for the 1,000-liter IBC applies to fill goods with a maximum density of 1.9.

Double protection – also for sensitive hazardous materials

Another application area opens up due to the maximum protection function of the SX-D for people and the environment. The double-walled design and the closed dispensing system of the container contribute to this. As a result, this IBC model can easily be used for sensitive fill materials or hazardous substances such as class 6.1 – including, for example, toluene diisocyanate (TDI). Previously, such products were usually stored in smaller containers with lower volumes, such as steel drums, to minimize fluid leakage in case of an accident. However, the double-walled construction of the SX-D greatly reduces the risk of leakage. This catch protection prevents the escape of such particularly sensitive media into the environment in the event of a leak of the inner container.