Size, Specifications, and Dimensions of a 275 Gallon Water Tank IBC Tote
Plastic storage totes for liquids are a great addition to any homeowner, farmer or homesteader’s storage solutions. Tough and reliable, these containers come in various shapes and sizes to ensure you find the perfect one for whatever liquids you need to store. These durable containers are essential for storing and transporting liquids safely, such as rainwater, fuel, or chemicals. But what are the dimensions of a 275-gallon tote, the most popular size among IBC totes?
A standard 275-gallon water tank IBC tote typically measures 48 inches in length, 40 inches in width, and 46 inches in height, though some models may reach a height of 52 inches. These dimensions ensure compatibility with most storage and transportation systems.
This article dives deeper into 275 gallon IBC tote dimensions, their various types, uses, and the industries that rely on them..
A Brief History of Liquid Storage IBC Totes
Plastic storage totes for liquids have certainly come a long way since their inception. The need for customizable, airtight containers to keep liquids safely stored and transportable has been around for centuries, but plastic became the preferred material in the 1950s due to its durability, convenience and cost-effectiveness.
In response to the need for more efficient shipping containers, the IBC tote was invented in the early 20th century. Early versions were made from wood and were typically used for transporting coal. However, in the 1930s, steel containers began to be introduced and quickly became the standard container for dry goods and liquids.
Polyethylene totes were first introduced in the 1960s and soon became a favorite due to their durability and lightweight. They serve various purposes — from food storage to chemical transport.
But, what are IBC totes and who uses them?
Exploring IBC Totes: What are They and How Are They Used
What Are IBC Totes?
Intermediate Bulk Containers, or IBC totes, are huge, reusable containers that hold liquids in relatively large quantities and have a forkliftable base. The dominantly two most common types of IBC totes are caged and non-caged IBC totes.
Among all other design types of water tank Intermediate Bulk Containers, caged IBC totes are the most commonly used. IBCs are for various commodities' storage, transit and operation integration, but the commodity used most often with IBC cages is water. The dimensions of an IBC tote make it a go-to option for businesses seeking to move liquids.
When it comes to hazardous materials, they're mostly one-use containers. However, they can be suitable for reuse under specific conditions.
How Are IBC Totes Made?
IBCs usually have a blow-molded interior liner made of polyethylene that is supported by a cage frame. Cage frames are commonly made of galvanized steel. Note that this is specifically in reference to caged water tank IBC totes. Also notable is the fact that caged IBC totes may have different dimensions from non-caged totes due to the steel frame addition.
What are the Dimensions of a 275 Gallon Water Tank IBC Tote?
Caged IBC Totes are typically sold in 275-gallon and 330-gallon sizes. Notwithstanding, Tank Depot offers unique sizes for distinct applications including:
- 120 gallons stackable IBC totes
- 220 gallons stackable IBC totes
- 550 gallons IBC totes
The size of the 275-gallon caged tote is 40 inches x 48 inches x 46 inches. Some models are sold with a height of 52 inches. The extra height provides the support necessary to eliminate the need for a metal superstructure or cage. The 330-gallon caged models are 40 inches x 48 inches x 54 inches and are also available in a largzer configuration with the final dimensions of 48 inches x 40 inches x 58.75 inches.
Tips for Moving and Transporting an IBC Tank
When moving an IBC tank around your property, there are a few things you need to remember:
- First, be aware of the weight of the tank when it is full. A 275-gallon IBC can weigh almost 2,500 pounds. A 330-gallon tank can weigh up to 3,000 pounds.
- Make sure the equipment you will lift it with can safely handle those weights and the IBC tote sizes.
- Most standard pickup trucks cannot handle that type of weight in the bed of the truck. You may need to move the tote with a trailer.
Our detailed guide on IBC totes stacking rules breaks down the do’s and don’ts in stacking totes for optimal performance.
275 Gallon IBC Tote Dimensions by Type of Totes
To help you better understand the dimensions of different 275 gallon IBC tote types, here's a table summarizing their key specifications:
Note: This table provides a general overview of IBC tote dimensions. Specific specifications may vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Always refer to the manufacturer's documentation for the most accurate information on IBC tote sizes.
