flexible intermediate bulk container
Enable an agent to recognise a flexible intermediate bulk container, assess its suitability and condition for a specified bulk solid, and determine which filling, lifting, storage and discharge actions its documented limits permit.
Bundle → Layer → Finding → Questions Filled
6 bundles · 11 layers · 20 findings · 31 questions
Flexible container identity Recognises the flexible specialisation and identifies the complete configuration under assessment.
Parent and boundary
Locates this kind within the intermediate bulk container family.
Flexible specialisation
Record how flexible containment and the intended mechanical handling arrangement establish membership in this kind.
- Which properties distinguish this entry from the broader intermediate bulk container entry? boundary
- What evidence separates an FIBC from an ordinary sack or a liner intended for a separate container? definition
Configuration evidence
Links the observed construction to its design documentation.
Documented assembly
Identify the body, attachments, liner and closures that together form the assessed configuration.
- Which manufacturer record identifies the body, lifting arrangement, liner and closure combination? provenance
- Which substituted components or configuration changes would invalidate that record's applicability? boundary
Load and flexible structure Connects payload and changing geometry to the fabric, seams and lifting attachments.
Payload and envelope
Distinguishes allowable mass from available volume and operating dimensions.
Fill limit evidence
Record the documented payload and capacity limits alongside the conditions used to interpret them.
- What rated payload in kilograms applies to this configuration, and where is it documented? measurement
- For the intended bulk density and filling process, what mass and filled envelope are expected? measurement
Lifting load path
Describes how the filled body's load reaches the lifting equipment.
Attachment engagement
Record the permitted engagement of lifting attachments and the condition of the connected load-bearing structure.
- Which attachments must be engaged together, and what equipment geometry does the manufacturer permit? action
- What damage to loops, attachment stitching, body panels or seams prevents the proposed lift? action
Contents and containment Assesses the fabric, liner and closures against the intended contents and environment.
Material and leakage
Connects product requirements to the complete containment assembly.
Product and barrier match
Record evidence for material compatibility, particle retention and any required moisture barrier or cleanliness level.
- What evidence supports compatibility of the intended contents and filling temperature with the fabric, coating, liner and closures? provenance
- What particle leakage, moisture transfer or contamination limits must the complete assembly satisfy? measurement
Electrostatic conditions
Makes electrostatic suitability dependent on evidence and actual operating conditions.
Electrostatic use envelope
Record the verified classification and restrictions for the container and liner combination.
- Which source establishes the electrostatic classification of this exact container and liner combination? provenance
- What grounding, atmosphere or product conditions must be satisfied before filling or discharge is permitted? action
Filling, storage and discharge Models transitions between empty, filled, stored and discharged configurations.
Filling and closure
Establishes the support, interface and closure conditions for filling.
Supported fill
Record how the bag and liner are positioned, supported, connected and closed.
- What support and fill-head connection are required to position the body and liner during filling? action
- How is the fill opening secured, and what observation establishes that the closure is complete? action
Storage and emptying
Defines permitted support during storage and controlled release of contents.
Storage support
Record evidence for the proposed base support, stacking arrangement and exposure conditions.
- What documented conditions permit the proposed pallet, base support or stacking arrangement? provenance
- Which exposure limits apply while this filled or empty container is stored? action
Controlled emptying
Identify the intended discharge method and controls for opening movement, liner movement and interrupted flow.
- How is the discharge opening accessed and operated while the container is supported? action
- What documented response is permitted if contents bridge or the liner obstructs discharge? action
Inspection and service eligibility Connects condition, history and applicable evidence to use, quarantine or retirement.
Condition and history
Captures observations and prior exposures relevant to the flexible assembly.
Damage and contamination
Record inspection of the body, seams, loops, liner and closures together with relevant service history.
- What cuts, abrasion, seam damage, loop wear, liner damage or contamination are present? measurement
- What previous contents, exposure or handling incidents are known, and which remain unknown? provenance
Evidence and next use
Determines which documented requirements govern the proposed service.
Service authorisation evidence
Link applicable design evidence, markings and reuse restrictions to the intended contents and operation.
- Which standards, issuing bodies, test records and markings apply to this intended service and jurisdiction? provenance
- What evidence permits another use cycle, and which missing records or observed defects require quarantine or retirement? action
Evidence and external alignment What the world already says about this thing, gathered so the model can be checked against it.
Reported evidence
Findings from the breadth pass, kept separate from the structural claims.
Check these first
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Which of these check these first hold for the sense of flexible intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Kinds and varieties
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of flexible intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Identifiers and schemes
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of flexible intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Standards and regulation
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Which of these standards and regulation hold for the sense of flexible intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Real-world use
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of flexible intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Typical measurements
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Which of these typical measurements hold for the sense of flexible intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Failure modes and hazards
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of flexible intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Regional variation
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of flexible intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart
Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.
- Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of flexible intermediate bulk container this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance
Classifiers Filled
- Family
- Thing Registry
- Category
- Physical world and living systems
- Entry kind
- thing
- Plane
- PHY
- Domain
- PHY.OBJ
What it is Filled
A flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) is an intermediate bulk container with a flexible body, commonly made from woven polypropylene, designed for mechanically handling, storing and transporting bulk solids such as powders or granules.
