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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.
55 Gallon Drum from Jackacki Bag & Barrel
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.
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
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.
Metal Drums from Rahway Steel Drum Company
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, 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.
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.
Water Barrels from Rahway Steel Drum Company
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 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
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 1200° F to burn away any residue of the contents.
The contaminated exhaust is heated to 1800° 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.
Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers
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made of a high density industrial strength polymer with thick
walls that provide endurance, strength, and longevity for the
containment of a wide variety of substances and materials...
AGV Forklifts
An AGV forklift is a driverless self-operating robotic device
that has the ability to carry, lift, retrieve, and place loads
for easy transfer from one location to another. An automatic
guided vehicle (AGV) forklift is a computer controlled
mechanism that...
Forklift Trucks
A forklift truck is an electrical or gas powered industrial
piece of equipment with a metal fork platform attached to its
front that can be used to lift heavy loads by inserting the
fork platform under cargo, pallets, or...
Pallet Stackers
A pallet stacker is a machine designed to assist the user in
lifting, moving and handling palletized materials with ease. A
pallet itself is a flat and horizontal structure used to
support goods in a sturdy fashion...
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are material storage products made of a
variety of plastics. Plastics are an ideal material for
creating containers. They are known for their excellent
formability, degradation resistance, durability, lightweight,
recyclability, and controllable mechanical properties...
Plastic Corrugated Boxes
A plastic corrugated box is a disposable container with three
layers of material consisting of an inner layer, an outer
layer, and a middle layer on its sides. Corrugated plastic is
known by various names, including...
Plastic Crates
Plastic crates are containers used for moving or transporting
goods from point A to point B. They are also used for storage
and are made of exclusively or partially plastic material. The
basic material is plastic...
Plastic Tanks
A plastic tank is a large capacity liquid or granular storage
unit that can be vertical, horizontal, below or above ground,
as well as movable. They are designed to hold several gallons
of a variety of substances for long periods without
experiencing wear, weathering, or deterioration...
Plastic Water Tanks
A plastic water tank is a large capacity container designed to
store water for household, agricultural, irrigation, and
industrial manufacturing use. There are various types of water
tanks produced to meet the needs of specific applications,
with...