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Introduction
This Article takes an In-depth look at Storage 55 Gallon Drums
You will learn more about topics such as:
History of the 55 Gallon Drum
Types of Drums and Barrels
Types of 30 Gallon Storage Drums and Barrels
Reconditioned Drums
55 Gallon Drums
The History of the 55 Gallon Drum
The 55 gallon drum came into existence over a hundred years ago during the early discovery of oil. At the time, methods used to transport crude were not sufficient to meet the growing demand and bulk transport was limited to water or railways. The problem of how to move large amounts of oil in a safe and efficient way perplexed engineers until a newspaper woman and owner of Clad Manufacturing, Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman, aka Nellie Bly, designed and patented a ribbed steel barrel with enough capacity to carry large amounts of crude safely.
At its introduction, the Nellie Bly oil drum, or 55 gallon drum, was used exclusively for the transport of oil and did not seem to have any other purpose until the First World War. The war effort required the shipment of sulfuric acid to the European theater, and 55 gallon drums seemed to be the perfect solution. Unfortunately, the steel used to make the drums was too thin to contain acid, which led to several disasters. Charles Draper took on the problem and developed a method for double sealing 12 gauge steel making it capable of storing acids. His astonishing invention revolutionized the drum industry and the transport of liquids that is still used today.
The Manufacturing of 55 Gallon Drums or Barrels
The terms drum and barrel are interchangeable though they do have different origins. Barrel was used and is still used for determining quantities of oil while drum is used as an industrial term. Added to the confusion is the description of each 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 the top or bottom 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.
The three basic materials for the manufacture of drums, or barrels, are steel, plastic, or paperboard or fiber board. Carbon, stainless, and cold-rolled steels are the most common metals though there are other less used varieties. Some of the varieties of polymers for the manufacture of plastic 55 gallon drums are polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and HDPE. Dense thick fiberboard is the main material for cardboard or fiberboard drums.
Stainless steel, used to make 55 gallon drums, is a special type of alloyed steel that contains chromium and other alloys to increase its hardness. The combination of steel, chromium, and alloys determines the grade of stainless steel and its usage. The most common grades used in manufacturing are 304 and 316 where grade 304 has exceptionally high tensile strength and grade 316 has high resistant chlorides.
Steel drums are made using roll forming and welding. In roll forming, sheets of steel are rolled into ring shapes by the force of roller die pairs placed above and below the sheets. As the sheets are fed through the roll forming machine, the rollers bend them along their linear axis. After the sheets have been rolled into ring shapes, a base is welded on one or both ends of the body.
Blow molding is used to produce plastic drums where molten plastic resin is shaped into a parison, a tube-like plastic piece with a hole at one end for compressed air to pass. The blow mold machine pushes a metal ram into the parison expanding it until it reaches the shape of the finished drum. A blow pin forces air pressure inside the parison making it a balloon to fit the shape of the mold cavity. The formed drum is cooled by cold water run through the mold cavity or the evaporation of volatile fluids.
Fiber drums are produced on a production line with body makers, ring fixing, lid fixing, and disc cutting machines. Extra reinforcement is added by welded steel rings at the base of the drum, a quarter way up from the bottom and a quarter way down from the top. Reinforcing rings, or corrugations, strengthen the sides of the barrel to prevent it from denting or being punctured.
All 55 gallon drums or barrels are produced either open or closed lid. The open lid variety has a removable lid made of steel, tin, aluminum, or some other material. Closed lid drums are completely sealed with one or two openings or bungs for venting and dispensing.
Uses For The 55 Gallon Drums Or Barrels
The 55 gallon drum has become the industry's container of choice due to its portability and capacity. Industries such as petroleum, chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, hazardous waste collection, wastewater treatment, and agriculture rely on them for shipping and storing. Their flexibility and adaptability make them perfect for oil, solvents, chemicals, various food products, and a wide expansive array of other uses.
For inventory and storage purposes, as well as identification ofthe contents, 55 gallon drums can be easily labeled, color coded, have branding imprinted, and be adorned with elaborate decorative designs. One or multiple bung holes can be added to customize it for a specific purpose. Though covers for 55 gallon drums are generally made of steel similar to the drum, there are other types of metal or fabrics that can be added.
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 extra handling safety.
Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers
Types of Drums and Barrels
30 Gallon Barrels
A barrel is a cylindrical container that holds or transports liquids, solids or powders. Traditionally, barrels have been made of wood, but modern barrels are also routinely made of metal or plastic. The word "barrel" is often used interchangeable with "drum," and the two are almost identical. 30 gallon barrels are barrels of medium size, and they have use in many industries, depending on their composition. 30 gallon barrels are barrels of medium size, and they have use in many industries, depending on their composition.
