{"schema":"https://ver.cy/schemas/card/1.0.0","id":"vr.tr.intermediate-bulk-container","code":"thing-q1666214","url":"https://ver.cy/models/thing/q1666214/","name":"intermediate bulk container","alternateNames":[],"kind":"thing","status":"published","version":"0.1.0-research.1","language":"en","classifiers":{"family":"Thing Registry","category":"Physical world and living systems","entryKind":"thing","plane":"PHY","domain":["PHY.OBJ"],"industry":[],"navPath":"","tags":[],"facets":{}},"whatItIs":"An intermediate bulk container (IBC) is a rigid or flexible portable packaging designed for mechanical handling and the transport or storage of bulk liquids, pastes or solids, with capacity and construction limits depending on its type and intended service.","purpose":"Enable an AI agent to recognise an intermediate bulk container, assess its containment and handling state, and identify evidence needed before filling, moving, discharging or reusing it.","scope":{"in":["IBC identity, construction family and assembly boundaries","Capacity, dimensions, mass and declared load limits","Containment materials, closures, outlets and contents compatibility","Mechanical handling, stacking, filling and discharge interfaces","Condition, service history, inspection evidence and use restrictions"],"out":["Detailed flexible intermediate bulk container construction and lifting-loop requirements, owned by the narrower model","The identity, hazards and quality of the substance carried","Forklifts, filling equipment and external discharge systems","Freight containers, portable tanks, drums and fixed storage vessels as neighbouring packaging or equipment kinds","Shipment routing and facility operations beyond constraints imposed by the IBC"],"boundaries":[]},"distinguishingFeatures":["It functions as bulk packaging with provision for mechanical handling; appearance or volume alone does not establish IBC identity.","Its containment body and associated handling or support components form an identifiable packaging assembly, rather than merely a vessel placed on an unrelated pallet.","A cage around a plastic bottle identifies one possible construction, not the entire IBC kind; the model must also accommodate other rigid and flexible constructions.","Classification evidence must distinguish it from a portable tank, drum or freight container when intended service and physical features overlap.","A flexible intermediate bulk container is a narrower construction family within this scope, not a synonym for all IBCs."],"structure":{"bundles":[{"id":"ibc-identity-and-assembly","name":"IBC identity and assembly","description":"Establishes what qualifies this packaging as an IBC and which components comprise it.","layers":[{"id":"classification-boundary","name":"Classification boundary","description":"Separates the IBC kind from adjacent packaging kinds and narrower construction families.","findings":[{"id":"ibc-classification-evidence","name":"IBC classification evidence","description":"Record evidence for the IBC designation instead of inferring it from shape or capacity.","questions":[{"text":"What manufacturer designation or applicable classification identifies this packaging as an IBC?","id":"ibc-classification-evidence-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"What distinguishes it from a portable tank, drum or freight container, and does the flexible IBC model also apply?","id":"ibc-classification-evidence-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"assembly-composition","name":"Assembly composition","description":"Identifies containment, support and handling components belonging to the assembly.","findings":[{"id":"component-identity-and-substitution","name":"Component identity and substitution","description":"Treat the body, base, frame and fitted components as an identified combination where applicable.","questions":[{"text":"Which receptacle, liner, frame, base and closures belong to the identified design?","id":"component-identity-and-substitution-q01","kind":"boundary"},{"text":"What records establish whether any replacement component is suitable for this assembly?","id":"component-identity-and-substitution-q02","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]},{"id":"contents-and-containment","name":"Contents and containment","description":"Connects proposed contents and filling conditions to the containment system.","layers":[{"id":"fill-envelope","name":"Fill envelope","description":"Distinguishes available volume from permissible contents mass and filling conditions.","findings":[{"id":"allowable-fill","name":"Allowable fill","description":"Record volume and mass limits separately and relate both to the intended contents.","questions":[{"text":"What are the rated volume, tare mass and maximum permissible gross mass for this assembly?","id":"allowable-fill-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Given contents density, temperature and any required filling allowance, what fill is supported by the applicable instructions?","id":"allowable-fill-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"wetted-materials-and-barriers","name":"Wetted materials and barriers","description":"Examines every contents-contacting material and relevant prior exposure.","findings":[{"id":"compatibility-and-residue","name":"Compatibility and residue","description":"Assess the receptacle, liner, seals and outlet against contents and previous service.","questions":[{"text":"What compatibility evidence covers all wetted materials at the proposed concentration, temperature and contact duration?","id":"compatibility-and-residue-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Do previous contents, residues or cleaning agents prevent the proposed use?","id":"compatibility-and-residue-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"handling-and-load-support","name":"Handling and load support","description":"Describes how the loaded packaging can be lifted, supported, stacked and restrained.","layers":[{"id":"lifting-interfaces","name":"Lifting interfaces","description":"Relates permitted handling methods to the construction and condition of the assembly.","findings":[{"id":"supported-lifting-method","name":"Supported lifting method","description":"Identify intended lifting interfaces and restrictions for the actual loaded