Combination of a rack and an IBC container for winter storage: draining, rinsing, protecting valves and preparing for use in the spring – checklist

A combination of a rack and an IBC container for winter storage It is worth preparing with the same care as you would for the busiest working day of spring: when draining, flushing and protecting the valves are carried out correctly, you’ll avoid cracks caused by freezing, unexpected leaks and unnecessary downtime. Lootu Oy (Kempele) manufactures IBC container racks designed for practical use on tractors and wheel loaders, and it is precisely these winter maintenance routines that demonstrate how the whole system pays off in terms of cost savings and time saved.

This seasonal guide provides a clear checklist: what to drain, what to protect and how to ensure a quick start-up in the spring. The guide is suitable for property maintenance staff and farms in the areas around Kempele, Oulu, Raahe, Liminka and Tyrnävä, right through to Vaasa, Kokkola, Joensuu, Kuopio and Kajaani, where frost and temperature fluctuations make these very details critical.

A combination of a rack and an IBC container for winter storage: risk areas and target level

When it comes to winter storage, two things cause the majority of problems: water or other liquids freezing in spaces where they cannot expand safely, and, secondly, dirt (sand, sediment, debris) becoming trapped in valves and fittings. When frozen, the liquid expands, which can result in a cracked valve body, damaged seals, a split in a hose quick-connect coupling, or a “slight” leak from the IBC’s bottom valve, which only becomes apparent during the first filling in spring. The basic physics are unforgiving: water expands when it freezes, so even a small pocket of water in the wrong place is enough.

The target standard should be defined as follows: when preparing for winter, the tank and pipework must either be completely empty and dry, or contain a clearly identified, frost-resistant liquid suitable for its intended use. In addition, the rack’s locks, tie-down points and lifting points must be clean and intact to ensure that the entire unit can be safely lifted and moved as soon as spring arrives. If you wish to ensure the safe use of the assembly, including during relocation, please refer to the practical guidelines: How do you attach an IBC container to a rack correctly?

For further reading on the effects of temperature, it is also worth taking a look at Lootu Oy’s summary: The effect of frost and temperature fluctuations on IBC containers and racks. It helps to explain why a small leak or “just a bit of water in the valve” becomes a major risk in winter.

Draining properly: how to remove water from the “pockets” too”

Draining does not simply mean opening the bottom valve. In a combination of a rack and an IBC container, typical pockets of water can be found in the bends of the hoses, the quick-release couplings, the filters and inside the valve body. It is therefore advisable to carry out the draining process in stages: first, remove the bulk of the liquid by gravity; then disconnect the hoses and fittings; and finally, “blow out” or dry the system if the application requires it to be completely empty.

The practical procedure is often as follows: drive the vehicle onto level ground, open the filler cap (to vent), open the bottom valve carefully and direct the fluid into a container or an appropriate collection point. Once the flow has slowed, disconnect the hoses from the lowest points and safely tilt or lift the assembly so that the lowest points are emptied. If the tank is mounted on a tractor or wheel loader, remember to lift and tilt it only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the chassis is secure.

If you want to set up “quick routines” for draining and filling on site, do take a look at our connectors and valve solutions: IBC container valves, fittings and hose sizes in practice. Once the whole process has been standardised, winter operations will also be speeded up.

When it comes to winter storage, the most important thing is not “whether you’ve emptied the tank”, but “whether there is any part of the system where water could freeze and cause a joint to burst”.

Flushing and cleaning: preparations for spring begin as early as autumn

The aim of flushing is twofold: to remove dirt that exacerbates freezing (sediment, sand, organic material) and to minimise the risk of the first filling in the spring blocking the nozzles, filters or valves. If you use the same combination of rack and IBC container for several different liquids (e.g. irrigation water and washing water), keeping the container clean should also be viewed as a safety and quality issue: impurities can cause cross-contamination or increase the risk of corrosion.

A basic flush is often achieved in 2–3 cycles: pour in a small amount of clean water, shake/swirl, drain out via the drain valve and, finally, flush through the connections. If detergents or preservatives have been used, always follow the instructions specific to each chemical and ensure they are collected properly. General guidance on the safe handling of chemicals can be found, for example, on the Tukes website: Tukes: chemicals.

If you are carrying out dust suppression or cleaning work on a contract basis in the spring, it is worth planning your routes and refuelling routines in advance. A practical approach for the Oulu and Kempele regions is discussed in the article: Water for watering on a stand for dust suppression in spring.

Valve protection and seal life: small parts, big impact

Valves and seals are the most vulnerable parts during winter, as they combine three factors: narrow internal spaces (where water can easily become trapped), mechanical stress (opening/closing, vibration) and the ageing of materials (rubber and plastic harden). By protecting the valves correctly, you also ensure that the combination of the rack and the IBC container for winter storage does not turn into a “spring repair job”.

In practice, protecting valves means: (1) draining and drying the valve body as thoroughly as possible, (2) preventing water and dirt from entering (protective plugs/caps), and (3) provide mechanical protection to ensure that the valve or connector does not sustain impact whilst in storage. If you store the valve outdoors, also bear in mind the forces exerted by snow and ice: ice can lock the lever or twist the connector out of alignment if it protrudes into a walkway.

When it comes to seals, the basic rule is: if you notice a “sweating” joint in the spring, do not force it tighter until you have checked the condition of the seal. Often, the right solution is to replace the seal and clean the connector. When storing equipment, keep spare seals and a few of the most common fittings in the same box near the rack – it’s a small investment that will significantly speed up set-up.

Getting ready for spring: a 15-minute checklist to ensure you’re ready for work

In spring, the aim is clear: filling, connecting and driving without any surprises. That is why the spring commissioning process should be carried out as a standard routine, where you first check the safety of the structure and only then begin filling it. Check the condition of the frame, the welded joints and the mounting points, and ensure that the IBC sits correctly in the frame and that the locks are working. If you’re driving a tractor or wheel loader over varied terrain, even the slightest wobble or tilt will be noticeable in the handling.

Once the mechanical side is in order, move on to the fluid side: check the movement of the bottom valve, ensure there is no sand in the threads and that the protective caps have been removed. First carry out a “dry run”, i.e. connect the hoses without water and ensure that each coupling clicks into place and seals properly. After this, fill the system with a small amount of water (e.g. 20–50 litres), check for leaks and only then fill it to the required level. If you’re using the system for a variety of purposes on your farm, you’ll find ideas for operating routines in this article: An IBC container on a farm: a versatile solution.

When winter storage has been carried out systematically, preparing the equipment for use in the spring becomes a routine task. Lootu Oy’s strength lies in its practical approach: the racks are designed to withstand Finnish conditions and to be easy to install, ensuring that the whole system remains safe both on farms and in property maintenance contracting. If you need help choosing the right rack or want to check compatibility with your tractor or wheel loader, you can contact Lootu Oy in Kempele (Pekurinpolku 3, 90450 Kempele), tel. 050 374 7690, [email protected].