VARIBOX SC User Guide

Official technical user guide

Official VARIBOX SC user guide with safety, operation, maintenance, technical specifications and approved product information.

Version: V2
Last updated: 11 November 2026

VARIBOX SC

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Safety and liability

Important safety instructions

Read this user guide carefully to learn about liability and the usage of the VARIBOX SC.

When setting up and using your VARIBOX SC, remember the following:
Read all the instructions carefully before you use the VARIBOX SC.
Keep these instructions at hand for reference by you and others.
Follow all instructions and warnings regarding your VARIBOX SC.
Maintenance on the VARIBOX SC should only be done in line with UN ADR regulations
Use only original spare parts for the VARIBOX SC (list included in this document).

Liability

Products supplied by the Seller to the Buyer comply with the manufacturer's specifications stated in the applicable certification and technical documentation provided to the Buyer.

The Buyer shall inspect the goods immediately after delivery and promptly notify the Seller of any damage or defect.

Once a defect has been confirmed, the Seller and Buyer will agree on one of the following remedies:

Free replacement of the defective product, provided that the product is still manufactured;
Free supply of a comparable product;
Repair or correction of the product, where appropriate at the Buyer's premises; or
Issuance of a credit note.

No further claim relating to the confirmed defect will be accepted beyond the agreed remedy.

The Seller is not liable for defects or damage caused by incorrect assembly, modifications made by the Buyer, inadequate maintenance or improper use, obsolescence, or normal wear and tear.

The Buyer is responsible for ensuring that any product transported or stored in the VARIBOX SC is covered by the applicable approvals and that the correct seal material is selected for that product.

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing your VARIBOX SC

The VARIBOX SC is a unique IBC developed for safe packing and transport of dangerous materials. It has a capacity of 1,000 or 800 litres and has been tested extensively on durability and intensive usage.

The built-in RFID tag allows you to track your VARIBOX SC at every stage of the logistics chain where you choose to put tracking equipment in place. That means you can keep a close eye on your VARIBOX SC and record a detailed history for your files.

The pallet has three runners for a smooth transport on roller conveyors. The rounded pallet runners are designed to withstand the impact imposed by hand pallet trucks.

The ergonomic positions of the fill opening and optional extractor tube improve safe handling throughout the supply chain.The guiding slots for straps allow you to fix the VARIBOX SC securely onto trucks.

Multiple label fields are available for your obligatory product information on all sides of the VARIBOX SC. These label fields are recessed to protect your product labels and keep them readable for your customer.

Product description

Rugged and tough – the VARIBOX SC takes the daily beatings. Benefit from many decades of knowledge and proven reliability in containers. The double layer cover has built-in reinforcement and protects the container. Tests have shown that you can stack up to 1.9 tonne on top of another VARIBOX SC. Depending on the classification of shipped substances, inner bottle replacement is required after 5 or 2 years. IBC regulatory periodic inspection has to be done every 2 and a half years.

The automatic venting avoids errors by your customers when discharging your product. All they have to do is open the discharge valve – there’s no need for them to remove the cap. A pressure release system is available for products that build up pressure.

The robust discharge valve makes sure your products stay safely inside the VARIBOX SC container, trip after trip. The large valve keeps your products flowing swiftly and smoothly. Extractor tubes with leak free quick connectors for top discharge are available as an option.

All main parts of the VARIBOX SC are made of Polyethylene and are made by the rotational moulding process; this production process ensures a tension free product with high mechanical impact strength.

Cleaning

Every VARIBOX SC will be delivered cleaned. Before putting the VARIBOX SC into use, make sure the VARIBOX SC will be cleaned/disinfected according your company standard.

Restrictions

Although the product has many advantages, some restrictions must be taken into account. Most important is the cleaning temperature, it may not exceed 60°C to prevent the VARIBOX SC from deformation.

VARIBOX and the environment

At VARIBOX, we recognize our responsibility to minimize the environmental impacts of our operations and products. Visit our website for more information.

Approvals

The VARIBOX SC is UN approved

The UN certification number of the VARIBOX SC 1000 L: UN 31HH1/Y/**-- /B/PROMENS1/110260/3757/2087 - The UN certification number of the VARIBOX SC 800 L: UN 31HH1/Y/**-- /B/PROMENS1/110260/3019/1677
Packaging groups : 2 and 3
Sea transport : According IMDG specification
Road transport : According ADR specification
Railway transport : According RID specification

Standard liquid approvals	Maximum density	Hydraulic test pressure
Water	1900 kg/m3	110 kPa
Wetting solution	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
n-Butyl acetate	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
White spirit	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
Acetic acid	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
Nitric acid 55%	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
Approved: Nitric acid 62% (max. 2 years)	1400 kg/m3	110 kPa

Request your copy of the UN approval for your evaluation.