Barrels are customizable to fit many needs. For example, plastic 30 gallon barrels may be equipped with wheels. Such barrels are often used in spill kits and salvaging. Plastic barrels may also be made in a number of colors, which aids in differentiation and distinction. Additionally, 30 gallon barrels may be ordered with accessories such as covers, recycling lids, steel drums, safety funnels, inspection lights, heaters, measures and gauges.
30 Gallon Drums
30 gallon drums are medium-sized industrial drums. Drums, also commonly called barrels, are cylindrical containers used to ship and store. Usually made of steel, dense paperboard (fiber) or plastics, they generally transport and hold liquids and powders. Thirty gallon drums are useful in many industries, such as lawn and garden, food, disaster and emergency planning, aviation, defense, automotive and laboratory research.
Aside from their base materials, 30 gallon drums have many variable features and accessories that further specify their uses and capabilities. Plastic, steel and stainless steel drums may have either an open top or a closed top. An open top may be completely separate and removable, or it may still be attached. Open top drums may come with bolt rings, rubber gaskets or quick lock technology to aid in their reliability and prevent spillage. Closed top drums feature one or two openings to pour and vent drum contents, which can be closed with a stopper called a bung.
30 Gallon Plastic Drums
Among the most versatile industrial drums are 30 gallon plastic drums. These drums, generally made from high-density polyethylene or polyethylene resin plastic, are built to withstand the outdoor elements and a wide range of temperatures and weights. Their source materials may be manipulated to pass FDA standards for food or pharmaceutical storage. 30 gallon plastic drums may be used at parks or in public spaces for garbage disposal or recycling. A customer may even order plastic recycling lids to convert his or her drum into a receptacle appropriate for festivals, carnivals and other crowded outdoor events. These may also be used by survivalists to store materials or collect rain as water barrels.
30 Gallon Steel Drums
Thirty gallon steel drums can be customized in a number of ways. First, they may be fitted with a number of different lining styles. An unlined interior, for example, can be plain steel or steel sprayed with a rust inhibitor. Internal linings come in a large range, including but not limited to, phenolic coating, epoxy-phenolic coatings from specialty coating suppliers. Not to be confused with linings, 30 gallon steel drums also have liner options, which can be ordered as accompanying accessories. Round bottom or molded liners are recommended liners for open top steel drums. Round bottom liners are made from clear, low-density polyethylene plastic and shape themselves to the drum, which creates a seal without gathering in the creases. Round bottom liners work very well with drums used for bulk processing and packaging of food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, adhesives, sealants, coatings, and powdered products.
Molded liners used by 30 gallon steel drums are also made from low-density polyethylene, which can either be ordered in a smooth or accordion style. Smooth liners offer full product recovery, while accordion liners can be adjusted to varying heights. Molded liners have a lip that holds them in place against the drum. These liners are best put to use with drums that need to withstand high stress applications, such as high speed mixing and pumping of viscous materials, as they will not bend or crack.
55 Gallon Drums
55 gallon drums are cylindrical containers used for shipping bulk goods. 55 gallon drums are large, cylindrical industrial containers with a nominal capacity of 55 gallons that are mainly used for shipping and storage applications. One of the oldest types of containers, 55 gallon drums are primarily for transporting and storing bulk goods, which are most often liquids.
These drums cover a wide range of applications in industries such as petroleum, chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, hazardous waste collection, waste water treatment and agriculture. 55 gallon drums are a great way to send off cargo in bulk because of their great capacity and stackability. Drums and barrels are also sustainable because they are frequently used more than once. Because they can be repurposed in so many different and creative ways, 55 gallon drums enjoy a particularly strong reputation as eco-friendly packaging.
Barrel Manufacturers
Barrel manufacturers offer products with both major types of barrel tops, the open top and the welded top. Open top barrels have lids that are either hinged or fully removable, while welded top barrels have, as their name suggests, lids that are welded to them. Other variable features that barrel manufacturers offer include reinforcing rings called chimes, bung holes, mechanical ring clamps and internal coatings. The standard international barrel size is 55 gallons, or 44 imperial gallons. In the US, barrel manufacturers sell 30 gallon drums as well.
Before purchasing or ordering industrial barrels, potential customers should make sure they know any and all standards or regulations associated with their application. If they are shipping material from within the United States to another country, for example, customers should be aware of the performance and construction regulations put forth by the UN, the country to which they are shipping their goods and the carrier they are using. Equipped with this knowledge, they will be better able to confer with barrel manufacturers to find the right fit for them.
