Descriptions of the types of 55 gallon drums with lists of manufacturers and uses for 55 gallon drums
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A 55 gallon drum is a robust cylindrical container designed for storing a diverse range of materials, such as chemicals, powders, grains, and liquids. These drums are constructed from galvanized steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, and hardened steel. The choice of metal varies depending on the materials slated for storage. Additionally, 55 gallon drums can be fabricated from durable plastics, fiberboard, and even cardboard.
The earliest versions of 55 gallon drums were crafted from wood for the purpose of transporting crude oil.
However, these wooden barrels lacked the necessary size and strength for the rigorous demands of consistent use, as bulk transport largely relied on railways and ships. Elizabeth Cochran Seaman, better known as Nellie Bly, devised a more stable and durable solution by inventing a ribbed steel 55 gallon drum. She patented this creation as a ribbed steel barrel, which could efficiently hold large volumes of oil.
Initially, the Nellie Bly drum was solely utilized for oil transport. This changed in 1914 at the onset of World War I, which necessitated the transport of sulfuric acid. Unfortunately, the steel in the Nellie Bly drum was too thin to safely contain acid, resulting in several mishaps. Charles Draper then developed a mechanism to double seal 12-gauge steel, allowing the drums to securely store caustic acids. Draper’s innovation fundamentally transformed the drum manufacturing industry, setting the stage for the modern 55 gallon drum.
The terms drum and barrel are used interchangeably but have different origins and meanings. Barrel is used for defining quantities of oil while drum is used as an industrial term. Adding to the confusion is the description of barrels and drums where a drum is a cylinder with a skin that can be struck to produce a musical sound while a barrel is wider in the middle than on its top and bottom and is similar to a vat. When discussing storage and shipping equipment, drum and barrel are the same, which is a commonly accepted definition by all industries.
Drums and barrels are made of various materials with steel, plastic, and fiberboard being the most common. Carbon steel, stainless steel, and cold-rolled steels are the most common metals used with some drums being made of aluminum. Plastic 55 gallon drums are made from polymers, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and HDPE. Dense thick fiberboard is the main material for cardboard or fiberboard drums.
Metal drums are an essential part of shipping and have become a necessity for moving a wide variety of materials. The manufacture of metal drums is relatively simple with each step of the manufacturing process being monitored to ensure the integrity of the drums and their compliance with international regulations.
The first step in the manufacturing process is the forming of the tops and bottoms of the drums, which are stamped from coils of metal. The process involves the use of large punch presses that have sufficient force to form the solid pieces. As part of the punching process, the edges of the tops and bottoms are formed such that they will fit snugly on the cylinder of the drum.
The next step in the process is the coating of the top and bottom to seal the metal against environmental conditions. The bottom is set aside and the lid is taken for special treatment, which is a second punching process that forms the bung and vent holes and the insertion of the steel fittings.
The body of the drum is formed from precision cut sheets that are perfectly sized for the dimensions of the drum. A set of rollers curls the cut sheets to form the drum’s main body. The result of the rolling process is a cylinder with a long disconnected seam running its full length. A resistance welder is used to connect the edges of the seam using a high electrical current. The process tightly seals the seam such that the drum is strong, leak proof, and sturdy.
Resistance welding uses electrode wheels to produce the tightly sealed seam. It is an automated process that is completed quickly and safely. As the electrode moves along the seam, it melts the metal to form a semi-molten edge that is pressed together to form the drum. To ensure the strength of the weld, the seam is cooled to create a smooth tight connection.
The metal drum assembly process involves combining the top and bottom of the drum with the welded body cylinder. The seal between the cylinder and top and bottom is made using a process known as chime, which is performed using a set of rollers. In most cases, the chime process is performed more than once to enhance the seal of a drum.
The first chime crimps the top and bottom to attach them to the cylinder. As more chime passes over the top and bottom, they are flattened to create a tighter seal, increasing the connection between the cylinder and the top and bottom. The repetitive chime process ensures that there are no gaps or leaks. This particular method of sealing a 55 gallon drum is for closed head drums that are completely sealed on both ends.