CAUTION:

This packaging advice is intended for evaluation by the customer and does not relieve the customer of the ultimate responsibility for the determination of the appropriate container. It is the customer's responsibility to select the appropriate container based upon all information at their disposal including the specific application, regulatory compliance, product compatibility and shipping requirements.

Approvals

UN mark of the VARIBOX SC

The UN mark is on the front of the VARIBOX SC. These are in accordance with the regulations of the ADR. Below an explanation of the information provided.

UN-information:

Capacity in liters at 20°C
Tare mass in kg
Test pressure in kPa
Highest permitted stacking weight in kilos
Date of the last leakproofness test (month and year)
Date of the last inspection (month and year)
Date of the last repair (month and year)
Serial number (SN, on a label elsewhere)
UN mark and month and year (last two digits) of manufacture

What does the UN mark on the VARIBOX mean?

UN: The UN mark starts with the packaging symbol of the United Nations, the letters UN (United Nations) in a circle. We hereby declare that this VARIBOX meets the relevant requirements of ADR chapter 6.5
31HH1 stands for the IBC type code according to 6.5.1.4
Y stands for packing groups II and III for which the VARIBOX is approved
The month and year (last two digits) of manufacture
NL stands for the State that grants the approval, in this case the Netherlands
TCPI-PROMENS3 is our manufacturer's mark followed by a number that is the identification mark of this VARIBOX established by the competent authority
The next to last number is the load in kg with which the stacking test was carried out, but note: the highest permitted stacking load is indicated elsewhere
The last figure is the largest permissible gross mass in kg

This mark indicates that the VARIBOX corresponds to the successfully tested design type and that the conditions stated in the certificate are met.

The mark may not be changed! Only the date of a leakproofness test, inspection or repair may be applied by authorized parties. This must be applied in such a way that the basic characteristics are properly recognizable.

Components

The VARIBOX SC includes the following components:

1,000 or 800 litres container with a high chemical resistance and with a sloped bottom and top for optimal drainage and cleaning
Pallet that can be replaced when damaged
Cover that can be replaced when damaged
Sealable 160 mm screw lid with EPDM or FPM gaskets
Vacuum vent for equalizing pressure during emptying
Steel stacking tubes for extra rigidity when supporting a stacked load
Marking with UN ADR information
Ball valve 2’’ made from PE with FPM seal, threaded outlet, camlock 2’’ or camlock 1,5’’ (Optional: approved for sulfuric acid 92-98%)
The built-in RFID tag
Optional: customer logo at the front
Optional: extractor tube
Optional: overpressure vent

Components

Flange cap PEBD (19327)
Sealing plug (19093)
Stacking tube (19048)
Screw fastener (19050)
RFID tag (19954)
Cover
Screwcap
Inner bottle
Pallet
Optional: Color coding or engraved plate
Wall support bar (19049)
Ball valve

Chemical resistance

Choose the correct sealing material

The VARIBOX SC is available with seals in either EPDM or Viton materials. Check the resistance of these seals against the product that you want to fill into the VARIBOX SC. A general guidance on regularly filled chemical products is listed in the table below.

Product	Conc.	Formula	UN number(s)	Gasket material	Duration
Ammonia	<20%	NH3	UN 2672	EPDM	5 years
Acetic acid	All	CH3COOH	UN 2789; UN 2790 **	EPDM	5 years
Citric acid	All	C6H8O7	UN 3265	EPDM	5 years
Hydrofluoric acid	≤60%	HF	UN 1790	Viton	2 years
Phosphoric acid	All	H3PO4	UN 1805	EPDM	5 years
Ferric Chloride	All	FeCl3	UN 2582	EPDM	5 years
Polyaluminum chloride	All	AlCl3	UN 3264	EPDM	5 years
Potassium hydroxide	All	KOH	UN 1814	EPDM	5 years
Sodium chlorite	All	NaClO2	UN 1908	EPDM	5 years
Sodium hydroxide	All	NaOH	UN 1824	EPDM	5 years
Sodium hypochlorite	All	NaOCl	UN 1791*	EPDM	5 years
Peroxyacetic acid	≤5%	C2H4O3	UN 3149*	Viton	5 years
Peroxyacetic acid	15% ***	C2H4O3	UN 3109*	Viton	2 years
Nitric acid	≤55%	HNO3	UN 2031	Viton	5 years
Nitric acid	55-62%	HNO3	UN 2031	Viton	2 years
Hydrogen peroxide	≤60%	H2O2	UN 2014; UN 2984	Viton	5 years
Hydrochloric acid	All	HCl	UN 1789	EPDM	5 years
Sulfuric acid	All	H2SO4	UN 1830	Viton	5 years