Burn Barrels
A burn barrel is a special type of drum that is used for the disposal of waste and garbage. It is a metal barrel made of steel that has been adjusted, configured, and shaped for burning of flammable materials, such as paper products and yard waste. In the majority of cases, burn barrels are used in remote areas where there is limited access to waste disposal or dump sites.
Although the concept of Burn barrels seems to be convenient and easy, there are several factors that have to be considered when initiating the use of a burn barrel, the most notable of which is the materials that can be burned. Additionally, the use of burn barrels is covered under state, city, and county regulations regarding air pollution and fire safety. Burn barrels are made from 55 gallon metal barrels that have been cleansed of toxic or harmful substances. They can be purchased ready for use or be a part of a DIY project.
There are features of a burn barrel that should be strictly followed to ensure the safety of users. A standard burn barrel has several holes drilled in the sides of the barrel near the bottom for upward air flow. Sealed 55 gallon drums or barrels that come with a lid have several holes drilled in the lid. If the barrel does not have a lid, some form of tight metal mesh is placed over the top of the barrel to prevent ignited materials from escaping.
The shaping of a burn barrel is the initial step in its use. Other preparations are in regard to the placement of the barrel, which has to be several yards away from any structures. The first step in the placement process is the foundation or platform for a burn barrel, which can be bricks, cinder blocks, or other solid firm non-flammable supports. The foundation should not be more than four to six inches off the surface where the barrel is placed but sufficiently high to allow for air flow.
Additional preparations include the area where the burn barrel is placed, which must be flat and level to prevent the burn barrel from tipping or shifting while in use. The ground around a burn barrel should be stripped and be a solidly packed dirt circle with a diameter of ten to twelve feet. After materials are ignited, users should be outside the circle.
Beyond the cleared circle, all buildings should be several feet away with a preferable distance of over thirty feet or ten yards. Fire retardants, water, sand, or other extinguishing materials should be kept inside the circle as a safety measure. They should be easily and quickly accessible.
Included in the regulations of burn barrel use is how to fill them. For safety reasons, burn barrels should only be filled halfway with the largest items placed on the bottom and smaller lighter ones placed on top. The barrel should never be filled to the top to avoid burning debris from being blown away. Piles of waste waiting to be burned should be placed ten yards from the barrel. The burning contents should be completely burned before reloading the barrel.
Burn barrels can be lit by dropping a match onto the light flammable material at the top of the loaded waste. The favored method is using a long stemmed lighter that is used for lighting fireplaces and barbecues. Accelerants such as gas, kerosene, or lighter fluid are not recommended and should be avoided. In many cases, it takes several tries to light a burn barrel. Each attempt should be completed following the same steps and requires patience.
As with every aspect of burn barrels, the selection process requires careful separation of the materials that are appropriate for burning. Waste materials should be separated and categorized according to their combustibility. Plastics, fertilizers, detergents, coated boxes, paint cans, and any other materials that have chemicals associated with them should be avoided at all cost. Such materials should be collected and taken to an appropriate waste disposal location.
State and county ordinances supply lists of items that are appropriate for disposal using a burn barrel and can answer any questions. It is strongly advised that all users pay close attention to such regulations for safety reasons. Burn barrels can be an easy solution to the removal of waste and successfully used with the proper precautions.
Fiber Drums
Fiber drums, also referred to as cardboard drums, are used for the storing and shipping of a number of different products including food stuffs, liquids and solids. They are a low-cost alternative to more expensive steel and plastic drums and barrels and offer the added benefit of being recyclable in the same method as other cardboard products.
The benefits for using fiber drums beyond the reduced costs and the possibility of recycling include the lightweight property of paperboard. When compared to the weight of stainless steel and even plastic drums, fiber drums offer a much lighter alternative, and for many shipping purposes, lighter weight materials will result in lower shipping costs. They are still durable products and many manufacturers will put fiber drums through similarly rugged testing procedures as other types of drums in order to ensure their structural soundness. Unlike other metal drums, there is no danger of fiberboard corroding and therefore it is safe to use for extended periods of storage.
Metal Drums
Metal drums are large, cylindrical containers formed from metallic materials that are used to store or transport liquids or solids, although liquids are much more common. The most common type of metal used in manufacturing industrial drums is steel and it is rare that a different metal would be used. The three main types of steel used to fabricate drums are carbon steel, stainless steel and cold rolled steel. Carbon steel is steel that has carbon as the primary alloying constituent, and the properties of the metal are determined by how much carbon it contains. Although carbon steel is generally fairly corrosion resistant, stainless steel is more so due to the addition of a minimum amount of chromium, typically 10.5 – 11%. Cold rolled steel is steel that has undergone a cold hardening process in which the steel is rolled at room temperature in order to preserve its original crystalline structure.