Open head drums do not have the top sealed and have a removable lid. Once the lid is placed on an open head drum, a chime band is attached and locked to hold the lid in place and form a seal. Although most chime bands are used with open head drums, they are also used with closed head drums when the product in a 55 gallon drum expands. Chime bands provide an extra seal to avoid leaks or ruptures to a drum.
The final step in the 55 gallon drum manufacturing process is painting the drum. Although black is the most common color used for 55 gallon drums, they are available in green, blue, and several other colors. In some cases, colors are used to classify the contents of a drum.
The coating or paint for a drum is sprayed on. The particular method varies between manufacturers, which also varies according to the number of coats being applied. What is stored in a 55 gallon drum determines the type of metal used to produce the drum and the coats of paint that are applied.
As with all industrial painting processes, the painted drums are placed on a conveyor that moves them through a dryer. The types of dryers vary but usually include multiple zones such that items being treated are slowly heated as they progress through the zones.
Metal drums are normally made from carbon steel, stainless steel, hardened steel, and alloyed steels. Although steel is not the exclusive metal used for producing 55 gallon drums, it is the most common due to its strength and durability. Regardless of the type of metal, the manufacturing process is the same and follows a strict set of approved steps.
Several methods are used to produce plastic 55 gallon drums with each capable of producing a variety of 55 gallon drums in a wide range of colors. The most used plastic forming methods are blow molding and rotational molding, which are capable of forming large plastic shapes using air pressure and mechanical force. Unlike metal 55 gallon drums that have a set wall thickness, plastic 55 gallon drums are manufactured with differing wall thicknesses based on the type and amount of plastic that is used.
Blow molding begins with the creation of a balloon type shape referred to as a parison. There are several methods used to produce a parison with extrusion being one of the main methods. The parison is formed from plastic resin with the type and texture of the resin being the determining factor regarding the strength and durability of the produced 55 gallon drum.
The key to the manufacture of plastic 55 gallon drums is the type of thermoplastics used to produce them, which include acetal, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, low or high-density polycarbonate, and polypropylene. The type of thermoplastic determines the quality of a 55 gallon drum and its use.
Rotational molding produces large plastic containers and is an ideal process for the manufacture of 55 gallon plastic drums. While blow molding ensures the even distribution of plastic by inflating a parison, rotational molding distributes the melted plastic resin mechanically by continuously rotating the mold .
The term rotational molding encompasses several different processes with rotation of the mold being the unifying concept. The types of rotational molding include clamshell, carousel, shuttle, swing, vertical wheel, rock and roll, and open flame, which is the oldest version of rotational molding. Of the different methods, the carousel method is the most common and widely used. The difficulty with rotational molding is the cost of the process and the time involved. The 55 gallon drums produced by rotational molding have excellent wall thicknesses and are exceptionally sturdy and durable.
The process for all forms of rotational molding begins with milled resin powder that is loaded into the mold. As the mold is rotated, it moves into an oven chamber or is heated using another method. The heating of the mold melts the resin, transforming it into a liquified material that clings to the walls of the mold. The slow rotation of the mold ensures that the melted plastic is evenly distributed to every portion of the mold, a factor that ensures consistent thickness.
Fiber drums are a combination of adhesives and rolls of paper that are rolled on a mandrel. The winding of kraft paper around the mandrel forms long cylindrical tubes that are strong and durable. The quality of the paper and the accuracy of the winding process are critical to determining the characteristics and properties of a fiber drum.
The glue between the layers of kraft paper is a mineral adhesive, which is ideal for eliminating any concerns regarding the formation of mold. Waterproof fiber drums are made with a polyethylene film as an adhesive that increases the rigidity of a fiber drum.
The two types of fiber drums are crimped with metal bottoms and tops and all fiber without any metal parts but with fiber board tops and bottoms. The crimped version of fiber drums is the most common and widely used due to its exceptional strength and long useful life. As part of the tube manufacturing process, various types of linings are added that form a barrier for aggressive products.