configuration.","questions":[{"text":"Which fork entries, lifting points or other interfaces are intended for handling this IBC?","id":"supported-lifting-method-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"What load, orientation and equipment restrictions govern lifting, and are the required interfaces intact?","id":"supported-lifting-method-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"stacking-and-restraint","name":"Stacking and restraint","description":"Captures the conditions under which external loads and movement can be resisted.","findings":[{"id":"stacking-eligibility","name":"Stacking eligibility","description":"Record documented stacking and restraint conditions without deriving them from apparent stackability.","questions":[{"text":"What stacking load and configuration are declared, and do they apply during storage, transport or both?","id":"stacking-eligibility-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"What support surface and restraint arrangement are required for the intended placement or movement?","id":"stacking-eligibility-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"filling-sealing-and-discharge","name":"Filling, sealing and discharge","description":"Models the interfaces and transitions through which contents enter, remain contained and leave.","layers":[{"id":"openings-and-closures","name":"Openings and closures","description":"Identifies openings, seals and closure instructions for the actual construction.","findings":[{"id":"closure-integrity","name":"Closure integrity","description":"Make closure configuration and verified sealing state explicit.","questions":[{"text":"Which filling openings, outlets, caps, gaskets and protective closures are present?","id":"closure-integrity-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"What assembly instructions and checks establish that each opening is properly closed for the intended service?","id":"closure-integrity-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"transfer-conditions","name":"Transfer conditions","description":"Connects transfer equipment and methods to the container's documented operating limits.","findings":[{"id":"discharge-and-pressure-control","name":"Discharge and pressure control","description":"Establish the supported transfer method and any pressure, vacuum or venting constraints.","questions":[{"text":"What connections and filling or discharge methods does the design support?","id":"discharge-and-pressure-control-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"What instructions govern venting and pressure or vacuum exposure during transfer?","id":"discharge-and-pressure-control-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"service-evidence-and-reuse","name":"Service evidence and reuse","description":"Connects markings, condition and service history to continued-use decisions.","layers":[{"id":"markings-and-qualification","name":"Markings and qualification","description":"Relates identification and qualification records to a specified service context.","findings":[{"id":"service-eligibility-evidence","name":"Service eligibility evidence","description":"Interpret markings and records within their documented design and use scope.","questions":[{"text":"Which markings and records identify the manufacturer, design, production date and any relevant approval?","id":"service-eligibility-evidence-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Which requirements apply to the intended contents, jurisdiction and transport mode, and what evidence demonstrates compliance?","id":"service-eligibility-evidence-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"condition-and-return-to-service","name":"Condition and return to service","description":"Assesses defects, prior interventions and evidence needed before reuse.","findings":[{"id":"inspection-reuse-disposition","name":"Inspection and reuse disposition","description":"Connect observed damage and maintenance history to a supported service decision.","questions":[{"text":"What leakage, cracking, corrosion, deformation, abrasion or component damage is present for this construction?","id":"inspection-reuse-disposition-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"What inspection, testing, cleaning or repair evidence is required before this assembly can return to its proposed service?","id":"inspection-reuse-disposition-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"evidence-and-external-alignment","name":"Evidence and external alignment","description":"What the world already says about this thing, gathered so the model can be checked against it.","layers":[{"id":"reported-evidence","name":"Reported evidence","description":"Findings from the breadth pass, kept separate from the structural claims.","findings":[{"id":"evidence-confidence-notes","name":"Check these first","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these check these first hold for the sense of intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-confidence-notes-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-kinds","name":"Kinds and varieties","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-kinds-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-identifiers","name":"Identifiers and schemes","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-identifiers-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-standards-and-regulation","name":"Standards and regulation","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these standards and regulation hold for the sense of intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-standards-and-regulation-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-real-world-use","name":"Real-world use","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-real-world-use-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-measurements","name":"Typical measurements","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these typical measurements hold for the sense of intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-measurements-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards","name":"Failure modes and hazards","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-regional-variation","name":"Regional variation","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-regional-variation-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-neighbours","name":"Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-neighbours-q01","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]}]},"agentConduct":{"may":["Inspect an IBC for damage, markings and test dates before filling or transport.","Record contents, fill level and handling history for the operator."],"mustNot":["Fill an IBC with a substance it is not approved or compatible with.","Ship dangerous goods in an IBC whose periodic inspection or test has lapsed.","Reuse an IBC that held hazardous goods for food, drinking water or animal feed without proper cleaning and approval.","Stack or lift IBCs beyond their rated load."],"requiresHuman":["Approving an IBC for dangerous goods transport.","Disposing of an IBC that held hazardous residues."]