In scope
- Flexible body, seams, lifting attachments, liners and closures
- Rated payload and evidence linking a container design to permitted handling
- Compatibility between the intended contents and the fabric, liner and closures
- Filling, lifting, storage and discharge configurations specific to flexible construction
- Damage, contamination, traceability and eligibility for further use
Out of scope
- General intermediate bulk container identity and logistics concepts owned by the parent model
- Rigid and composite intermediate bulk container construction
- Chemical identity and hazard classification of the contents
- Design and operation of forklifts, cranes, filling stations and discharge equipment
- Transport routes, shipment ownership and warehouse management
- Manufacturer product lines and individual container records as separate kinds
Why it exists Filled
Enable an agent to recognise a flexible intermediate bulk container, assess its suitability and condition for a specified bulk solid, and determine which filling, lifting, storage and discharge actions its documented limits permit.
Distinguishing features Filled
- Its principal containment body is flexible fabric or sheet material rather than a rigid vessel.
- It is designed for mechanically handled bulk loads, with a documented means of supporting or lifting the filled container.
- Body, seams and lifting attachments must be assessed together because flexible construction participates in the load path.
- Its usable geometry depends on the filling state and any baffles or external support, so empty dimensions alone do not establish operating clearances.
- It specialises intermediate bulk container through flexible containment; an ordinary sack or flexible liner alone does not establish FIBC identity.
What robots and AI may and may not do Filled
Must not
- Fill a bag above its safe working load or with goods it is not rated for.
- Lift a bag by damaged loops or let people stand beneath a suspended bag.
- Reuse a single-use bag, or use a non-conductive bag where flammable dust or vapour is present.
- Use a bag that held hazardous goods for food or feed.
Only with a human decision
- Approving bags for dangerous goods or for food contact.
- Releasing a bag that shows damage after a near-miss or drop.
May
- Inspect a bulk bag for damage, labels and rated load before it is filled or lifted.
- Record fill weight, contents and handling history for the operator.
Moral aspects Filled
- Dropped or split bags injure workers and spill material into the environment.
- Static discharge from the wrong bag type can ignite dust and kill people.
Who is affected
- Warehouse and site workers
- Drivers and handlers
- People near spills
Owners Filled
Steward
The operator who fills and handles it; the maker answers for its rated performance.
Links to other meta-models Filled
parent
- Q987767 - registry parent class
What else AI and robots need to interact with it Filled
Identity and identifiers required Filled
- Vercy registry: vr.tr.flexible-intermediate-bulk-container
- Wikidata: Q859592 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q859592)
Direct properties required Filled
- Parent kind: Registered intermediate bulk container entry
- Body construction: Documented fabric or sheet material, weave, coating, seam construction and baffle arrangement
- Rated payload: kg, with the manufacturer's rating terminology and applicable conditions
- Nominal capacity and filled envelope: Capacity in m³; dimensions in mm; reference filling conditions
- Lifting arrangement: Number, position and construction of lifting attachments; documented engagement method
- Liner configuration: Absent, loose, attached or otherwise specified; material and attachment details
- Fill and discharge interfaces: Open top, skirt, spout or other documented configuration; closure method and dimensions
- Electrostatic suitability: Documented classification, supporting evidence, liner combination and use restrictions; unknown when unverified
- Contents compatibility: Intended bulk solid and supporting compatibility evidence for the complete container configuration
- Condition and service history: Recorded damage, contamination, exposure, previous contents and inspection outcome
- Permitted service regime: Documented single-use or reuse conditions, inspection requirements and retirement criteria
Recognition required Filled
- A large woven fabric bag, often cube-shaped, with lifting loops at the corners.
- A label stating safe working load, safety factor and bag type.
- Often a filling spout on top and a discharge spout below.
Capabilities and actions required Filled
- Match a documented FIBC configuration to an intended bulk solid and operating environment.
- Check a proposed fill against payload, volume and filling-condition limits.
- Identify an approved lifting arrangement and the attachments that require inspection.
- Determine compatible filling and discharge interfaces and required support.
- Assess whether damage, contamination or missing evidence requires quarantine.
- Determine whether emptying, further use or retirement is supported by the documented service regime.
Hazards and failure modes required Filled
- Loop or seam failure can drop a heavy load on people.
- Static discharge from unsuitable bags can ignite flammable atmospheres.
- UV exposure weakens the fabric when bags are stored outdoors.
Standards and interfaces required Filled
- ISO 21898, Packaging - Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for non-dangerous goods, International Organization for Standardization.
- UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, United Nations.
Context of use required Filled
- Flexible intermediate bulk containers are used in agriculture, manufacturing and bulk logistics to hold powders, granules and other bulk solids.
- Their flexible bodies and lifting features support mechanical handling between filling, storage, transport and discharge operations.
- Suitability depends on the contents, handling conditions and the container's documented load and material compatibility limits.
Sources Filled
- Wikidata item Q859592: flexible intermediate bulk container - identity and sense of the item
- Wikipedia: Flexible intermediate bulk container - general description of the item
Open questions
- Which definition and boundary criteria should govern the distinction between FIBCs, ordinary bulk sacks and flexible liners in the registry?
- Which current standards and jurisdiction-specific requirements apply separately to ordinary bulk solids, dangerous goods and electrostatic applications?
- What payload, capacity and dimensional ranges can authoritative sources support without presenting common commercial sizes as defining limits?
- Which inspection, repair and reuse criteria are valid across designs, and which must remain manufacturer-specific?
- Which compatibility and electrostatic claims require evidence for the complete fabric, coating, liner and closure combination rather than individual materials?
Machine files
Provenance
thing registry research (pass 2) · unreviewed
Built from: models/things/publications/thing-q859592/spec.json