After the tubes are cut to the appropriate height, for crimped fiber drums, metal rings are attached to the top and bottom of the drum. The beading process deforms the metal rings or hoops such that they fit snugly and are secured to the body of the drum. They provide reinforcement and ensure consistency. The rings are the foundation for the tops and bottoms of crimped fiber drums and are the structures that hold the tops and bottoms in place.
The construction of fiber drums, regarding their head, is the same as plastic or metal 55 gallon drums. They can be open headed with a removable lid or closed headed with a bung hole. Although fiber drums are less durable than plastic or metal drums, they are ideal for certain products due to their lightweight and ability to be easily handled.
The standard 55 gallon drum is the container of choice for many industries due to its portability and capacity. The petroleum, chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, hazardous waste collection, wastewater treatment, and agriculture industries rely on 55 gallon drums for shipping and storage. Their flexibility and adaptability make them perfect for oil, solvents, chemicals, various food products, and other products.
For inventory purposes, 55 gallon drums can be easily labeled, color coded, have branding imprinted, and can be adorned with elaborate decorative designs. Depending on the design of a 55 gallon drum, bung holes can be added to customize a drum for a specific purpose.
A 55 gallon drum has a capacity of 44 British Imperial gallons, 200 liters, or 55 U.S. gallons. Their diameter is 22.5” (57.15 cm) at a height of 33.5” (85 cm), which creates a volume capacity of 58 gallons or 218.4 liters. Their standardized specifications are essential for fitting drum pumps and mounted blending equipment as well for positioning drums on pallets and pallet racks. Though metal drums are very sturdy, for handling purposes, reinforcement may be added for handling safety.
The main two uses for 55 gallon drums is storage and shipping. Their size, configuration, and portability make them ideal for both applications and is the reason they are still used. Although 55 gallon drums can be open and closed headed, both types are tightly sealed to keep their contents from leaking. Open head 55 gallon drums have a metal strap wrapped around the circumference of their head or lid that seals the drum.
Closed head drums are completely sealed with welded tops and bottoms. All plastic drums begin as closed head drums and are formed as one solid drum. Closed head drums are loaded through bung holes placed in the top of the drums with a second smaller bung hole that provides air circulation. To ensure a tight seal on closed head 55 gallon drums, the bung holes are threaded for a secure fit.
The introduction of 55 gallon drums is directly related to the early days of oil production. When oil was discovered, the primary form of container shipping was slat sided barrels that were sealed with tar. The structure of the barrels was not sturdy enough to hold the oil causing them to leak. The problems with barrels lead to the development of the metal 55 gallon drum.
With the advent of pipelines, oil trucks, and oil tankers, 55 gallon drums were no longer needed and are used today for the delivery of small oil products but are still used as a form of measurement for oil pricing and production.
All forms of 55 gallon drums, fiber, plastic, and metal, are used by the food industry for the storage and delivery of ingredients. They are ideal for large industrial kitchens due to their ease of use and storage capacity. The regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensure that all 55 gallon drums are food safe. This requires manufacturers to get FDA certification prior to labeling a 55 gallon drum as food safe.
Much like the food industry, FDA certification is required for pharmaceutical 55 gallon drums, which are used for storage and transport. Unlike the food industry, many of the materials stored for the pharma industry are toxic and require specially designed 55 gallon drums.
The toxic propensity of chemicals requires that they be stored in tightly sealed containers. The various types of 55 gallon drums, from steel to plastic, are precision made for the protection of workers and the preservation of chemical products. The major concerns for the chemical industry is the flammability, volatility, and hazardousness of chemicals that can be lethal and dangerous.
In essence, any industry that works with powders, granules, liquids, and chemicals rely on the use of 55 gallon drums. They are the most widely used storage device due to their dependability, compact shape, and ease of storage.
A burn barrel is a special type of 55 gallon drum that is used for the disposal of waste and garbage. They are metal barrels made of steel that have been configured for burning of flammable material in isolated areas where there is limited access to waste disposal or dump sites. The construction of burn barrels follows a strict set of standards to ensure the safety of users and local structures.
