How to completely empty a 1000 litre pod?

[JasonB1989]

Just back again to ask for advice from the greatest source of knowledge on the web! Thanks in advance.

Sorry for the terminology as I’m in Australia. 1000 litre pods, IBC’s, shuttles whatever they’re called in America. The things we get 1000 litres of chemical in for agricultural use.

I’ve had the farm hands emptying the last dregs out of them by hand, a litre here and litre there it all adds up. It’s time consuming but worth it.

I’ve been laying in bed thinking, can I build something that will do this job for me? Obviously flushing them with water is out the question as it will dilute the chemical. Is just letting it drip the last few jobs with the pod on an angle my only option??

Thanks in advance and a good day to all!


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[JamesW84]

The gravity drip system you mention is probably the easiest. Maybe a pump with a properly placed hose would do it. Make sure the pump is made from material that is resistant to your chemical.

If you used the drip method and pressurized the tank (air compressor), it should come out faster.

 

[jfleisher]

Drill a hole in the bottom and let it drain into a bucket?

 

[JRC3]

You talking one of these?

Can't you just tilt it?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

You talking one of these?

Can't you just tilt it?

X2. That's how we emptied them at the pharma company.

Tommy

 

[QwikKotaTx]

We call them totes here. IBC is the technical name. They usually drain pretty well due to their design but if you want every last drop out of there it seems that you would need an air blower connected to the top vent. I would avoid pressurizing more than a few inches of water as far as pressure goes. Of course if the valve is open it will not really build pressure unless it's fully submerged.

 

[maxpat82]

a vaccum pump with a liquid trap .

a regular vaccuum would make a good liquid trap(but the open motor might be a bad idea depending on the chemical that need to be removed.)

 

[SALIV8]

Transfer pump (hand operated or electric)

 

[kbs2244]

The low cast option would be to tip it and then use an outboard motor fuel line the start a siphon.
The primer bulb will keep the chem out of your mouth.

 

[Larryjones]

If you are going to re-fill and re-use with the same chemical, why bother?

 

[JRC3]

If you are going to re-fill and re-use with the same chemical, why bother?

I would guess that's not the case. Or maybe it's to be exchanged for a different full one. The whole idea of a IBC is handling and transport, to fill at a controlled location and then transfer to the end user. Then it's up to that user to get every dime of its contents.