Stainless steel couplings for IBC tanks

When working with industrial fluid handling, safety and efficiency are paramount. An IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tank is one of the most widely used solutions for transport and storage, but the tank's full potential can only be realised when the transition to your process equipment is tight and hygienic. By choosing the right stainless steel couplings and adapters, you can avoid costly downtime, minimise waste and ensure that your installations meet the industry's most stringent requirements. 

An IBC tank, often called a pallet tank, is one of the industry's preferred storage solutions for the safe storage and transport of liquids. Although the tank itself is practical, the critical point arises when it comes to tapping. Here, the IBC coupling acts as the crucial link between the tank tap and your process equipment. 

Without a correctly selected coupling, there is a risk of leaks or contamination. By using a dedicated adapter, you ensure a stable and secure transition to hoses and pipes, which is essential in environments where precision and cleanliness are highly valued. 

We specialise in solutions that can withstand the demanding environments of the process industry. Our range of IBC couplings consists of components made from AISI 316l, which is characterised by being top quality stainless steel. 

Plastic IBC couplings are often lighter and best suited for simple, low-pressure and temporary solutions, whereas stainless steel is better to use if you have demanding, hygienic or long-lasting installations. 

Choose a SAV adapter if your process requires a fixed and stable installation. It is used when you need a permanent transition from the IBC tank to pipes, hoses or process equipment. 

The IBC adapter is the flexible standard solution if your tanks are changed regularly but you still want to maintain a professional and hygienic connection. It is mounted directly on the IBC tank. 

A SAV union nut gives you maximum flexibility in your process. It makes installation and removal quick and easy, without having to turn hoses or pipes. This is a clear advantage in processes involving frequent tank changes, cleaning or conversion. 

One of our popular solutions combines suction rods with IBC hose solutions and SAV nuts, which are mounted directly on your tank. This combination makes filling and emptying both easy and efficient. With a suction rod, you can reach right to the bottom of the tank, minimising waste of valuable raw materials and ensuring precise dosing. At the same time, the SAV nut ensures a strong and tight connection that effectively reduces the risk of accidental leaks in production.  

To ensure a completely leak-free installation, it is essential that the gasket material in your IBC coupling matches the medium you are handling. An incorrectly selected rubber material for your gasket can lead to chemical degradation, resulting in leaks and potential downtime. We offer two primary types of gaskets that cover the vast majority of industrial needs: 

• NBR: Choose NBR if you are working with oils, greases or fuels. NBR has high mechanical wear resistance and is the preferred choice for oil-based industrial applications. 
• EPDM: If your tank contains water, detergents, alcohol or certain acids, go with EPDM as your sealing material. EPDM withstands temperature fluctuations and sunlight significantly better, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. 

For us, it's not just about having the right components in stock, but about creating the most optimal solution that optimises your workflow. Our experienced fitters are specialists in manufacturing tailor-made IBC hose solutions in our own assembly workshop. We take care of the entire process – from selecting the most suitable hose type to installing the optimal couplings. 

Let our expertise work to your advantage if you are still unsure which IBC solution is best suited to your system. Contact us at inquiry@alfotech.eu or call us directly on +45 7020 0422. 

An IBC coupling is the connecting link between the IBC tank tap and your process equipment (hoses, pipes, pumps). It ensures a tight, controlled and hygienic transition so you can tap, dose and empty without unnecessary waste or risk of contamination. 

To avoid leaks and spillage when using IBC couplings, it is important to select the correct coupling and gasket that is compatible with the medium. Ensure correct and straight installation without over-tightening, and always check gaskets for wear.

Yes, we can supply complete hose solutions tailored to your IBC tank, so you don't have to assemble individual components yourself. You can either configure your own solution via our online hose configurator, which is available 24/7, or let us do the work for you. Either way, we are always available to provide personalised advice.