There are several factors to be considered when initiating the use of Burn barrels, most notable of which is the materials that can be burned. Burn barrel use is covered under state, city, and county regulations regarding air pollution and fire safety. Burn barrels are made from cleaned and treated 55 gallon metal drums. They can be purchased ready for use or be part of a DIY project.
Standard burn barrels have holes drilled in their sides near the bottom for upward air flow. Sealed 55 gallon drums or barrels that come with a lid have several holes drilled in their lid. If the barrel does not have a lid, tight metal mesh is placed over the top of the barrel to prevent ignited materials from escaping.
Water barrels, or rain barrels, are used to collect and store water from runoff through ductwork mounted on the roofs of buildings. They are constructed of plastics, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene, which are the most common materials. Metals, such as aluminum and steel, are also used.
A rain collection device, water barrels capture rainwater that flows through a gutter system or retrieval system into a water barrel. The use of water barrels is economical and eco friendly. They serve as a reservoir to help reduce the amount of water being used. Water barrels make use of a natural resource and conserve the amount of water on a property. The captured water limits the amount of water that is lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains.
Water from water barrels can be used for several applications including washing a vehicle, watering plants, topping a swimming pool, and washing windows. Since rain water is untreated, it does not contain chlorine, lime, or calcium. It is estimated that a water barrel can save a homeowner 1300 gallons of water a year.
Retailers in rural areas sell an assortment of water drums in several sizes and shapes. The most common type of water barrel is made of plastic due to plastic’s resistance to corrosion and rust and its longevity. Although barrels or drums may seem to be the first choice, reconditioned used plastic or steel barrels can be less expensive and just as effective. Light, sturdy, and durable, water barrels made of aluminum are also a viable choice.
The initial 55 gallon drums designed for transporting oil have rapidly grown into an essential storage device for several industries. Made of various forms of steel and light metals, the size of 55 gallon drums fits the quantities and applications necessary for industrial use.
Unlike other forms of shipping and storage containers, 55 gallon drums are sustainable and long lasting. Most types can endure the harsh treatment of truck, ship, and railroad shipping as well as material handling on shipping docks and warehouses.
Barrel manufacturers and 55 gallon drum manufacturers offer different types of products with some manufacturers specializing in plastic 55 gallon drums while others sell only fiber or metal drums. Some of the variable features that are offered include reinforcing rings called chimes, bung holes, mechanical ring clamps and internal coatings. The standard international barrel or drum size is 55 gallons, or 44 imperial gallons.
Metal drums are made from carbon steel, stainless steel and cold rolled steel. Some special types of 55 gallon drums are made from other metals, including aluminum. The choice of type of steel drum is dependent on the application for which it will be used. Carbon steel is often in the handling of hazardous chemicals for chemical processing, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and wastewater industries. Stainless steel is ideal for sanitary applications as well as applications requiring a high degree of corrosion resistance such as food and beverage, industrial manufacturing and construction. Cold rolled steel is best-suited for industries requiring very high tensile strength, such as mining and defense.
The wide variety of plastic drums are made from highly durable plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), nylon, and polystyrene, which are high density plastics capable of withstanding constant handling. Plastic 55 gallon drums are lightweight, flexible and resistant to the effects of solvents, diluted acids, alkalis, and alcohol. They are the preferred choice for shipping food products and chemicals due to their low cost and ability to withstand all environmental conditions.
Fiber drums, also referred to as cardboard drums, are used for storing and shipping of products, such as food stuffs, powders, granule materials, and solids. They are a low-cost alternative to steel and plastic drums and offer the added benefit of being recyclable just like cardboard. Fiber drums are lighter, which results in lower shipping costs. Manufacturers ensure the durability of fiber drums by putting through rugged testing procedures to ensure their structural soundness. Unlike metal drums, there is no danger of fiberboard corroding, which makes them safe for extended periods of storage.
Although the types of material used to manufacture 55 gallon drums is one method of classifying them, the different designs of 55 gallon drums determine their use. The main body of a 55 gallon drum is either metal, plastic, or fiber. The heads or lids and accessories further differentiates the types of drums.