},"ethics":{"considerations":["Leaks of hazardous contents harm workers, bystanders and the environment.","Reused containers are a known route of contaminating water and food."],"affectedParties":["Handlers and drivers","People near spills","Water users"]},"owners":{"steward":"The operator who fills and ships it; the maker answers for its design approval.","roles":[],"masterSystems":[]},"relations":[{"target":"Q1180158","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"}],"interaction":{"identity":{"applicability":"required","items":["Vercy registry: vr.tr.intermediate-bulk-container","Wikidata: Q1666214 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1666214)"]},"properties":{"applicability":"required","items":["Construction family: Rigid, composite or flexible; material and manufacturer designation recorded separately","Rated capacity: L or m³, with distinction between nominal, measured and permitted filling volume","Assembly dimensions: Length × width × height in mm, with configuration stated","Tare mass and maximum permissible gross mass: kg, each with its evidence source","Containment and support components: Body, inner receptacle or liner, frame, base, closures and outlets where present","Contents compatibility: Material or substance linked to wetted components, service conditions and supporting evidence","Handling and stacking limits: Declared load in kg or N, applicable configuration and handling method","Closure and discharge configuration: Opening types, connection dimensions, seal materials, valve type and vent arrangement where present","Service condition: Unassessed, serviceable for specified use, restricted, quarantined or retired","Qualification and inspection evidence: Applicable design records, markings, inspection or test reports, dates and service scope"]},"recognition":{"applicability":"required","items":["Often a cube-shaped plastic tank in a metal cage on a pallet, with a top lid and bottom valve.","A marking plate showing the approval code, maker and test dates."]},"capabilities":{"applicability":"required","items":["Identify the construction family and determine whether a narrower model applies.","Assess a proposed fill against capacity, mass limits, compatibility evidence and prior contents.","Select a supported lifting, movement or stacking method.","Match filling and discharge equipment to the actual openings and operating limits.","Inspect and quarantine an assembly with unresolved containment or structural defects.","Determine whether cleaning, component replacement, reuse or retirement is supported by the service record."]},"hazards":{"applicability":"required","items":["Valve or tank failure spills contents.","UV and chemical attack weaken plastic tanks over time.","Overstacked containers can collapse."]},"interfaces":{"applicability":"required","items":["UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, United Nations.","European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe."]},"context":{"applicability":"required","items":["Intermediate bulk containers are used in manufacturing, agriculture, warehousing and freight transport to hold bulk materials in mechanically handled units.","They support storage and transfer between production processes, with container construction and service approval determining compatibility with particular contents."]}},"sources":[{"title":"Wikidata item Q1666214: intermediate bulk container","url":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1666214","note":"identity and sense of the item"},{"title":"Wikipedia: Intermediate bulk container","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermediate_bulk_container","note":"general description of the item"}],"openQuestions":["Does the existing Vercy catalogue already contain an authoritative IBC model to which this registry entry should link?","Which authoritative definitions establish the boundary between IBCs, large packagings and portable tanks across relevant service contexts?","Which capacity ranges, dimensions and construction families can be documented without treating the common caged plastic design as universal?","Which issuing bodies and current standards govern design qualification, markings, inspection intervals and reuse for each intended jurisdiction and transport mode?","Which requirements should be inherited by the separately registered flexible intermediate bulk container model, and which require construction-specific findings there?"],"resources":{"spec":"/models/things/publications/thing-q1666214/spec.json"},"provenance":{"origin":"thing registry research (pass 2)","builtFrom":["models/things/publications/thing-q1666214/spec.json"],"providers":["Codex"],"researchStatus":"unreviewed","generatedAt":"2026-09-12T10:31:22Z","builder":"tools/build_cards.py@1.0.0"},"completeness":{"sections":{"classifiers":"filled","whatItIs":"filled","purpose":"filled","distinguishingFeatures":"filled","structure":"filled","agentConduct":"filled","ethics":"filled","owners":"filled","relations":"filled","interaction.identity":"filled","interaction.properties":"filled","interaction.recognition":"filled","interaction.capabilities":"filled","interaction.hazards":"filled","interaction.interfaces":"filled","interaction.context":"filled","sources":"filled"},"notes":{"_gate":"Published through the thing publication gate 1.0 on 2026-10-07T10:10:26+00:00: completeness 1.00; sense: Wikidata description; 2 live sources; review by codex: pass"},"score":1.0}}