*: overpressure relief vent is required or advised **: We do not recommend the use of non-conductive plastic packaging for products with a flash point of 60 ° C or lower

CAUTION:

The VARIBOX has been developed and tested for intensive use. Each VARIBOX can be reused multiple times for similar liquids. Do not reuse any PE packaging for products with an oxidizing effect on PE causing molecular degradation, after it has been used for products that cause PE to swell (like hydrocarbons) or that have a stress-cracking effect on PE (surface-active wetting agents such as alcohols, soaps, surfactants).

Venting

Choose the correct venting

The VARIBOX SC has as standard a vacuum vent, levelling under-pressure during use.

The VARIBOX SC can also be equipped with an overpressure relief vent.

Some products can build up pressure. The ADR requires an overpressure relief for specific substances like Hypochlorite solutions and Hydrogen peroxides. This is described in ADR 4.1.4.2, IBC02, B5.

IBC’s should be fitted with a device to allow for venting during transport for amongst others:

UN1791 hypochlorite solution (chlorine bleach, sodium hypochlorite)
UN2014 hydrogen peroxide, 20-60% solution
UN2984 hydrogen peroxide, 8-20% solution
UN3149 hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, mixture, not more than 5% peracetic acid

CAUTION:

Overpressure may develop in the VARIBOX SC due to warming of the air or the emission of gas from the contents, as a result of a temperature rise or other cause. To avoid warming of the air, the VARIBOX SC needs to be shielded from direct sunlight during outside storage.

The VARIBOX SC may be equipped with an overpressure relief vent to avoid a pressure build-up.

If you use the VARIBOX SC without overpressure relief vent, overpressure may be visible by bulging up of the top of the VARIBOX. When this overpressure is visible, remove the overpressure before you connect or open the VARIBOX. You can do so by loosening the lid by 30°. This will avoid a sudden relief of pressure and possible spill of content. Make sure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Product handling

Using the VARIBOX SC

CAUTION:

It is recommended that the following components are visually inspected before every use of the VARIBOX SC:

Make sure that the valve is closed before filling.
Make sure the lid is tightened before transport.
Make sure the end cap is removed before opening the valve.

Sealing provisions

Provision for sealing

RFID tag

Integrated RFID tag, readable from all 4 sides

Handling the VARIBOX SC

Follow local, national and international regulations for securing the VARIBOX SC for transport
During transport, the UN marking is visible at the front of the outer container
The UN marking of the inner container can be checked at the top
When stacking, put the VARIBOX SC on top of another VARIBOX SC. Do not shove the VARIBOX SC onto it when stacking

Preferred opening for fork lift truck
Opening for pallet truck

Product handling

Using your VARIBOX SC:

Users of the VARIBOX SC need to be trained before using the product
The product needs to be placed on an even and stable floor
When the product is placed outside, it needs to be protected from wind
Be sure the product is protected from collisions with moving vehicles
Placement has to be in line with fire regulations
Do not use the product in places with a chance of earthquakes
Maximum application temperature: 30°C (short term 40°C)
Check regularly the fluid level of the container
When a leak is detected, immediately drain the container in a safe manner
Damaged products that are unsafe cannot be used
Repairing the product can only be done by authorized personnel
All legal requirements need to be met on local, national and international level

Operating the DN50 PP ball valve

Safety grip with a blocking position and a sealing possibility
End cap with lanyard

Before opening the valve, remove the end cap. To operate the valve the safety grip must be unlocked by squeezing the grip before opening or closing the valve.

The grip will lock automatically when closed.

The valve is closed when the grip is turned clockwise (perpendicular to the outlet).

Connecting

VARIBOX SC ball valves

The VARIBOX SC 800 and SC 1000 can be equipped with a VARIBOX DN50-PN10 heavy-duty monobloc ball valve for discharge through the lower outlet. Choose a valve with the correct outlet connection and seal material for the product being handled and for your receiving system.