Each of these different types of steel are better suited for certain industries and applications: for instance, carbon steel is often used 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; and cold rolled steel is best-suited for industries requiring very high tensile strength, such as mining and defense.
Plastic Drums
Industrial 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 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.
The processes used to manufacture plastic drums are blow molding, injection molding, and rotational molding, each of which uses plastic pellets or resin. All three methods have different shaping processes but all begin by melting plastic pellets into a molten form. The variations in the processes are in regard to how the molten material is formed.
Rotational molding is normally used for the manufacturing of large plastic drums and begins by placing molten plastic inside of a mold that has the desired drum shape. After the molten material is loaded, the mold is heated and rotated in order to disperse the molten plastic over the walls of the mold. The thickness and shape of the drum determines how long the rotation continues with thicker sides requiring more time. Once the proper shape and thickness is achieved, the mold is cold, and the drum is ejected.
As with rotational molding, blow molding begins with molten plastic. In the case of blow molding, the plastic is melted and extruded to form a parison that has the shape of a long tube of plastic. The parison is clamped into the halves of a mold that has the shape of the drum. The bottom end of the parison is sealed tight while the upper end has a single small hole. Compressed air is shot through the small hole in the parison to force the plastic against the walls of halves of the mold. Once the plastic material cools and solidifies, it is ejected from the mold.
The injection molding process involves the use of an extruder that melts the plastic pellets by forcing them down the barrel of the extruder using a screw. The movement of the screw forces the molten plastic toward a die located at the end of the barrel. The process increases the pressure on the molten material and forces it into a die in the shape of a plastic drum. Once the plastic cools, it is ejected and finished.
Plastic drums come in all shapes and sizes from small ten gallon drums up to ones that are 70 or 80 gallon size. They are one of the most dependable and durable types of containers and are used by several industries as replacements for steel or metal drums.
Steel Barrels
Steel barrels are used widely for mixing, storing, dispensing and filtering process applications for a variety of liquid and solid materials. Constructed most often from carbon steel or stainless steel, steel barrels or steel drums are durable and cost-effective, allowing a manufacturer to get many uses from the same drum and then recycle it once it is finished being used.
Due to their sealed and durable exteriors, certain barrels may be specifically designed to carry flammable, toxic and otherwise hazardous waste materials in order to dispose of them or relocate them to an area in which they may be used. Steel barrels are used to ensure that the materials are not leaked or exposed at any point along their transportation route. Any number of liquids or solids, or a combination of the two may be stored or transported in steel barrels.
Steel Drums
Steel drums are a type of industrial drum, or barrel, named after the material with which they are made. Specifically, a steel drum may be made either from stainless steel, which is alloyed with chromium, or regular carbon steel. Steel drums, also known as 55-gallon drums are used both for transportation and storage, though, most often, they are used for the former. They are utilized by a wide range of industries, for which they transport and store a variety of liquids, solids, gasses, and powders. Most steel drums used in industrial manufacturing must meet not only UN regulation standards, but the US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation standards as well.
7A Type A Drum
Drums that have been classified as 7A Type A have been tested and evaluated for the handling of radioactive materials. They come in 10 gallon, 85 gallon, and 110 gallon sizes 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.
Excepted – very low amounts
Industrial – radioactive waste
Type A – non-life endangering amounts
Type B – contains the highest amount of life endangering radioactive materials
As the danger of the radioactive material increases, the sturdier and more durable the type of drum has to be.
Type A drums have a sealed inner container made of stainless steel or carbon steel and an outer container made of fiberboard or plastic. Under DOT specifications, Type A drums are tested for climate conditions such as heavy rainfall, being dropped, being stacked, and being 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 to 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 definition are radio-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.
Lever Lock Closure Drums
Lever locks are a quick and easy method for opening storage drums. They provide a tight seal when in the locked position and easy access when unlocked. Lever locks are used on drums for applications when a drum needs to be opened multiple times in non-critical conditions.
A lever lock consists of a large round metal grooved circle that has a latch attached on one side of the circle. There are various designs of lever locks that are unique and constructed for different types of drums. The lever lock mechanism can be situated on the inside of the circle and lock by forcing the disconnected portion of the circle together. In other designs, a metal loop slips over a bracket located on the exterior of the circle. The loop is attached to a handle. When the loop is placed inside the bracket on the circle, the handle is very slowly pushed against the circle to form a secure tight lock.