Learn how CaegeBuster Totes are an advancement to the standard IBC tote.
Key Specifications
In addition to dimensions of IBC totes, here are some other essential specifications to consider:
- Material: Most 275-gallon totes are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a durable and chemically resistant plastic that is also FDA-approved for food-grade applications 2.
- Construction: IBC totes typically consist of a blow-molded HDPE inner tank enclosed within a galvanized steel cage for added strength and stability 2.
- Weight: An empty 275-gallon tote weighs approximately 135 pounds 4.
- Capacity: While the nominal capacity is 275 gallons, some totes may have a slightly higher brimful capacity 5.
- Lid Size: The standard lid size for a 275-gallon tote is 6 inches in diameter 2.
- Outlet Type: Common outlet types include 2-inch NPT (National Pipe Thread) or camlock fittings 5.
A 275-gallon plastic storage tote is an ideal solution that provides plenty of size and flexibility while also protecting the stored liquid from the elements. Not only is it tough enough to contain chemicals, water and other liquids without leaking, but it's also easy to transport and set up in almost any area on your property.
Another advantage of the dimensions of IBC tote water tanks is that they are made for stacking, which saves you space and doubles the storage capacity of the space utilized. IBC tanks can also be used in unique areas, such as:
- Aquaponics
- Bulk storage
- Rainwater storage above or below ground
All potable water containers must comply with U.S Food and Drug Administration Regulations to store potable water. They need to be manufactured from FDA-certified, BPA-free, food-grade virgin high density polyethylene (HDPE).
But how do you know whether your IBC tote is food grade?
Which Industries Benefit from Water Tank IBC Totes?
IBC totes can be used multiple times before disposal to reduce waste and save money. Different industries have different needs, though, so it's important for decision-makers to choose the right type of IBC tote for their products. The following categories represent the largest users of IBC totes.
Food and Beverage Industry
The food and beverage industry necessitates robust and hygienic storage and transport solutions for bulk liquids. IBC totes fulfill this critical need, offering a standardized and efficient method for handling a variety of liquid products. For instance, IBC totes are widely employed for the storage and transportation of wine, facilitating bulk handling during various stages of production and distribution. Similarly, they are used for storing and transporting food additives, syrups, concentrates, and other liquid ingredients, ensuring product integrity and minimizing waste.
The cubic design of IBCs maximizes storage space and their compatibility with forklifts and pallet jacks streamlines logistics within processing facilities and during transport. Furthermore, many IBCs are manufactured with food-grade materials that comply with stringent industry regulations, guaranteeing the safety and quality of the contained products.
Chemical Industry
Stringent transport regulations are in place for the chemical industry to protect against spillage or contamination of products. Attention must be given to transportation methods in order to minimize the risk of accidents. However, with proper stacking followed, IBC tote dimensions will give you the best value for transporting chemicals.
As long as IBC containers are properly cleaned and kept in good condition, they'll meet the regulatory requirements for transporting chemicals. This can help clean and avoid residue from previous products that could affect the safety or quality of future cargo.
Learn more on the different applications of IBC totes, including the best practices for using these transportable water containers in your industry.
Tank Depot is Your Best Resource for Plastic Water Storage Tanks
Tank Depot offers a wide selection of sizes of IBC totes with varying dimensions, from 120 gallons to 550 gallons designed to meet the needs of any industry. From food-grade plastic totes for the food and beverage industry to caged IBCs for the bulk handling of liquids, we have your storage solution.
Our stackable Cagebuster models provide an extra layer of support to help eliminate the need for a metal cage, which saves your budget in the long run. These self-supporting units are designed for durability and efficient stacking, maximizing storage space without requiring external reinforcement. What’s more, the dimensions of our Cagebuster totes are compatible with standard caged IBC tote footprints, ensuring seamless integration within existing warehouse layouts and transportation systems.
With decades of experience in the storage tank business, Tank Depot offers unbeatable customer service along with the best prices for new IBC totes. Contact us today for more information!
