PFG01560
Moving an IBC is one thing. Getting it safely and precisely to the next step of your process is another.
Logitrans develops stainless steel solutions for transporting, lifting and positioning IBCs in pharmaceutical production – including equipment customised to specific container dimensions and process requirements.
What is IBC handling?
IBC handling covers the movement, lifting and positioning of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) between production processes and equipment.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, the challenge is rarely just moving the container from A to B. The IBC may need to fit beneath or into process equipment, be raised to a specific height or positioned accurately without interfering with the surrounding installation.
That is where the handling task becomes application-specific.
Different processes require different IBC handling solutions
There is no “one way” to handle an IBC container.
The right handling solution depends on the dimensions of the IBC, how it needs to be transported or positioned, the surrounding production equipment and the requirements of the production environment.
That is why Logitrans develops IBC handling solutions around the handling task – not just around a standard product.
IBC handling throughout pharmaceutical production
| Transport | Move IBC containers safely and efficiently between production areas, storage and process equipment. |
| Typical solutions | Stainless steel pallet trucks, manual or electric. |
| Lift | Lift IBCs when the process requires a specific height or access to production equipment. |
| Typical solutions | Stainless steel stackers |
| Position | Place the IBC accurately in relation to process equipment where clearance and positioning matter. |
| Typical solutions | Stainless Stackers – Customised solutions |
The handling method is determined by the IBC, the required movement and the surrounding process equipment.
Built for pharmaceutical environments
Handling equipment used in pharmaceutical production has to fit more than the load.
Hygiene requirements, cleaning procedures, production conditions and the materials being handled can all influence the choice of equipment.
Logitrans has extensive experience developing stainless steel material handling equipment for demanding production environments – including solutions for handling stainless steel IBCs.
Stainless steel. Manual or powered. Standard or customised.
Stainless steel pallet trucks
For straightforward IBC transport
When the task is horizontal movement between production areas or process stations, a stainless steel pallet truck can provide a simple and robust solution.
Stainless steel stackers
When the IBC needs to go higher
For applications where the IBC needs to be lifted, transferred or positioned at a specific height.
Customise the solution
When standard dimensions don’t fit the process
Fork dimensions, positioning, clearances and other functions can be adapted when standard equipment does not match the IBC or surrounding installation.
We construct the solution based on your special requests for fork/leg length, fork/leg span, lifting height and other dimensions.
Experience with IBC handling in pharmaceutical production
At Logitrans, we have experience developing stainless steel handling solutions for IBCs used at different stages of pharmaceutical production – from horizontal transport to lifting and precise positioning in relation to process equipment.
Our development engineers can adapt the handling solution when standard equipment does not match the IBC dimensions, available space or the requirements of the surrounding process.
FAQ
1. What equipment can be used to handle IBCs in pharmaceutical production?
Depending on the handling task, stainless steel IBCs can be moved, lifted and positioned using pallet trucks, stackers or customised handling equipment. The right solution depends on the IBC dimensions, required movement and how the container needs to interact with the surrounding process equipment.
2. How do I choose the right handling equipment for an IBC?
Start with the handling task: Does the IBC simply need to be transported, or does it also need to be lifted or positioned at a specific height? The IBC dimensions, fork access, available space and surrounding process equipment will also influence the choice of solution.
3. Can IBC handling equipment be customised to specific container dimensions?
Yes. When standard equipment does not match the IBC or the application, elements such as fork dimensions and positioning can be adapted. The production environment, available space and interface with existing process equipment may also influence the final design.
4. Why is stainless steel used for IBC handling equipment in pharmaceutical production?
Stainless steel is well suited to pharmaceutical production environments where hygiene, cleaning and corrosion resistance are important considerations. Logitrans offers stainless steel pallet trucks, stackers and customised handling solutions for these environments.
5. What is the difference between a stainless steel pallet truck and a stainless steel stacker?
A pallet truck is primarily used to transport loads horizontally. A stacker can also lift the IBC, making it suitable when the container needs to be raised or positioned at a specific height in relation to process equipment.
6. When should I choose manual or electric IBC handling equipment?
This depends on how often the IBC is handled, the distances involved, the load and the movements required. Manual equipment can be a practical choice for shorter or less frequent handling tasks, while electric equipment can reduce the physical effort involved in frequent transport and handling.
7. How do I get started with a customised IBC handling solution?
Tell us about the IBC and what you need to do with it. Information such as container dimensions, the required movement, available space and relevant process equipment helps us understand the application. We can then assess whether an existing solution is suitable or whether it should be adapted to your requirements.
Let’s find the right way to handle your IBC
Every IBC handling task starts with the application. Tell us what you need to handle, how it needs to move and where it needs to go. Our team can help you find a suitable standard solution or develop one around your specific requirements.