Descriptions of 55 gallon drums, their uses, and a list of leading manufacturers
55 gallon drums are storage containers that are shaped like a cylinder and made of steel,stainless steel, and various plastics. Aside from their use as storage containers, 55 gallon drums are used for a wide variety of applications including rain barrels for capturing rain, burn barrels, wood smokers, and composters. Although 55 gallon drums can hold a wide variety of substances, the types of materials that can be shipped in a 55 gallon drum are determined by the material from which the drum is made. The most common types of substances that are stored or shipped in a 55 gallon drum include various types of liquids, paints, chemicals, powders, granule compounds, and food ingredients.
The popularity of 55 gallon drums is due to their capacity, which is 55 gallons or 208.2 liters. The development of 55 gallon drums was due to the discovery of oil, which required a vessel capable of transporting large amounts of oil. The wooden barrels used when oil was discovered leaked and were unstable during shipping. The capacity and size of 55 gallon drums was ideal for the transport of crude oil since they are easy to handle and had sufficient stability.
The use of 55 gallon drums has rapidly evolved over the years from their original use as oil storage devices into a wide range of shipping uses. Additionally, the steel used to produce the original 55 gallon drums has been replaced by plastics and fibers, which are used for lighter materials such as granules, powders, and condiments. 55 gallon drums of the 21st century are made of sturdy and durable materials that are designed to last and endure the stressful and demanding conditions of material transport.
All 55 gallon drums have the same standard measurements. They stand 34 in (86 cm) high and have a diameter of 24 in (61 cm), which are measurements for their storage capacity and are the same measurements used to manufacture plastic 55 gallon drums. The typical size of bungs on a 55 gallon drum is 2 in (5.08 cm) in diameter. An empty steel 55 gallon drum weighs between 38 lb and 42 lb (17 kg and 19 kg). Its weight when full varies in accordance with the density and consistency of the material in the drum.
In many instances, the terms “barrel” and “drum” are used interchangeably since they perform the same function. Although they share similarities, there are characteristics of each that differentiates them. The traditional view of a barrel is a cylindrical container that is wider in the middle than it is at either end. The term has been used for years in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages and the international selling price of oil. The traditional barrel consists of wood slats that have been banded together, sealed at the seams, and attached to a base and lid. As with drums, barrels can be open and closed headed with closed headed barrels being the most common.
Unlike barrels that can fit conveniently into a neat definition, drums come in a wide range of sizes and types and are made of a never ending list of materials, including various plastics, paper, steel, and aluminum. The term drum comes from their shape, which matches the shape of musical drum percussion instruments. All drums have straight sides, regardless of their shape, and solid firm bottoms. They can have lids or be tightly sealed. While the traditional barrel is mainly used for shipping and handling liquids, the many different types of drums are designed to handle nearly any type of liquid or solid.
The main two uses for 55 gallon drums is storage and shipping. Their size, configuration, and portability make them ideal for both applications and is the reason they are still used. Although 55 gallon drums can be open and closed headed, both types are tightly sealed to keep their contents from leaking. With open head 55 gallon drums, a metal strap is wrapped around the circumference of the head that seals the drum to avoid spillage. Closed head drums cannot be opened and have bung holes for loading and unloading their contents and are used for storing liquids, powders, and fine grains.
Over the 120 years since they were first introduced, the use of 55 gallon drums has rapidly expanded from shipping and storing raw petroleum into a wide variety of materials and substances. In essence, they have become the foundational container that manufacturers depend on for shipping and storage applications. They can be found in bakeries, assembly operations, warehouses, and chemical plants. In many ways, their use is taken for granted due to their dependability and strength.
The wide variety of drums that were originally used for the storage and shipping of crude oil differed in size and had inconsistent measurements. The problems associated with the many types of drum led the American Petroleum Institute (API) to standardize drum sizes with the introduction of the 55 gallon drum, which were easy to store due to their uniformity and standard measurements. The size and dimensions of 55 gallon drums make it easy to determine the amount of oil being shipped, a factor that saves on time and enhances efficiency.