Closed head drums refers to a type of 55 gallon drum that is tightly sealed and incapable of being cracked or opened. For the manufacture of closed head metal 55 gallon drums, the head and bottom of a drum are chimed or welded. In most cases, the welding process involves three steps to ensure a very tight seal. Plastic 55 gallon drums are manufactured as one solid piece without any opening or lid. Fiber 55 gallon drums are sealed by placing layers of craft paper over the head of a drum.
In order to have access to the contents of a closed head drum, bung holes are placed in the head of the drum. Bung holes include threads placed in the top of the drum into which a threaded plug can be placed. Many years ago, bung holes were sealed with large pieces of cork.
Open head 55 gallon drums have a removable lid that is normally locked using a lever lock band. The basic structure of an open head drum is the same as that for closed head drums. The difference being the ability to remove the lid placed on the head. The essential part of an open head drum is the locking mechanism, which applies to fiber, plastic, and metal 55 gallon drums. Although open head drums can have their lid removed, they still need to have a tight secure seal.
The material used for the lid of an open head 55 gallon drum is generally the same as that which is used for the body of the drum. Although this is the standard, there are special varieties of fiber and plastic drums that have metal locking lids.
The popularity of 55 gallon drums extends beyond their use in the United States, which has necessitated the development of standards, regulations, and identification codes for international use. In the latter part of the 20th century, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) developed a Performance Oriented Packaging system that is used as a rating system for packaging materials. The use of the system was accepted by the United Nations to provide uniformity for international shipping.
Packaging identification codes consist of a number, letter, and number. The first number identifies the type of packaging, such as barrel, drum, box, etc. The letter represents the material used to produce the packaging type, such as steel, cardboard, aluminum, and wood. The final number indicates if the packaging type is open or closed headed.
The identification code is followed by the packing group, which identifies the hazard level of the materials being shipped. The three hazard levels are high, medium, and low with X being the most hazardous, Y being medium hazardous and Z indicating no hazard or low level hazard.
The first two sets of identifiers are followed by the hydrostatic pressure test, required for a UN rating, year of manufacture, country of origin, and the manufacturer. Each of these codes and identifiers are understandable around the world and make it easy to determine the method of handling a 55 gallon drum.
Drums classified as 7A Type A have been tested and evaluated for the handling of radioactive materials and are made of carbon steel or stainless steel. To achieve the DOT 7A Type A classification, drums are put through rigorous testing including pressure spray, free dropping, and penetration and stacking tests.
DOT 7A Type A drums are designed as shielding for confined small quantities of Class 7, radioactive materials. They are strictly regulated and come in four classes according to the amount of radioactive material they contain.
As the danger of the radioactive material increases, the sturdier and more durable the type of drum is used. Type A drums have a sealed inner container made of stainless steel or carbon steel with an outer container made of fiberboard or plastic. Under DOT specifications, Type A drums are tested for climate conditions such as heavy rain and being dropped, stacked, and punctured or penetrated. Although 7A Type A drums contain radioactive material, they do not contain enough type 7 radioactive material to damage the environment or become a health hazard.
Radioactive material is defined as any material that has an activity level greater than 0.002 microcuries per gram. Included in this group are pharmaceuticals, medical isotopes, radioactive waste, and radioactive materials for industrial use. The DOT requires strict adherence to these conditions, and producers and manufacturers follow the stipulations to the letter.
Salvage 55 gallon drums are a form of rescue drum that is designed to contain materials from leaking drums. They have a unique structure that enables them to have a leaking, damaged, or out of code drum inside a salvage 55 gallon drum such that dangerous materials are safely placed for shipping. Salvage drums comply with DOT and UN regulations for the handling of dangerous materials.
In order to receive a UN salvage drum classification, they are tested using UN tests 1A2, 1B2, 1N2, or 1H2 and marked for packing group III, minor danger, or higher for liquids and solids. Cushioning material or absorption material inside a 55 gallon salvage drum prevents the damaged packaging from shifting and provides a tight seal. The drums are marked with Roman numerals that identify the dangerous material, its hazard level, and any other information. The word “SALVAGE” is printed on the drum in large letters.