Standard polypropylene (PP) valves have a red handle with EPDM seals or a green handle with Viton (FKM) seals. The ball is supported by PTFE valve seats. The available outlet connections and article numbers are listed below.

Outlet connection	Valve body	EPDM article no.	Viton article no.
Camlock 2 in	PP	19424	19425
Camlock 1.5 in	PP	22268	22269
2 in female thread	PP	19426	19427
2 in female thread (special version)	PE	—	21459

The special polyethylene (PE) version with Viton seals (article 21459) is intended for selected sulphuric-acid applications. Confirm the required concentration and suitability with VARIBOX before use; do not select it only by handle colour.

Connecting and operating the valve

Before connecting, check the valve and outlet for damage or contamination, verify that the valve is closed, and put on the personal protective equipment required by your workplace.
Remove the protective outlet cap and attach a receiving hose or coupling suitable for the selected Camlock or female-thread connection. Follow the approved procedure at your site.
To open, squeeze the safety grip to unlock the handle and turn it until it is aligned with the valve outlet. A handle pointing in the direction of the outlet indicates the open position.
To close, turn the handle clockwise until it is perpendicular to the outlet. Check that the safety grip locks automatically, then refit the protective outlet cap.

CAUTION: Do not disassemble the monobloc valve or replace the approved VARIBOX valve with another type. Do not mix EPDM and Viton sealing materials on the same VARIBOX. Verify chemical compatibility and the exact connection before discharge.

When cleaning the VARIBOX, open the valve to let cleaning liquid drain. Positioning the handle at approximately 45° (between fully open and closed) also allows the area around the ball to be rinsed. Follow the site-specific cleaning procedure.

Emptying using VARIBOX Safeline

The VARIBOX SC is available with Safeline Performance in an EPDM and Viton version. These versions have different designs to avoid confusion and prevents incorrect unsafe connection. The Safeline system automatically closes after disconnection.

Tube and housing are made of Polyethylene. The EPDM version has a Hastelloy spring. The Viton version has a Hastelloy spring too. The Safeline Performance extractor tube has an inner diameter of 24 mm. The capacity is 20 litres/minute.

After emptying about 0,1 litre remains in the VARIBOX SC. In the extractor tube itself about 0,4 litre will remain. These indications are based on water and will vary upon condition and type of chemical. The Safeline Performance may be protected by a Tamper-evident dust cap that needs to be removed before connecting.

The expected lifetime of the extractor tube is one year. Inspect the extractor tube on a regular basis (i.e. annually or sooner if necessary) and replace if necessary.

The Safeline Performance EPDM coupler is red and has a round design.
The Safeline Performance EPDM is red and has a round design.
The Safeline Performance Viton coupler is green and has a dodecagon design.
The Safeline Performance Viton extractor tube is green and has a dodecagon design.

CAUTION:

Make sure that the coupler closes off correctly when put on the extractor, to avoid any false air entering the tube. Use the metal clip to secure the coupler in place.

Do not connect the coupler when overpressure is visible, remove the overpressure before you connect or open the VARIBOX. You can do so by loosening the lid by 30°. This will avoid a sudden relief of pressure and possible spill of content. Make sure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

The tube on the coupler should be fixed on a 90° elbow and should point away from you.

Repair and maintenance

The VARIBOX SC is a UN / ADR certified product. Because of this, service, repair and maintenance on the product must be executed in line with UN ADR regulations.

(De-) assembling the VARIBOX SC

This is a limited de-assembly instruction. Every repair or maintenance that involves work on the inner container (including valve, suction tube or vent) may only be carried out by authorized personnel and is not in this instruction.

CAUTION:

Make sure the VARIBOX SC is empty and has been cleaned before de-assembling.

Stacking bars

To replace the stacking bars, remove the 4 caps in the corners on top of the cover.
Use an Allen key (size 12mm) to unscrew the stacking bar 90 degrees in counter clockwise direction.
Pull the stacking corner upwards out of the cover.
To re-assemble the stacking bars, follow the same procedure in reverse order.

Cover

To remove the cover, start with removing the stacking bars, see above.
Remove the finned plug from the threaded plug on top of the cover.

