Most IBC totes use an S60x6 buttress-thread outlet with a 2-inch butterfly or ball valve. Adapters convert that to camlock, garden hose, or NPT so it connects to pumps, hoses and equipment. Match the seal material — EPDM for water and food, Viton for aggressive chemicals — to your liquid.
Read on for the full breakdown.
The outlet you start with
Reach under almost any tote and you will find an S60x6 coarse buttress thread, usually behind a 2-inch valve. It is the near-universal starting point, and virtually every adapter on the market references it.
Valves
The valve controls how you dispense:
- Butterfly valve — compact, good for controlled gravity dispensing
- Ball valve — full-bore flow and a positive shutoff
- 3-inch valve — high-flow transfer for fast filling
Adapters
From the S60x6 outlet you can branch to almost anything:
- S60x6 → 3/4 in garden hose (GHT) for irrigation and washdown
- S60x6 → camlock A/B for quick pump connections
- S60x6 → NPT male/female for threaded plumbing
- Reducing adapters for smaller hose or tubing
Seals: EPDM vs. Viton
The gasket material decides chemical compatibility. EPDM handles water, food products and many mild chemicals and is the default for food-grade service. Viton (FKM) resists fuels, solvents and aggressive acids. Using the wrong seal causes leaks and swelling, so match it to the liquid, not just the fitting.
Caps and venting
Do not forget the top. A vented cap prevents a vacuum lock when you gravity-drain; a solid cap seals for pumping or transport. For gravity systems, a vented lid is often the difference between a smooth flow and an annoying glug.
Build a small adapter kit
If you run totes regularly, keep a small kit: a camlock set, a garden-hose adapter, spare EPDM and Viton seals, and a vented cap. It turns any tank into the exact fitting the job needs in about a minute.
Published March 12, 2024 · By IBC Solutions Illinois