No, bulk wine bladders & flexitanks are not the same,
Although they serve similar purposes in the transportation of liquids. While both are flexible containers used for shipping large quantities of liquids, there are some differences between them:
Bulk Wine Bladder (specific)
A bulk wine bladder is a specialized flexible container specifically designed for the transportation and storage of wine. It is typically made from food-grade materials like polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) to ensure the wine’s quality and safety. The shape of a bulk wine bladder is often customized to fit into a shipping container efficiently. These bladders are commonly used for transporting wine in bulk from the producing region to the destination market. They offer advantages like cost-effectiveness, reduced environmental impact, and minimized risk of oxidation.
Flexitank (generic)
A flexitank, on the other hand, is a generic term used for large, flexible containers designed to transport a variety of non-hazardous liquids, including but not limited to wine. Unlike bulk wine bladders, flexitanks are versatile and can handle various liquid products, such as edible oils, fruit juices, non-hazardous chemicals, and more. They are made from food-grade polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) materials to ensure the safe transportation of liquids. Flexitanks are used in various industries to optimize the shipping of bulk liquids by converting standard 20-foot shipping containers into liquid transport vessels.
In summary, while both bulk wine bladders and flexitanks are flexible containers designed for transporting liquids in bulk, the key difference lies in their specialization. Bulk wine bladders are specifically tailored for wine transportation, whereas flexitanks are more versatile and can accommodate a broader range of non-hazardous liquids.
What volume goes into each?
The volume capacity of both bulk wine bladders and flexitanks can vary based on their specific design and intended use. Here’s a general idea of the typical volume range for each:
- Bulk wine bladders are primarily used for transporting wine. And their capacity typically ranges from a few hundred liters to several thousand liters. Common capacities for bulk wine bladders are in the range of 1,000 to 24,000 liters (approximately 264 to 6,340 gallons). The size of the bladder can be customized based on the specific requirements of the wine exporter or importer.
- Flexitanks are more versatile and can be used for various non-hazardous liquids. Their capacity tends to be larger than that of bulk wine bladders. Flexitanks generally have a capacity ranging from 10,000 to 24,000 liters (approximately 2,640 to 6,340 gallons). This larger volume allows them to accommodate a wide range of liquid products, such as edible oils, fruit juices, water, non-hazardous chemicals, and more.
Keep in mind that these are approximate volume ranges. Actual capacities may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model of the bulk wine bladder or flexitank. It’s essential to choose the appropriate container size based on the volume of liquid you need to transport. And considering the available space in shipping containers or transport vehicles.