IBC Adaptors & Camlock Fittings Explained: Why They Matter for Safe Liquid Handling

From agriculture to mining, industries across Australia rely on Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) to store and transport liquids safely. But the tank alone isn’t enough. It’s the fittings—like adaptors, camlocks, and caps—that do the heavy lifting when it comes to securing liquid handling. Let’s break down what they are, how they work, and why choosing the right ones makes all the difference.

Why Correct IBC Fittings Are Essential for Liquid Safety

Using the right IBC fittings protects more than just your product—it safeguards people, property, and profits. Poorly matched or worn-out connections can lead to leaks, spills, and contamination, all of which put operations at risk.

Correct fittings:

• Prevent leaks during storage and transfer

• Ensure chemical compatibility to avoid corrosion

• Maintain EPA and Dangerous Goods compliance

• Protect workers from hazardous exposure

• Reduce downtime caused by failed seals or mismatched parts

For businesses, the costs of getting it wrong—lost product, workplace accidents, non-compliance fines—can be steep. Using the correct IBC fittings helps you avoid these pitfalls with reliable, safe, and efficient liquid management.

What Are IBC Adaptors & How Do They Fit IBC Tanks

An IBC adaptor connects an IBC’s valve outlet to hoses, pipes, or dispensing equipment. Think of it as the bridge between your container and whatever system you’re connecting to.

Most IBCs come with a standard threaded outlet, often an S60x6 buttress thread. Adaptors convert this thread to others—like BSP or NPT—or to a camlock fitting, depending on your setup. They simply screw on, and a built-in seal ensures a tight, leak-free fit.

Need to hook up a hose to a US-imported IBC? Want to connect to your existing BSP-thread system? An adaptor makes that possible—and safe.

Camlock Fittings: Types, Sizes & Ideal Applications

IBC camlock fittings (also called cam and groove couplings) allow fast, secure hose connections without tools. They work using a male/female system: close the cam arms, and the connection locks into place—ideal for quick setups and fluid changes.

Common Camlock Types:

• Type A: Male camlock × Female BSP

• Type B: Female camlock × Male BSP

• Type C: Female camlock × Hose tail

• Type D: Female camlock × Female BSP

• Type E: Male camlock × Hose tail

• Dust caps/plugs: Protect fittings when not in use

The most common size for IBCs in Australia is 2 inches, followed by 1.5” and 1” for smaller flow rates.

Camlocks are available in different materials, including plastic camlock fittings made from polypropylene for chemical compatibility, and stainless steel camlock fittings for high-performance applications involving aggressive liquids or food-grade environments.

Ideal Applications:

• Chemical transfer

• Agricultural spraying

• Food and beverage production

• Diesel and fuel systems

• Emergency fire-fighting equipment

Choosing Compatible Seals, Threads & IBC Caps

Not all fittings are created equal. Mismatched threads, seals, or caps are among the top causes of leaks.

Know Your Threads:

• S60x6 (Buttress): Common on Schutz, Mauser, AusTote™

• BSP: Standard in Australia for industrial use

• NPT: Found on some US-imported containers

If your threads don’t match, use a thread adaptor to avoid cross-threading and leaks.

Choose the Right Seal:

• EPDM gaskets: Suitable for water and mild chemicals

• Viton seals: For acids, solvents, and aggressive liquids

• Food-grade rubber/silicone: Required for consumables

Cap Options:

• Plain-seal caps: General use

• Vented caps: Prevent vacuum during fast dispensing

• Tamper-evident caps: For regulated contents

• Integrated tap caps: Easy dispensing without extra parts

Tank Management Australia offers a variety of IBC caps & lids (plastic) for standard applications and stainless steel IBC caps for food-grade or chemical use—ensuring compatibility across different IBC brands.

Common Mismatches to Avoid & Tips to Prevent Leaks

Top Mistakes:

• Mixing thread types (e.g., S60x6 and BSP)

• Using the wrong seal material for your liquid

• Assuming caps or adaptors are universal across IBC brands

• Re-using damaged or worn seals and caps

Prevention Tips:

• Always check thread type and size before ordering

• Match the seal to your liquid’s chemical profile

• Replace any seal that looks swollen, cracked, or brittle

• Never force a connection—it likely doesn’t fit

• Keep spare caps, seals, and adaptors on hand