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September 8, 2020 at 10:51:00 AM PDT September 8, 2020 at 10:51:00 AM PDTth, September 8, 2020 at 10:51:00 AM PDT

Global-Pak has been Top Lift Testing bags in house for more than 3 years. Our machine is capable of testing more than 30,000 lbs. of force to verify the safe working load (SWL) of our FIBCs. We top lift test our bags in accordance with the ISO 21898 Standard Packaging Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers for non-dangerous goods. The top lift test starts with a cyclic test and then each bag is tested for its max load.

 

First, the FIBC is filled with a plastic pellet and rubber material so it mimics a full bulk bag. Once the bag is hoisted onto the machine, a platen is lowered into the bag and the cyclic test begins. The platen is initially set at the safe working load, then for the test applies double the safe working load by pressing into the bag and reducing back to the safe working load. This press-and-release cycle is done 30 times for a single use FIBC with a safety factor of 5:1 and 70 times at 4 times the safe working load for a reusable bag with a 6:1 safety factor. 


After the cyclic test, the machine will increase the pressure on the bag until we see a failure. The machine records the final weight of the failure. For a single use bag to pass the top lift test, the final weight must be 5 times more than the safe working load. (So, if the SWL of a bag is 2,000 lbs., the final weight of applied pressure must be 10,000 lbs. or more.)


Having a top lift test machine at Global-Pak allows us to validate that each bag design can reach the safe working load and safety factor required. We can also use it to spot check our bags for manufacturing or raw material defects and to investigate issues encountered in the field.  


We invest in testing equipment, like our top lift test machine, to ensure that our customers are getting safe bags. If you’d like to get your bags tested or see the FIBC testing in person at our facility to make sure their meeting the safe working load and safety factor standards, please reach out!