The wide use of lever locks is due to their reliability, flexibility, easy installation, and durability in the face of frequent use. Although lever locks are predominantly used on
storage drums, they can be found on other round containers such as paint cans and buckets. Lever locks are made of various metals depending on the needs of an application and may be spray painted or have a baked on coating. They come in standard sizes to fit traditional drums and can be customized to fit unique conditions.
The use of lever locks is normally in conjunction with a lid with a gasket attached. When installing a lever lock, it is essential to ensure that the gasket for the lid for the drum is securely placed. For placement of a lever lock and its ring on a drum, the lever lock is in the open position such that the ring is larger than the lid of the drum. Once the side of the ring opposite the lever lock is positioned on the lid of the drum, the lever lock is slowly closed such that the ring fits snuggly and tightly over the lid.
The purpose of lever locks is to prevent the contents of a drum from spilling or escaping by sealing the lid of a drum. They also serve as a security measure and can be designed with a hole for the placement of a padlock or other form of lock. Although they are not designed for storage of critical materials, they still perform as a type of security measure.
Salvage Drum
Salvage drums are designed to contain hazardous materials that have been packed in damaged, defective, or leaking drums or containers. When the situation arises, leaking damaged drums are placed inside a salvage drum with cushioning or absorbent when needed. Once securely placed in the salvage drum, the leaking content is ready for shipment. To be classified as a salvage drum, they must meet DOT and UN regulations for the handling of dangerous materials that have leaked.
For a salvage drum to be approved, they must be tested using UN tests 1A2, 1B2, 1N2, or 1H2 and marked for packing group III, indicating minor danger, or higher standards for liquids and solids. Cushioning material or absorption material must be capable of preventing the damaged packaging from shifting and be tightly closed. The drum should be marked on its sides, printed in Roman print, with the name of the dangerous material, its hazard level class, and any other pertinent information. The word “SALVAGE” must be printed on the drum 12 mm (0.5 inch) high.
Salvage drums are made of heavy duty plastic and steel and are available in sizes ranging from 20 gallons up to 100 gallons. 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.
Toxic or Poisonous by Inhalation (TIH) (PIH) Overpack Drum
An overpack drum is made of highly durable material. They are designed to have a smaller drum placed inside them for extra protection and safety. Unlike salvage drums, containers placed in overpack drums are normally intact without damage, leaks, holes, or any form of defects. They are essentially an extra safety measure for the transport of all forms of materials including ones that are toxic or poisonous.
Since overpack drums can perform the same functions as salvage drums, some versions of overpack drums can be classified as salvage drums. It is critical to understand that overpack drums are not salvage drums even though they may be used as salvage drums. Essentially, salvage drums are a form and type of overpack drum since they operate in the same principles as an overpack drum.
TIH overpack drums have to pass the same rigorous UN tests that salvage drums do including 1A2. Additionally, they have to have a 15 psi hydrostatic pressure and adhere to Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) code 45 that covers protection for humans. The DOT and the UN have designated 218 hazardous materials being TIH/PIH substances to be shipped in overpack drums.
TIH overpack drums come in a variety of shapes and sizes with the majority being made of high density plastic or steel. In order to adhere to UN and DOT standards, steel overpack drums are required to have a top with a tight seal, which can be a bolt ring or lever lock. Plastic drums can have a screw on top lid, lever lock, or bolt lock for tight and secure connections.
Seamless Crevice Free Nitric Drum
Seamless crevice free nitric drums are a specialized form of drum that is designed to handle a highly volatile and dangerous substance. Manufacturers that produce seamless crevice free nitric drums strictly adhere to 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 stainless steel’s low corrosion rate. They have been approved 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 one of the most lethal substances that is transported in drums. It is highly toxic, extremely 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 with rust inhibitor linings.
Seamless Process Drum
Seamless process drums are manufactured with smooth sides without crevices since crevices and hoops are capable of capturing bacteria. They have straight sides and smooth interiors for the storage of pharmaceutical products, food processing, and personal care products. They can be sealed with a bolt ring or lever lock over a lid with a cover gasket for a tight seal.
The various types of seamless drums are produced by spinning the 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 extremely durable and pure to comply with domestic and international regulations. They are designed to prevent any contamination of the contents of the drum and prohibit the growth of bacteria. Seamless process drums are required to meet the highest sanitary standards and are thicker, heavier, and stronger than traditional industrial drums. Their lids are sealed using bolt locks and lever locks that produce a tight even seal.
