Materials handling: the advantages of intermediate bulk containers

Depending on the size of the pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, manual or continuous materials handling methods can be used to move ingredients and products along a production line. We discuss the benefits that Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) offer over these materials handling methods, both in terms of efficiency and design of pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. But first… What is an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC)? IBCs in design of pharmaceutical manufacturing plant IBCs are specialised containers for handling in bulk, powdered or solid particle materials. IBCs are filled, then moved between and connected directly to the process equipment in a production line. This means that IBCs can be directed to whichever processing step needs material and can be cleaned off-line. Traditional materials handling methods Some pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities may handle materials manually using generic tubs, drums or boxes. Although this is commonplace, if you take a closer look you will see that it can be a slow process, involving a lot of physical effort for the operators, may incur health and safety hazards for staff, and creates a lot of waste. Containers that are not completely dust-tight can introduce contaminants into your product, and if not handled carefully, segregation could occur, thus disturbing the uniformity of the blended recipe.

For more information on Materials handling: the advantages of intermediate bulk containers talk to Matcon Ltd