Types of Storage 55 Gallon 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 manufacture 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 of the 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.

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.

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 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

Most country homeowners choose burning as a solution to solve their waste disposal problems. It is convenient, fast, and easy, once it is properly installed. On the surface, the idea seems to be the most logical and cost effective. The owner avoids the hassle of loading a truck or digging a hole that could contaminate the water table. The best and safest way for using incineration as a solution is a burn barrel that makes the whole process easy and efficient. Burn barrels are made from used or new 55 gallon drums modified to burn household trash.

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

Plastic drums are industrial drums made from plastic. The plastic materials from which they may be made are varied, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), nylon and polystyrene. Generically known as blue barrels or 55 gallon drums, plastic drums are not only essential in regular transportation and storage endeavors, but also to applications such as dispensing, mixing, filtering and generally processing. Common applications for which plastic barrels are employed include the transportation of acidic and caustic materials (for which barrels made of PVC, nylon or polystyrene are particularly well-suited) and the storage of goods in the chemical, food and beverage and consumer goods industries.

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, gases 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.

Used 55 Gallon Drums

A growing industry is repurposing, reconditioning, and reusing discarded 55 gallon drums that no longer have industrial use. Though they may have outlived their industrial usefulness for shipping chemicals, solvents, and other materials, they are still viable and sturdy containers. Park trash bins, rain barrels, compost bins, horse feeders, deer feeders, horse racing barrels, flotation devices, and many other places and locations need large bins where the purchase of a new one is costly.

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 of the drums' previous contents or construction are short but a critical factor in deciding where and how to use a used drum.

For 55 gallon drums that store volatile, hazardous, or unsafe substances and materials, it is important to ensure that they have been thoroughly cleaned. This can be guaranteed by contacting a reputable reconditioning company that uses precision processes 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, can be dangerous, and should be avoided.

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 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 collect and store water through ductwork that is fixed to the roofs of buildings such as manufacturing facilities and warehouses. Water barrels are most often used as rain barrels, which are specifically for collecting and storing rainwater runoff. Of all the materials used for water barrel construction, plastics such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene are the most common; however, metals such as stainless steel may also be used in instances in which the water has not been and will not be treated with chlorine as it is highly corrosive to most metals.

Types of 30 Gallon Storage Drums and Barrels

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.

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 of 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 of the oldest form of shipping and storage containers. As with all types for 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 is 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

There are two methods for reconditioning steel drums – thermal and aquatic. Thermal processing is used for drums that store paints, resins, tar, and adhesives. The drum is placed in a furnace at 1200o F to burn away any residue of the contents. The contaminated exhaust is heated to 1800o F to avoid air pollution. After the heating process, drums are straightened and chimed to restore their original shape.

The aquatic or washing process is used to recondition drums that stored oils, cleaning products, and other materials that can be washed away using an alkaline based solution and steam. Once clean, they are rinsed and dried before being pneumatically straightened and chimed.

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.