Why Does Resin Become More Viscous at Low Temperatures?
The viscosity of a resin or adhesive is strongly affected by temperature. For many materials, viscosity increases as temperature decreases.
For example, a resin that flows easily at room temperature may become considerably thicker in a cold warehouse. Depending on its formulation, the material may become difficult to pump or dispense at lower temperatures.
This can create several practical problems:
• Increased pumping resistance
• Slow material transfer
• Difficulty emptying the IBC
• Poor dispensing performance
• Longer processing times
• Material remaining around the bottom or outlet area
• Increased energy consumption during pumping
Some materials may also crystallize, partially solidify or otherwise change their physical characteristics when exposed to temperatures outside their recommended storage range.
However, not every resin or adhesive requires heating. The appropriate temperature depends on the specific formulation and the material manufacturer's technical requirements.
For this reason, the first step in selecting an IBC heating system is to understand the material itself.
What Is an IBC Heating Jacket?
An IBC heating jacket is a flexible heating system designed to be installed around an IBC container.
The heating jacket normally contains flexible heating elements, insulation and electrical connections. Depending on the design, heating can be applied to the side walls, bottom section or both areas of the container.
A typical system may include:
IBC container → Heating jacket → Insulation → Temperature controller
The purpose is not necessarily to heat the material to a high temperature. In many applications, the main objective is to maintain the material within a suitable temperature range so that it remains easier to store, pump and dispense.
This is particularly useful for materials whose viscosity changes significantly with temperature.
Materials and Reasons for IBC Heating
| Material | Typical Reason for Heating |
|---|---|
| Epoxy Resin | Reduce viscosity for pumping and transfer |
| Polyurethane Adhesives | Maintain suitable flowability |
| Silicone Adhesives | Improve handling and dispensing |
| Industrial Sealants | Maintain workable viscosity |
| Construction Adhesives | Reduce viscosity in cold conditions |
| Coatings | Maintain consistent handling characteristics |
| Industrial Resins | Improve transfer and processing |
| Other High-Viscosity Materials | Maintain a suitable working temperature |
What Information Is Needed to Select an IBC Heating Jacket?
An IBC heating jacket should be selected according to the actual application rather than only the container capacity.
For example, knowing that an IBC has a capacity of 1,000 liters is not enough to determine the correct heater.
The following information is normally required.
1. IBC Dimensions
Useful information includes:
• Length
• Width
• Height
• Heating area
• Bottom dimensions
• Outlet location
• Container photos or drawings
Different IBC designs can have different dimensions even when they have the same nominal capacity.
2. Material Information
The material being stored is one of the most important factors.
Please provide:
• Material name
• Viscosity
• Recommended storage temperature
• Recommended processing temperature
• Minimum operating temperature
• Maximum allowable temperature
The material supplier's technical data sheet is particularly useful when available.
3. Required Temperature
The target temperature should be clearly defined.
For example:
• Prevent freezing
• Maintain a minimum storage temperature
• Reduce viscosity before pumping
• Maintain a specific processing temperature
These applications can require very different heating designs.
4. Ambient Temperature
The surrounding temperature also affects heater selection.
An IBC stored inside a heated workshop has very different heating requirements from one stored outdoors during winter.
Important information may include:
• Minimum ambient temperature
• Maximum ambient temperature
• Indoor or outdoor use
• Wind exposure
• Existing insulation
5. Electrical Requirements
The heating system should also be designed according to the available power supply:
• Voltage
• Frequency
• Total power
• Plug type
• Number of heating zones
For example, the available power supply may determine whether the heating system is designed for 110V, 220V or another voltage.
Can an IBC Heating Jacket Be Customized?
Yes. IBC heating jackets are often customized because IBC containers and material requirements vary between applications.
A customized heating jacket can be designed according to:
• IBC dimensions
• Heating area
• Required voltage
• Required wattage
• Target temperature
• Temperature control method
• Heating time
• Insulation requirements
• Outlet position
• Installation method
The heating jacket can also be designed around the customer's existing IBC container rather than requiring the customer to change the container.
Conclusion
For resins, adhesives, sealants and other high-viscosity materials, temperature can have a significant effect on viscosity and handling.
When cold conditions make a material too viscous to pump or dispense efficiently, an IBC heating jacket can provide controlled heat to help maintain a suitable temperature during storage and handling.
The correct solution depends on more than the IBC's capacity. Material characteristics, target temperature, ambient conditions, heating area, electrical requirements and temperature control all need to be considered.
For this reason, customized IBC heating jackets are often more suitable than a one-size-fits-all heating solution.
Jaye Industry manufactures customized heating solutions according to customer requirements. For an IBC heating jacket project, customers can provide the IBC dimensions, material information, required temperature, electrical specifications and application details for engineering evaluation.