Used Drums
Used drums can be either plastic or steel drums that have undergone the reconditioning process to ensure optimum repeat use. Whereas in drum reconditioning, the drum is not often altered with new materials or parts (except for the lid), remanufactured drums must undergo a much more intense process, changing many aspects of the old drum.
More cost-effective than newly manufactured drums, used drums are utilized in wide-spread industries such as: industrial manufacturing, for storage and transport of various chemicals required for machinery and manufacturing processes; automotive and aerospace, for material handling of oils and other chemicals required for proper maintenance and functioning of vehicles; medical and pharmaceutical, for material handling of potentially hazardous materials; and food and beverage, for proper sanitary handling of food and liquids of various viscosities.
Used 55 Gallon Drums
With growing environmental concerns, companies are finding ways to repurpose, recondition, and reusing discarded 55 gallon drums that no longer have industrial use. Even though they are no longer useful as shipping and storage containers, they are still viable and sturdy enough for other uses. 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.
Used 55 gallon drums must meet specific standards and be labeled before being contributed or sold. To identify how a drum may have been used, markers are printed on the sides as indicators such as “food grade,” “non-food grade,” “open top”, “closed top”, “hazardous waste”, or “tight head”. These descriptors identify the previous contents of a drum and serve as a safety measure for those who intend to repurpose a drum.
The first step in the assessment of used 55 gallon drums is an evaluation of their condition and classifying them as reusable, non-reusable, or ones for crushing. The distinction between the categories is in accordance with the physical condition of a drum. Drums that have contained chemicals, glue, surfactants, and hard to clean materials are considered to be non-reusable. Those that have holes, cracks, or ruptures and are badly damaged also fit into that category. Although they may not be able to be reconditioned, their metal content may be able to be recycled.
For 55 gallon drums that stored volatile, hazardous, or unsafe substances and materials, there are companies capable of reconditioning and refurbishing them. Such drums are carefully inspected and evaluated since the reconditioning process is time consuming and expensive. Reconditioning companies determine if a drum is worth processing and use precision methods to sanitize, clean, and decontaminate drums.
When making the decision to purchase or receive a used 55 gallon drum, it is best to research the company or person. Professional reconditioners are the best choice since they have years of experience and know how. Taking a drum from a landfill or dump site is irresponsible, dangerous, and should be avoided.
Although there may be a temptation to recondition or refurbish a 55 gallon drum as a DIY project, there are several factors to consider. The use of 55 gallon drums covers a wide spectrum of applications from the storage of granular materials to the storage of caustic and dangerous chemicals. In the long run, it is inadvisable to attempt to refurbish a 55 gallon drum using methods and chemicals found around the house. It is a process that should be left to the professionals.
Used Plastic Drums
Used drums can be either plastic or steel drums that have undergone the reconditioning process to ensure optimum repeat use. Whereas in drum reconditioning, the drum is not often altered with new materials or parts (except for the lid), remanufactured drums must undergo a much more intense process, changing many aspects of the old drum.
More cost-effective than newly manufactured drums, used drums are utilized in wide-spread industries such as: industrial manufacturing, for storage and transport of various chemicals required for machinery and manufacturing processes; automotive and aerospace, for material handling of oils and other chemicals required for proper maintenance and functioning of vehicles; medical and pharmaceutical, for material handling of potentially hazardous materials; and food and beverage, for proper sanitary handling of food and liquids of various viscosities.
Used Plastic Barrels
Reusing plastic barrels not only saves money, it helps the environment by making use of the "Three R‘s" of the EPA: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Used plastic barrels may be ordered online, or found in person at bulk suppliers. Such suppliers are often found in rural areas, where customers may be interested in using their barrels for bulk storage of such items as feed and sap. They may also serve as feed barrels for deer, horses or other animals. Used plastic barrels are a wonderful resource for rainwater collection and harvesting.
Water Barrels
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, and metals such as aluminum and steel.
A simple collection device, water barrels capture rainwater that hits the roof of a building and flows through the gutter system into the barrel. Most water barrels have a capacity of 40 gallons to 60 gallons (151 liters to 227 liters). The water is removed from the barrel as it is needed for various applications.
The use of water barrels is economical and environmental. As a reservoir, water barrels help reduce the amount of water used by a residence, which lowers the billable gallons. Conservationally, water barrels make use of a natural resource and conserves the amount of water that flows from a property. The capturing of water in a water barrel 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.
Several retailers have water barrels available in an assortment of 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 new water barrels 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 available and a viable choice.