Repair and maintenance

Unscrew the threaded plug from the tank.
Lift the cover from the tank with two people or use a lifting crane.
CAUTION:
Wall support bars are no longer fixated when lifting the cover and can come out.
Place the cover upside down and remove the stacking bars on the side
Unscrew the RFID transponder
To re-assemble the cover, follow the same procedure in reverse order.

Pallet

To replace the pallet first make sure the container is empty. Start with removing the stacking bars and the cover.
Lift the container from the pallet.
To re-assemble the pallet, follow the same procedure in reverse order.

CAUTION:

Dot not remove the valve, dip tube or vent housing.

Cleaning inside

Residues may be found in the product. We therefore advise you, before putting the VARIBOX SC into use, to clean or disinfect according to your company standard or that of competent authorities.

Cleaning the inside can be done by means of a high- pressure water jet with a maximum temperature of 60˚C. The tank can be cleaned internally with a special nozzle. Nozzle type, temperature, pressure, volume and other conditions should be adapted to the specific situation.

Picture: examples of high-pressure water jet nozzles.

CAUTION:

Make sure not to fill the VARIBOX SC with hot water (or any other hot liquid). Continuously pump out the water when cleaning with hot water

Cleaning the DN50 PP ball valve

For an optimal cleaning of the ball valve it can be opened half so that the space between the ball and housing can be rinsed.

Periodic inspection and test

UN / ADR regulation

The VARIBOX SC is a UN / ADR Certified product. Inspections and tests of the product must be executed periodically, at intervals of not more than 2½ years, in line with UN / ADR regulations.

Inspection unit

An inspection unit carrying out inspections and tests must be authorized by the competent authority, in line with UN / ADR regulations. You can use your own authorized inspection unit, or from a company offering this service.

The national competent authorities can inform which companies can offer this service. This information is typically available on the website of the national competent authority. A list of these competent authorities is included in the ADR regulations: www.unece.org.

A report of each inspection and test is to be sent to the owner of the VARIBOX SC who shall keep this at least until the next inspection or test.

Periodic inspection engraving

Periodic inspection date marking (MONTH.YEAR followed by the company’s logo who carried out the inspect

For example, use an 2600W heat gun to engrave

Heating time: 3-4 s

Power: position 6

Example of date marking:

11 13 P

Technical data

VARIBOX SC 1000
Material inner container	Polyethylene, recyclable
Material cover	Polyethylene, with steel reinforcement, recyclable
Material pallet	Recycled polyethylene, recyclable
Gross capacity	1040 l	825 l
Nominal capacity	1010 l	810 l
Width	1000 mm	1000 mm
Length	1200 mm	1200 mm
Height	1325 mm	1135 mm
Nett height (stacking)	1310 mm	1120 mm
Inlet height	1290 mm	1100 mm
Outlet height	220 mm	220 mm
Stacking height	2635 mm	2245 mm
Stacking load	2084 kg	1674 kg
Weight (pallet 2 way safety)	109 kg	97 kg
Weight (pallet 4 way safety)	112 kg	100 kg
Transport quantity	52 per truck	52 per truck
UN certification number	UN 31HH1/Y/**-- /B/PROMENS1/110260/3751/2084	UN 31HH1/Y/**-- /B/PROMENS1/110260/3014/1674
Standard liquid approvals	Maximum density	Hydraulic test pressure
Water	1900 kg/m3	110 kPa
Wetting solution	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
n-Butyl acetate	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
White spirit	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
Acetic acid	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
Nitric acid 55%	1600 kg/m3	110 kPa
Nitric acid 62% (max. 2 years)	1400 kg/m3	110 kPa
Vacuum relief vent capacity	120 l/min
Overpressure vent capacity	80 l/h at ∆P 12 mbar

Learning More, Service and Support

More information about using the VARIBOX SC

For the latest information about the VARIBOX SC and for service and support, please visit www.varibox-ibc.com.

Getting in touch with us

For spare parts you can use the VARIBOX SC Service parts lists with all the correct references. To obtain this list, or for warranty related questions or for more information about this or more VARIBOX products, feel free to contact us:

VARIBOX Customer Service France Tel: +33 (0)2 40 45 99 99 [email protected]

Obtaining warranty service

If the product appears to be damaged or does not function properly, please follow the advice in this booklet and the online resources.

If the product still does not function, contact VARIBOX Customer Service for instructions how to obtain warranty service.

VARIBOX SC

Safety and liability

Important safety instructions

Liability

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing your VARIBOX SC

Product description

Cleaning

Restrictions