Benefits of Using a Flexibag for Liquid Transport

In today’s world, the demand for efficient and cost-effective bulk liquid transport options has increased vastly. Transport providers must ensure efficiency and safety while carrying precious cargo. Bulk liquid logistics can be a challenging task due to the limitations and high costs associated with traditional methods such as drums, IBCs, or ISO tanks. However, Flexibags, also known as ‘Flexitanks’ are single–use, large-capacity, flexible tanks that are ideal for transporting bulk liquids such as wine, oils, fruit juice, and other edible and non-edible liquids. Continue reading to find out why Flexibags are gaining popularity among freight forwarders and other logistics providers!

 

As someone who works in logistics, or with bulk liquids, you know that transporting liquid cargo can be challenging. It requires careful handling, specialized equipment, and a lot of planning to ensure that the cargo arrives at its destination safely and without any damage. That’s why it’s essential to use the right equipment, such as a flexibag, to transport your liquid cargo. 

 

If you are looking for dependable, space-saving solutions to transport large amounts of liquid cargo, consider flexitanks—bags that can be inserted directly into shipping containers. They not only provide an efficient and cost-effective way to transport a wide range of products such as bulk chemicals and oils, but they also have numerous additional advantages such as environmental friendliness and safety. In this article, we’ll go over all of the benefits of using a flexibag when transporting liquids around the world. 

 

What is a Flexibag in Liquid Transport?

A Flexibag, also known as a ‘Flexitank’ is a large, flexible container that is designed to transport non-hazardous liquids by transforming a conventional 20-foot shipping container into a safe and efficient bulk liquid transport container. Flexibags are made out of a new polyethylene film and can hold up to 24,000 liters of liquid cargo. 

A SIA Flexitank graphic showing how flexitank fits into a shipping container

 

Liquids that flexibags can transport:

Flexibags are versatile and can be used to transport a wide range of non-hazardous liquids. They are commonly used for transporting food additives, wine, diesel, heating oil, liquefied petroleum gas, and other bulk liquids.

Flexibags are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of liquids, making them ideal for a variety of industries that rely on bulk liquid transport, such as the food and beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. They are appropriate for both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids, offering flexibility in transportation options.

 

Non-Edible Liquids 

Waxes Emulsions Herbicides
Fertilizers Heating Oil Diesel
Gasoline Paints Liquid Detergents
Transformer Oils Non-Hazardous Chemicals Printing Inks

Edible Liquids 

Corn Syrup Drinking Water Edible Oils
Concentrates Tomato Paste Fruit Juices
Fish Oils Coconut Oil Vegetable Oils
Palm Oil Alcohol  Wine
Used Cooking Oils  Liquid Sugar Milk 

 

5 Benefits of using a Flexibag

Flexibags offer several benefits over traditional ISOtank containers, barrels or drums. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when using a flexibag:

1. Easy to Use 

Flexibags are versatile and easy to use and can be set up quite fast. Unlike traditional shipping methods, there is no need for cleaning the flexibag, therefore eliminating the need for drums, IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers), and expensive tankers. They are appropriate for both edible liquids such as oils, wine, and fruit juices and also suitable for non-hazardous liquids such as lubricant oils, paints, and fertilizers. Their ease of use means that workers can fill, load and unload liquid cargo quickly and without additional equipment like forklifts and pallets, or spill trays for example, commonly used with barrels, drums, and IBCs.

 

2. Increased Load Capacity 

A flexibag can hold up to 24,000 liters of liquid cargo, meaning that you can transport much more product per container load. Such increased load capacity translates into fewer container movements, and reduced transportation costs, and can result in less impact on the environment. 

For example, one 24,000-liter Flexibag is equivalent to 85 barrels! Given that one barrel typically holds 207 liters and one flexitank holds 24,000 liters. This impressive load capacity, not only increases your payload but also results in a more efficient transport process. 

3. Cost-Effective Bulk Transportation

Using a flexibag for bulk liquid transportation is a cost-effective solution compared to other methods. For one, it eliminates the need for expensive Isotank containers and reduces the labor costs associated with filling and cleaning Isotanks, drums, barrels, and IBCs.

Secondly, using Flexibags can reduce transportation costs by up to 30% because they make the transport process much more efficient due to their larger capacity offering a reduced cost per liter of liquid shipped compared to alternative methods. Moreover, they are cheaper to store and transport when empty given that they are lightweight and space-efficient. Lastly, because Flexibags are disposable, there are no cleaning or maintenance costs involved, which can add up when using alternative methods of transport. 

 

4. Safe and Secure Cargo

SIA Flexibags are designed to prevent leaks and spills, to provide a safe and secure transport solution for your liquid cargo. Made from durable polyethylene, Flexibags have a high burst strength, which means that they can withstand pressure changes during transport. This ensures that the liquid cargo is kept safe and secure.  All SIA Flexibags meet the necessary health and safety standards and are approved for the transport of food-grade liquids and other non-hazardous liquids. Additionally, our Flexibags have a valve that allows for easy and safe filling and discharging of the liquid cargo. 

