Choosing Second Hand IBC Tanks Is Not an Easy Decision to Make
No one enters a procurement meeting and says, “Let’s cut quality to save money.” The purchasing of the second hand IBC tanks in Dubai is not compromising on quality, rather it is cutting down on unnecessary cost without compromising on quality. That is important and that is why many companies are actively looking to second hand IBC tanks as an integral part of their packaging strategy in Dubai across different sectors such as chemical, food, logistics, agricultural and manufacturing.
Dubai’s industrial economy is a rapidly changing one. Supply chains are tight, storage requirements are continually high, and packaging budgets are under pressure from all angles. By reconditioning, inspecting, and certifying second hand IBC tanks, businesses can satisfy those requirements without breaking the bank and they get a performance and compliance equivalent to new units at 30-50% less.
Whether you’re interested in purchasing or renting second-hand IBC tanks for sale in Dubai, here is what you need to know about them — what they are, how to check them before you buy, where they can be found, the cost, and how to ensure that you are not being tricked by a low-quality purchase.
So, What Are Second Hand IBC Tanks?
IBC Tanks, or Intermediate Bulk Container, are reusable containers used in the industry for the storage and transport of bulk liquids, semi-liquids and certain dry materials. The standard capacity is 1,000 litres, which is equivalent to about five times the storage capacity of a typical 200-litre drum. The basic composite IBC is made from an inner bottle of HDPE material, which is inside a galvanised steel cage and on a pallet base (wood, plastic or steel).
A second hand IBC tank is a tank that has been used at least once and is now being sold. The key word here is “reconditioned.” If the IBC is properly reconditioned, interior and exterior cleaned, inspected, structurally, replaced or tested all valves, pressure tested, and re-certified, then it is not a compromised product. It has been tested, inspected and has just had a previous life on its way to your warehouse.
IBC tanks are reconditioned in accordance with the internationally recognised standards. The reconditioned IBCs must satisfy the same performance requirements as new IBCs of the same design type (leakproofness test, hydraulic pressure test, stacking test and drop test). A reconditioned IBC with a valid UN mark has passed those tests. That’s not a loophole. That’s the standard.
The Dubai Market for Second Hand IBC Tanks
It is true that Dubai is among the top countries in the Middle East for buying second hand IBC tanks. With its reputation as a trading and re-export city, vast quantities of goods are brought in in IBC tanks from manufacturers around the world, such as chemicals, food ingredients, lubricants, agricultural products and industrial fluids. After they have been used for their contents, the empty tanks move into the secondary market.
The international trade of used IBCs coupled with a well-established local reconditioning industry results in the creation of a liquid and competitive second hand IBC market in Dubai. Suppliers in industrial areas, such as JAFZA, Al Quoz and Dubai Industrial City have extensive ready stocks of reconditioned units in various specifications. The lead time is brief, the availability is reliable and the pricing is truly competitive.
This is a huge practical benefit as opposed to ordering new units from other countries, particularly for companies that require bulk packaging immediately.
A Second Hand IBC Tank Is Not Necessarily a Bad Purchase, So Long as You Know How to Assess the Tank Before You Buy It
This is the part that divides buyers that get good value from buyers that get headaches. There is a variety of quality in the second hand IBC market in Dubai. Some suppliers have a professional reconditioning centre, which has a documented process, certified equipment and quality records. Others do the minimum and move the stock rapidly. Knowing how to tell the difference saves your operation.
Begin the Reconditioning Process
Specifically ask your supplier:
- “How do you clean the tanks?”
- “What steps do you take to inspect them?”
- “How do you test the integrity of the inner bottle?”
- “How do you test the integrity of the valve and outlet fittings?”
A true reconditioner will not hesitate to provide detailed answers to these questions. If it’s not very clear, it’s a red flag.
See the UN Mark and Date of Certification
When reconditioned according to the requirements of this standard a properly reconditioned IBC will be marked with the UN mark and with the reconditioner’s registered code, date of reconditioning, and the approval code that specifies the type of contents the tank is approved to contain.
This mark is mandatory for businesses carrying classified dangerous goods, not optional, as per UAE Hazardous Materials Transport Regulations, and international IMDG and ADR.
Visually Check Bottle Interior for Damage
If it is not stored correctly, HDPE bottles can be subject to stress cracking, chemical degradation or UV degradation. If it shows any cracks, heavy discolouration or is distorted from the bottle shape, the unit is rejected.
A good reconditioned inner bottle is clean and has a good shape and is structurally sound.
Inspect the Steel Cage for Soundness
The cage is designed to hold the filled weight of the IBC (maximum of 1250kg) and will take up any impact of handling.