Uses For 30 Gallon Barrels And Drums
Thirty gallon barrels/drums are medium sized and used by several industries for a variety of purposes. The ancient and original wooden version is still used to store or transport liquids such as wine, beer, or liquor, and is important for the fermentation and aging of various types of alcohol. Stainless steel is gradually replacing wood since it is more economical, environmentally safe, corrosion resistant, and impermeable.
Plastic and metal 30 gallon drums are used by industries such as lawn and garden, food storage and distribution, aviation, emergency planning, and defense and laboratory research. Made of various forms of polymer resin, 30 gallon plastic drums are perfect for any form of weather conditions, can store hazardous chemicals, are dent resistant, and can be treated with coatings like UV inhibitors for storage of hazardous materials.
The classic 30 gallon drum is made of steel and able to withstand years of wear with little deterioration or damage. Normally lined with either a protective spray coating or plastic, they can haul or store almost anything from farm fertilizers to construction materials. Unlined drums can be plain steel or sprayed with a rust repellent. Round bottom or molded liners are made from clear, low-density polyethylene plastic and shape themselves to the drum creating a seamless creaseless seal.
Metal 30 gallon drums are made from carbon or stainless steel and can hold a variety of materials due to their resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand extreme temperatures making them ideal for storing volatile chemicals and aviation fuel. For safe handling of flammable materials, drum bung spanners, tab seal removers, tilting levers, or drum trolleys are useful. Thirty gallon barrels of any type of material can be equipped with wheels for use with spill kits and salvaging.
Thirty gallon plastic drums come in colors to assist in the classification, inventorying, and organization of materials. When they are manufactured naturally, they are clear without color allowing an easy view of the contents. For best storage results, plastic drums come with seamless round bottom liners that fit snuggly and uniformly to avoid waste and protect the drum lining.
Thirty gallon carbon steel, plastic, and stainless steel drums can have an open or closed top. Open tops can be removed and be sealed with bolt rings, rubber gaskets, or a form of lock. Closed top drums have one or two openings for pouring and venting, which can be closed with a stopper or bung. Other added features include drum covers, recyclable lids, steel domes, safety funnels, poly funnels, and plug and drum openers.
Plastic 30 gallon drums are built to withstand harsh conditions, a wide range of temperatures, and a variety of weights. They are ideal for the storage of food products and pharmaceuticals since they are designed to meet the standards established by the department of transportation and federal food administration, who establish regulations regarding the types of resin that is acceptable for plastic drum manufacturing. The strength and rigidity of plastic makes them easy to handle and saves warehouse space since they are stackable on pallets and can be stored outside without fear of wear or deterioration.
Top 55 Gallon Drum Manufacturers
Skolnik Industries
Skolnik Industries manufactures carbon steel and stainless steel drums in compliance with UN, DOT, and DOD regulations. Their drums have thicknesses, weights, and strength that exceed basic regulation requirements. Skolnik’s supplies 55 gallon drums for businesses and governmental agencies who require storage drums of the highest quality. They have an ISO 9001:2015 register management system with a Nuclear Quality Assurance - 1 (NQA-1) safety rating.
Rahway Steel Drum Company
Rahway Steel Drum Company manufactures steel, plastic, and fiber open and closed head drums and does licensed reconditioning and recycling. Aside from their drum and barrel business, they manufacture a wide assortment of shipping and storage containers.
Greif
Greif is an industrial packaging company that focuses on the production of a wide assortment of packaging products including 55 gallon steel drums. The company has been in business since the 19th century. Greif began producing barrels at the beginning of the 20th century and began production of steel drums in the 1920s. From their initial offerings, the company has expanded into a wide range of packaging and storage products including plastic, fiber, steel, and recycled drums.
Specialty Containers
Specialty Containers is a storage and shipping drum manufacturer. They produce a wide assortment of drums including ones made of plastic, fiber, carbon steel, and stainless steel. Additionally, Specialty Containers provide engineering services to custom design drums for unique applications. Their salvage drums are made of high quality steel that complies with UN design specifications in the traditional dark yellow with red lettering. Although their business focuses on barrels and drums, Specialty Containers also manufactures totes, pails, waste bags, and pallet covers and liners.
Berenfield Containers
Berenfield Containers, a subsidiary of Mauser Industrial Packaging, manufactures steel and fiber drums. The company manufactures a full range of steel drums in a wide range of sizes and types. Established in 1914, Berenfield supplies drums to the chemical, paint, coating, lubricant, food, and pharmaceutical industries. It is the leading manufacturer of rigid packaging materials in North America.