 

5. Low Carbon Footprint 

Because they are made from the recyclable material polyethylene film, Flexibags are recyclable and environmentally friendly. They are a more sustainable alternative to traditional tank containers, which can be more difficult to transport and manufacture. Additionally, because of their lightweight and space-efficient design, and high load capacity they reduce the amount of energy needed for transportation, ultimately reducing waste and Carbon emissions. This can reduce the overall carbon footprint of your transportation operation. 

 

Flexibag Storage Sizes 

A major advantage of Flexibags, is their capacity of 24,000 liters. The larger storage offered allows shippers to transport up to 40% more cargo than drums and 15% more cargo than IBCs. 

Furthermore, SIA Flexitanks offer the option of a triple tank – The Trinity Tank. This is a three-pod flexibag system that allows shippers to transport multiple bulk liquids in the same container. The trinity tank is available in sizes ranging from 12,000 liters up to 28,000 liters. 

12,000 Liters 

Trinity Tank

24,000 Liters 

Flexitank

28,000 Liters

Trinity Tank 

Flexibag Safety

SIA Flexitanks manufacture premium quality flexibags (flexitanks). Our flexibags are manufactured in an FSSC22000-certified environment, to meet the food-grade manufacturing standards set out by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). In addition to this, we are a member of the COA – Container Owners Association, meaning that we are committed to safe, reliable, and sustainable operations and strive for the highest industry standards.

With over 11 years of experience and expertise, SIA Flexitanks is an industry leader in manufacturing and supplying flexibags.

Certified, Tested, and Insured Flexibags

The Flexitank (Flexibag) Code of Practice is a set of vital guidelines designed by SIA Flexitanks to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of bulk liquid cargo. 

These guidelines emphasize the importance of selecting the right container, adhering to the Flexitank Test Criteria, and confirming compatibility between the cargo and the flexitank. Moreover, it is essential that both the flexitank and bulkhead display unique serial numbers, the manufacturer’s name, and a COA reference number. Providing a door warning label and maintaining insurance coverage of at least US$5 million are also crucial aspects of this code of practice.

In addition, having emergency plans in place, creating manuals for flexitank fitting, loading, and discharge, and ensuring strict compliance with tank capacities and loading tolerances all contribute to the safe handling of liquid cargo. It’s also important for the involved parties to be certified to ISO 9000 to guarantee quality management, supply a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to the flexitank operator, and provide the COA test number to shipping lines for transparency and compliance purposes. By adhering to these guidelines, stakeholders in the flexitank industry can work together to maintain high industry standards and ensure the safe transportation of liquid cargo.

 

Flexitank Code of Practice Checklist

Stringent Container Selection Criteria 

The Flexitank Design shall comply with the Flexitank Test Criteria 

Cargo and Flexitank must be Fully Compatible 

Flexitank & Bulkhead must Depict a Unique Serial Number, Manufacturers Name & COA Reference Number

Door Warning Label Should be Supplied 

Insurance Cover of Not Less than US$5 million 

There Must be Emergency Plans in Place 

Manuals for Flexitank Fitting, Loading & Discharge Compliance 

Strict Compliance with Tank Capacities & Loading Tolerances 

Certified to ISO 9000 

MSDS Must be Provided to Flexitank Operator 

COA Test Number Must be Supplied to Shipping Lines

If your organization is seeking safe, world-class performance from a global logistics provider, SIA Flexitanks has the solution, international infrastructure, and experience to deliver maximum customer value.

Flexitank Technical Specifications

It is very important to consider the usage specifications of your bulk liquid carrier, to ensure the avoidance of leakages and to ensure reliable performance. Flexitanks are an excellent option for the transportation and storage of used cooking oils and other bulk liquids. The SIA Flexitank offers the following technical specifications:

DESCRIPTION TYPICAL CHARACTERISTIC
Fabric Weight
Total Weight
Tensile Strength, Weft
Tensile Strength, Warp
Tear Strength, Weft
Tear Strength, Warp
Low-Temperature Flexibility
High-Temperature Flexibility
Dart Impact (ASTM D1709)
Melt Point Index
Elongation MD (ASTM D882)
Elongation MD (ASTM D882)
220gsm
740gsm
250 Kg/5cm
250 Kg/5cm
90 N
110 N
-20˚C/-4˚ F
70˚C/158˚ F
›1260g
0.8
745%
750%

 

To Conclude

In conclusion, flexibags (flexitanks) are the secret to efficient and safe bulk liquid transport. They are easy to use, offer increased load capacity, are cost-effective, safe and secure, and eco-friendly. For logistics providers, freight forwarders, and bulk liquid transporters, incorporating flexibags into their transport process can result in lower costs, increased efficiency, and a more sustainable operation. Try flexibags today and experience the benefits for yourself. 

 

SIA Flexitanks are a reputable flexitank manufacturer and supplier, that can offer expert guidance on packing, loading, transportation, and the right kind of flexibag that would suit your transporting needs. Get in touch with our team today at info@siaflexitanks.com and download our brochure

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