Inspect for:
- Straight verticals
- Complete welded joints
- Any excessive rusting other than surface oxidation
Cage members bent or cracked are a sign of poor storage or handling history and will not provide safe stacking.
Check the Bottom of the Pallet
Wooden pallets are a popular option but they tend to absorb moisture and may deteriorate during the summer in the UAE. Plastic or steel pallet bases are highly favored for food or pharmaceutical uses.
In general, the pallets used for general industrial applications should be sound wood and not have any broken boards or damage to the structure, which could lead to scratches.
Inquire About the Previous Contents
For food-grade or pharmaceutical applications, this is not an option. Even if the tank has been cleaned, it may not be able to be used in the food or pharma industry due to the presence of industrial solvents, some agrochemicals, or reactive chemicals stored in the tank before.
Good suppliers will keep the previous contents records and provide them openly.
The Following Are Some of the Specifications to Confirm Before Ordering in Bulk
As you are ordering IBC tanks from a seller in Dubai at quantity, it is important to keep in mind that the specifications are consistent throughout the order as well.
The most common type available in Dubai’s 2nd hand market is the standard composite IBC, which has an inner bottle of HDPE, a cage of galvanised steel, a capacity of 1,000 litres and a butterfly valve of 2 inches.
Ensure that all your bulk order units have the same valve type and size for compatibility with your filling and dispensing equipment.
UN Approval Code
The UN approval code displayed on the IBC indicates what types of content it has been approved for the carrying.
A 31HA1 is a composite IBC that contains an inner receptacle of HDPE that is approved for liquids and an outer steel cage.
Your contents’ UN classification determines which approval code you need. When working with classified dangerous goods and if you are not sure what specification you should be using, a dangerous goods consultant or your chemical supplier can advise you on the correct specification for your application based on an IBC approval code.
Inner Bottle Material
Chemical compatibility and service life is influenced by inner bottle wall thickness and material grade.
Typical composite IBCs are made of HDPE inner bottles that are suitable for the storage of a variety of chemicals at ambient temperature.
If the inner bottle material and wall specification are not suitable for the application temperature or chemical content, validate the suitability before ordering in bulk.
This Is Where You Can Find Second Hand IBC Tanks for Sale in Dubai
The industrial zones of Dubai provide the most direct and reliable sourcing possibilities. Large ready stocks and fast deliveries to bulk orders are available in JAFZA, Al Quoz Industrial Area and Dubai Industrial City.
Sharjah Industrial Area is another active market with a competitive price point for those customers who are in the northern emirates.
The online B2B platforms such as Alibaba, Gulf Business Pages, Tejara and Dubai Yellow Pages have multiple verified UAE suppliers of IBCs and they provide the initial price benchmarking.
While these platforms can help you shortlist and initiate the initial contact with suppliers, make sure to follow up with direct communication with suppliers, visits to their facilities where possible, and physical sample review before entering into large volume orders.
Industry network and trade contacts in your industry is one of the sources that gets overlooked time and time again. Chemical distributors, food manufacturers and logistics companies that are already in Dubai can guide you to their partners and suppliers they have tested and rely on.
How Much Does a Second Hand IBC Tank Cost in Dubai?
The price of the second-hand IBC in Dubai depends on its condition grade, quantity, specification and the availability of the market.
For a general guideline, bulk orders of reconditioned 1,000 litre composite IBC tanks supplied by Dubai reputable suppliers generally range between AED 150 and 300 per unit, whereas the approximate bulk price of similar new IBC tanks ranges between AED 350 to 600 or higher.
Food-grade reconditioned IBCs are sold at a premium price as compared to standard industrial grade IBCs: AED 250 – 400 per IBC.
These are indicative benchmarks and are subject to the general market conditions in the UAE.
Rule of thumb is that you always ask a formal quotation from at least three suppliers and compare on a total cost basis including delivery.
The price is variable according to the resin price of HDPE, the price of steel and the season.
Final Thoughts
For companies keen to dive into second hand IBC tanks trade in Dubai, it’s a potent procurement choice with the right awareness. Supply is regular, pricing is good and the difference over a new machine is tangible and the quality of the reconditioning can be guaranteed if the supplier is reputable and has a proven track record in reconditioning to the standard required.
The ones that achieve the greatest success in this area are the ones that ask the right questions initially; reconditioning processes, UN certification, previous contents, etc., and specification consistency. There’s no cost for those questions. If you miss them, it’s going to be a much higher cost.
Dubai is one of the most competitive and best-served industrial packaging markets in the Middle East. Second hand IBC tanks make up a significant proportion of that business — and are a chance not to be missed by any company that deals with bulk liquids regularly.