Salvage 55 gallon drums are made of heavy duty plastic and steel. When choosing a salvage drum, it is important to have the exact dimensions of the material to be placed in the drum such that the salvage drum perfectly fits the material. Plastic salvage drums are bright yellow while steel salvage drums are a darker yellow with red or yellow covers.
Overpack 55 gallon drums have smaller drums placed inside them for extra protection and safety. Unlike salvage drums, containers placed in overpack drums are intact. They provide an extra level of protection for the transport of all forms of toxic or poisonous materials. Since overpack drums can perform the functions that are similar to salvage drums, some versions are classified as salvage drums.
TIH overpack drums are subjected to rigorous UN tests, including 1A2. Additionally, they are able to endure 15 psi hydrostatic pressure and meet code 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that covers protection for humans. The DOT and UN have designated 218 hazardous materials being TIH/PIH substances to be shipped in overpack drums.
In order to adhere to UN and DOT standards, steel overpack drums are open head drums with a tightly sealed top with bolt rings or lever locks. Plastic overpack 55 gallon drums have screw on lids, lever locks, or bolt locks.
Seamless crevice free nitric drums are specialty drums designed to handle volatile and dangerous substances. Manufacturers of seamless crevice free nitric drums are required to adhere to the stipulations regarding the handling of nitric acid for the safety of their customers and the environment.
There are several regulations, requirements, and standards in regard to the transportation of nitric acid, which is transported in concentrations of 65% to 75% and 95% to 98%. Seamless crevice free nitric drums are made of stainless steel grades 316L and 304 due to their low corrosion rate and approval for the transport of concentrations of 65% to 75%. The transport of higher concentrations of nitric acid requires special study and analysis of the concentration, temperature, metal, and conditions of transport and necessitates the use of specially designed drums.
Nitric acid is a lethal substance that is toxic, corrosive, and a powerful oxidizing agent that can become explosive or flammable when it interacts with other compounds. Seamless crevice free nitric drums are resistant to oxidation and the effects of nitric acid. They have seamless bottoms with crevice free interiors and rust inhibitor linings.
Seamless process drums have smooth sides without crevices for capturing bacteria. They are designed for the storage and shipment of pharmaceutical products, food processing, and personal care products. Lids for seamless process drums are sealed with bolt rings or lever locks over lids with covered gaskets for a tight seal.
The types of seamless drums are produced by spinning raw metal to align its grain structure with repeated passes and tool work to increase the hardness of the material. Metals for spinning seamless drums are annealed before and during the manufacturing process to further enhance the drums properties. The seamless structure of seamless process drums eliminates product contamination and reduces cleaning time.
Seamless process drums are durable and designed to comply with domestic and international regulations. They are manufactured to prevent the contamination of their contents and prevent the growth of bacteria. Seamless process drums meet the highest sanitary standards and are thicker, heavier, and stronger than traditional 55 gallon industrial drums. Their lids are sealed using bolt locks and lever locks.
Used 55 gallon drums are drums that have undergone reconditioning for reuse. The drum refurbishing process includes multiple steps that are designed to clean and sanitate for repurposing. In essence, after a 55 gallon drum has undergone reconditioning, it is as viable as a brand new 55 gallon drum. A cost effective alternative to new 55 gallon drums, refurbished, used drums are an essential part of multiple industrial operations and meet the regulations of the UN and DOT.
Growing environmental concerns has led to companies finding ways to repurpose, recondition, and reusing discarded 55 gallon drums. After proper cleaning and remanufacturing, discarded 55 gallon drums are used as trash bins, rain barrels, compost bins, horse feeders, deer feeders, horse racing barrels, flotation devices, and burn barrels.
Companies that refurbish and recondition 55 gallon drums label the drums as to their former purpose. Markers, printed on the sides of the drums, indicate how a drum was used, such as “food grade,” “non-food grade,” “open top”, “closed top”, “hazardous waste”, or “tight head”. The descriptors identify what was stored in a drum and serve as a safety precaution.