How Thirty Gallon Drums And Barrels Are Made:
The manufacture of thirty gallon drums is very similar to the methods used for making any other sized drums. Normally, when discussing thirty gallon drums, most people envision a blue plastic drum since that is the typical type though 30 gallon drums are made of steel and fiber as well.
Plastic thirty gallon drums are made following the blown molten plastic method. The key factor in the production of plastic is the thickness of the drum‘s walls, which can vary from a few to several centimeters. Various thicknesses serve different storage and shipping purposes where thick walls can hold chemicals, solvents, and hazardous substances while thin walled drums are lightweight and easy to handle.
Metal 30 gallon barrels or drums are formed using the rolled steel method and harden by forceful reforming. As with 55 gallon metal drums, they can be open and closed where their lids can be similar to the structural material or made from metal, tin, plastic, or paper. As with 55 gallon drums, they can be strengthened with straps and supports for ease of handling and stacking.
Fiber 30 gallon drums are made on an assembly line and have metal supports to increase their sturdiness. They come in a wide variety of sizes to fit special applications.
Barrel and Drum Manufacturers
Barrel and drum manufacturers offer a number of different materials and configurations enabling them to work with customers to find the best fit for a customer’s needs. Common materials are different forms of steel, plastics and thick paperboard. Producers specialize in one type of material for producing their products since attempting to manufacture all forms can be expensive. Suppliers and distributors can carry one or two types of material or offer a selection from every category.
Steel barrels/drums are made from carbon or stainless steel. Regardless of the type of steel, it is cold rolled at room temperature to harden and shape it. 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 from a variety of plastic materials that include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are all capable of corrosion resistance and high durability. They are shaped using the blow method where molten plastic is blown into a mold in the shape of the final product.
Fiber drums, or cardboard drums, are a low-cost alternative to steel or plastic drums, recyclable, and safe and sanitary. The flexibility of cardboard allows manufacturers to produce fiber drums in several sizes, shapes, diameters, heights, and weight. 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 can 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 drums come with either open removable or hinged tops or closed tops with one or two openings. All drums can be produced with reinforcing rings, belts, or chimes, bung holes, clamps, and various types of coatings. Though 30 and 55 gallon drums are most common, drums come in sizes ranging from 15 gallons to 55 gallons.
Every form of drum has specifications and restrictions regarding its usage. National and international governments and organizations have regulations regarding drum specifications. The more serious and hazardous the contents, 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
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. The size used the most for over a hundred years is the traditional 55 gallon drum.
The major reason for drums is their 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 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 drums to ship their products since plastic has a tight seamless seal. The closed type of plastic drum keeps liquids isolated and prevents 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, 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 some form of drum or barrel.
Reconditioned Drums
Drum reconditioning is an essential and necessary industry that reprocesses and sanitizes discarded storage drums to make them useful. The random disposal of storage drums can create several environmental hazards especially when the drums have been used for chemical and toxic materials. Removing discarded drums from landfills, dumps, and long term storage sites benefits the environment and repurposes them for a useful function.
Reconditioning Processes
The reconditioning process requires several steps, which include cleaning, restoring, testing, and certification to meet industry standards. Each of the different materials to produce drums has a set of cleaning and refurbishing requirements, which have to be followed precisely to avoid contamination and provide safety.
Reconditioning Steel Drums
When making the decision to purchase used steel drums, it is important to know the difference between reconditioned 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 drums may still contain their original contents. Reconditioned steel drums are cleansed, sanitized, reshaped, and repaired to remove any chemicals and the residue of stored substances.
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 hot drums from thermal cleaning are immediately taken to the next step in the process where they are straightened, chimed, and have any dents removed to restore their roundness and structure. After the reshaping process, 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.
Used drums that were used for storing and shipping oils, soaps, solvents, cleaners, and other liquids are pressure washed in an aquatic or washing process using alkaline solutions and steam. After rinsing and drying, they are subjected to the straightening process, chimed, and have 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.
Reconditioning Poly or Plastic Drums
Poly or plastic drums are normally used to store acids, chemicals, and cleaning products. The exterior and interior is thoroughly cleaned by submersion and a high pressure alkaline solution. Once cleansed, the drums are tested for contaminants, checked for strength, and shaped.
Reconditioning Fiber Drums
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, their parts are reattached, and they are reshaped to their original appearance.
Summary
Throughout the history of shipping and receiving, drums or barrels have played and do play a vital role in the movement of products. From their beginning as an answer to a problem, they have developed into an essential piece of modern day commerce. It is highly doubtful that they will be replaced anytime soon.
Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers
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