Ultra-Modular IBC Spill Pallet Outdoor Model

FAQ

1. Why would I get an Ultra-Modular IBC Spill Pallet instead of one of the other IBC spill pallets?

If you have one or two IBCs or you have IBCs in multiple locations around your facility, you wouldn’t.  If that were the case, you would use the Ultra-IBC Hard Top or the Ultra-IBC Hard Top Plus.  Where the use of the Ultra-Modular IBC Spill Pallet, Outdoor Models becomes advantageous if when 3 or more IBCs are kept in the same area. 

2. What’s the expansion tank for?

The sole purpose of the expansion tank is to add containment capacity to the system. Each tank gets connected to the system of spill pallets via bulkhead fittings and adds 250 litres of containment.

3. Are the Ultra-Modular IBC spill pallets waterproof?

No, the spill pallet is not completely waterproof.  It is more accurately described as weatherproof.  In other words, in standard weather conditions, your drums and/or containers should be protected and water gathering in the pallets is not a concern.  However, during very gusty conditions or very heavy rainfall, some water may get into the unit.  It is good practice to inspect the interior of the hard top after any severe weather.

4. What size IBCs can be used with the Ultra-Modular IBC Spill Pallets?

The answer to this question is dependent on the system that is being used and more specifically, the capacity of that system.  A general rule of thumb would be that the largest IBC you could store on the system could not exceed the system’s capacity.  Please keep in mind that this rule of thumb would keep you in compliance with the EPA’s requirements.  State and local regulations can be more stringent and require more capacity.  Please check with your local authorities to ensure compliance. The inside dimensions of each hard top is 1574mm x 1574mm x 222mm.

5. Can the Ultra-Modular IBC Spill Pallet support an IBC that has pedestal posts for legs, or just flat bottom IBCs?

The pallet has a 4082 litre capacity.  This is for uniformly distributed loads.  An IBC that is supported by a pedestal post or feet focuses all of its weight on those feet.  If the dimensions of those feet are not large enough to properly displace the weight on the spill pallet’s grating, it could be an issue.  As a precaution, steel plates (at least 304mm x 304mm) can be used under the feet in order to more evenly distribute the weight over a greater area. 

6. Can I move spill pallets with IBCs on them?

No, we do not recommend moving loaded pallets.

 7. How long can I expect my UltraTech polyethylene (PE) spill containment product to last outdoors?

UltraTech’s general response to this question is at least ten (10) years. You can expect longer, but the actual life is dependent on several factors. UltraTech has been making outdoor spill containment products since 1993. We have a good sense of realistic life expectancy based on all those years of experience. UltraTech uses the highest-rated UV package in the resin formulation it uses to create the longest outdoor life available for a PE product.

8. What are the factors that affect the life of a PE spill containment product outdoors?

The most important environmental factors are ultraviolet exposure and chemical exposure. In the absence of chemical compatibility concerns (determined by the UltraTech compatibility chart for PE products), the next most important factor for outdoor, polyethylene spill containment products will be ultraviolet irradiation (UV) exposure. The most important factors with reference to UV are thickness, UV Inhibitor (UVI) content, and pigment color, type, and concentration. Ultraviolet irradiation exposure causes molecular structure and bond changes that result in the embrittlement of PE. Very thin PE can become brittle and fracture in less than a year (think contractor’s PE Visqueen sheeting). Thicker parts take longer to break down. The addition of UV Inhibitors to the PE allows it to sustain more UV exposure without breaking down. Darker pigments, inorganic pigments, and higher concentrations of pigments also individually and collectively will give PE a longer life before appreciable UV damage occurs.

9. What is the longest life of an outdoor spill containment product you have seen?

There is an outdoor spill containment product that has been in use in northeast Florida since 1986 and is still in active use today. UltraTech suggests its Ultra-Track Pans, used for outdoor railroad track spill containment, have a minimum of a twenty-year life.

10. What type of drain is used for these pallets?

The standard drain is a threaded hole in the sidewall with a 19mm  polyethylene plug with NPT threads installed.