Used 55 gallon drums are evaluated as to their condition and classified as reusable, non-reusable, or for recycling. The distinction between the categories is in accordance with the physical condition of a drum. Drums that contained chemicals, glue, surfactants, and hard to clean materials are classified as non-reusable. Additionally, 55 gallon drums with holes, cracks, ruptures, or other forms of serious damage are defined as unable to be refurbished or reconditioned. Although they may not be able to be reused, their metal may be able to be recycled.
The group of 55 gallon drums that stored volatile, hazardous, or unsafe substances and materials are carefully evaluated to determine if they are worth the expense of refurbishing. Such drums are examined in accordance with a checklist to see if they qualify for refurbishing. If a drum is worth processing, it is subjected to several operations that include sanitization, cleaning, and decontamination.
When making the decision to purchase a used 55 gallon drum, it is important to deal with companies that specialize in 55 gallon drum reconditioning. They can address any concerns and provide helpful information. Professional reconditioners have years of experience. Discarded drums from landfills and dumps can be dangerous and should be avoided
Regardless of the purpose for which a 55 gallon drum is to be used, it is essential to deal with experts in the field of drum reconditioning. In most instances, 55 gallon drums that have been processed by experts are as reliable as brand new drums.
used drums saves money, helps the environment, and repurposes valuable assets. In the 1970s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the “Three R’s” program of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to increase awareness regarding environmental issues. Refurbishing companies have developed processes for reconditioning used plastic drums or recycled them for their plastics.
Used plastic 55 gallon drums are cleaned using hot water under high pressure with a mild surfactant cleaning solution. Once sanitized, the drums are subjected to leak tests to check for their compliance with federal codes. Since plastic 55 gallon drums are made from highly durable plastics, if they fail the final tests, they are submitted for recycling.
The decontamination of plastic 55 gallon drums can be difficult and is dependent on the type of plastic used to initially form them. The variety of plastic 55 gallon drums includes open and closed head and sealed drums. When selecting a refurbished plastic drum, it is important to know the plastic used to make it, a factor that determines how a drum can be used.
Plastic 55 gallon drums are a popular choice for storage and shipping. They are cost effective, durable, long lasting, and versatile. When they have outlived their usefulness, they can be refurbished for further use or have their plastic recycled, which is one of the reasons for their wide use. Plastic takes many years to degrade and decompose. During that time, the chemicals in the plastic leach into the soil and contaminate the water supply. It is for this reason that plastic drum manufacturers work to reuse plastic drums or recycle their plastic.
There is a long list of companies that have successfully reconditioned used plastic 55 gallon drums and repurposed them. In the majority of cases, used plastic drums have sufficient structure to comply with UN standards. Reconditioned plastic drums are used for transporting food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
Manufacturers of 55 gallon drums offer different materials that best fit a customer’s needs. Common materials are steel, plastic and thick paperboard. Most producers specialize in one type of material for their products since attempting to manufacture all forms can be expensive with some offering one or two types of material or a selection.
Steel 55 gallon drums are made from carbon or stainless steel that is cold rolled at room temperature for hardening and shaping. Carbon steel barrels are made for handling wastewater, chemicals, petroleum, and medical products. Stainless steel drums comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for sanitation and health requirements for the storage of food products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and hazardous materials.
Plastic drums are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are corrosion resistant and highly durable. They are produced using rotational molding and blow molding.
Fiber drums, or cardboard drums, are a low-cost alternative to steel or plastic drums, recyclable, and safe and sanitary. For reinforcement and heavy duty uses, metal rings can be added at the top and bottom or metal covers. There are government regulations regarding the manufacture of fiber drums that stipulate government and international standards.
Since cardboard is lightweight and easy to handle, fiber drums reduce shipping costs and provide a convenient means of storage for a wide variety of products. Despite what may appear to be the flimsiness of cardboard, fiber drums are durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions of shipping but are not suitable for outdoor storage. They can easily be produced to match customer design requirements.
Drum manufacturers have a variety of types to fit an assortment of conditions. All forms of 55 gallon drums come with open removable or hinged tops or closed tops with one or two openings. They can be produced with reinforcing rings, belts, or chimes, bung holes, clamps, and various types of coatings.
National and international governments and organizations have regulations regarding drum specifications. The more serious and hazardous the contents of a drum, the greater the number of requirements. Manufacturers supply literature and documentation that delineates how their products may be used and their compliance with international and federal regulations. A careful study of the available information can serve as a guide when purchasing storage and shipping drums.
Industrial drums are the oldest form of shipping and storage containers. As with all types of drums, industrial drums can be open or closed. Steel, plastic, and fiber or cardboard are typically used with steel and plastic being the most common for industrial use. The choice of material depends on the industry and the product to be stored.
Most 55 gallon drums are for industrial use though they may be seen in retail stores, on farms or dairies, and as part of recycling and trash pickup. The uses and purposes of 55 gallon drums are endless and growing. From their beginnings as a means to ship crude oil, they have grown to be an essential part of every industry.
Producers of solvents, chemicals, powdered goods, and lubricants depend on heavy plastic 55 gallon drums to ship their products due to plastic 55 gallon drum’s tight seamless construction. Closed plastic 55 gallon drums keep liquids isolated and prevent spillage. Computerized loading releases the exact amount to fill the container to avoid waste.
The pharmaceutical industry uses several types of barrels, which provide precise and accurate amounts of chemicals. Since much of what is produced by the pharmaceutical industry involves controlled substances, an exact accounting of substances is crucial.
From farming and construction to military and research projects, 55 gallon drums are essential and critical for storing and transporting materials. When warehouse managers consider storing and shipping liquids, powders, granular substances, and seed materials, their first choice is a 55 gallon drum.
Drum reconditioning is an essential and necessary industry that reprocesses and sanitizes discarded storage drums to make them useful. The disposal of storage drums can create environmental hazards especially when the drums have been used for chemical and toxic materials. The removal of 55 gallon drums from landfills, dumps, and long term storage benefits the environment and repurposes them for useful functions.
The reconditioning process requires several steps, which include cleaning, restoring, testing, and certification to meet industry standards. Each of the materials used to produce 55 gallon drums has a set of cleaning and refurbishing requirements, which have to be followed to avoid contamination and provide safety.
When making the decision to purchase used steel drums, it is important to know the difference between reconditioned steel drums, refurbished steel drums, and used steel drums. Several companies sell used steel drums at very low prices, which may be a viable choice but can be dangerous since used steel 55 gallon drums have not undergone reconditioning. Reconditioned steel 55 gallon drums are cleansed, sanitized, reshaped, and repaired to remove any chemicals and residue.
The two methods for reconditioning steel drums are thermal cleaning and aquatic cleaning. Thermal cleaning is a heat treatment used on drums that once contained thick substances such as paints, resins, tar, and adhesives. The process of thermal cleaning involves running the drums through a furnace at temperatures near 1200°F (649°C) to burn off any residual materials that may be clinging to the walls of the drums. To comply with environmental regulations and air pollution standards, the exhaust from the burning process passes through an after burner at 1800°F (982°C) to prevent any toxins from escaping into the atmosphere.
The thermal cleaned 55 gallon drums are straightened, chimed, and have dents removed to restore their initial shape and structure. After the reshaping, the drums are shot blasted to remove ash from the thermal process and any exterior paint. The drums are allowed to cool before being painted and coated. Reconditioned drums are inspected, tested, and examined to ascertain their compliance with DOT and UN regulations.
The aquatic or washing process is used to remove oils, soaps, solvents, cleaners, and other liquids using pressure washing combined with alkaline solutions and steam. After rinsing and drying, the drums are subjected to the straightening, chiming, and having their dents removed. As with the thermal process, the drums are shot blasted to remove any residue and paint. After shot blasting, they are coated, painted, and inspected for compliance with DOT and UN regulations.
Since fiber drums are used to store cleaning products, various powders, metal parts, and food products, they need to be inspected for the viability of refurbishing them. Once approved, reconditioning includes removing all labels and cleaning the interior using forced air, high pressure steam, or alkaline. After being cleaned, they are formed and shaped to match their original design and have their accessories reattached.
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