Although 55 gallon drums were a critical part of the oil industry in the latter part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, their use in modern oil processing has decreased with the implementation of pipelines, tanker trucks, and oil tanker ships. They are still used to deliver oil base products to customers and for shipping. In addition, 55 gallon drums are the standard form of measurement when publishing the cost of crude oil and are used when discussing how much oil is being shipped. The basic steel 55 gallon drum is still a fixture in the oil industry and widely used for a variety of purposes.
In order for a 55 gallon drum to be used for food storage, it has to meet the specifications of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which delineate the type of drum including its lining and the materials used to manufacture it. Any piece of equipment that comes in contact with food items for sale have to be inspected and approved by the FDA for the safety of the general population. Open head polyethylene 55 gallon drums are mostly used for food storage due to the quality of the plastic and its exceptional density.
Aside from the regulations that specify the requirements for food storage, organizations that use 55 gallon drums for storage follow a set of procedures that ensure what is used from a drum is always fresh and in supply. The goal of the process, especially with storage, is to keep ingredients available and in the best condition. In addition, the food being stored should be able to remain stable for a long period of time. Food ingredients that are commonly stored in 55 gallon drums include white flour, black beans, sugar, white rice, and salt, to name a few.
Aside from polyethylene 55 gallon drums, food storage drums are made of stainless or carbon steel with interior linings that meet FDA standards for the protection of the contents from contaminants and corrosive or acidic ingredients found in some food products. Drums for the food industry are designed for shipping of foods that will be packaged for public consumption.
As with the food industry, 55 gallon drums for the pharmaceutical industry have to meet the regulations and standards for Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA monitors, controls, and oversees the designs of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and facilities. 55 gallon drums for the industry are purchased from companies that manufacture 55 gallon drums that have been approved by the FDA and have met the requirements for quality and purity.
Due to the nature of the products that are produced by the pharmaceutical industry, companies are committed to precision, safety, and compliance with regulations. Part of meeting these goals is the selection of 55 gallon drums for shipment and bulk storage. Drums that are in compliance with the regulations are used to store raw materials, solvents, and chemicals. They are designed to safeguard the contents and guarantee the integrity of sensitive compounds.
Part of the production of pharmaceutical products involves the use of hazardous substances that require careful handling. 55 gallon drums chosen for use by the industry meet industry ratings, are designed for safety, and inspected to ensure hazardous materials receive the care they require. As may be assumed, 55 gallon drums used by the pharmaceutical industry are highly durable, corrosion resistant, and protect the contents from contaminants and chemical instability.
Although the chemical industry does not generally produce products for human use or consumption, they are still required to follow a set of strict regulations and standards for the safety of their workers, which are stipulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the FDA. As with the pharmaceutical industry, only certain 55 gallon drums are used in the chemical industry due to the nature of the materials that are transported and handled.
There are a wide variety of products that are produced by the chemical industry each of which requires a specific type of 55 gallon drum that will not damage the contents or interact chemically with the contents. Stainless, cold rolled, or carbon steel are used to manufacture 55 gallon drums for the chemical industry due to their stability, strength, toughness, and durability. Plastics are also used for specific types of chemicals that are best suited for storage in plastic 55 gallon drums.
The types of substances transported in 55 gallon drums include flammable, volatile, and hazardous chemicals that require careful handling. FDA approved stainless steel is used for sanitary applications while rust resistant plastics drums are chosen for certain chemicals due to plastics resistance to rust and corrosion. Plastic 55 gallon drums used in the chemical industry are normally blue and referred to as blue barrels. They are used to store caustic and acidic liquids and chemical powders.
Waste disposal drums are used to transport, store, and contain various types of waste materials. The term waste disposal refers to a wide range of substances that vary in the restriction placed on them and include liquids, solids, powders, and other materials leftover from manufacturing and everyday use. The levels of the materials range from non-toxic ones that are safe to handle to highly hazardous materials that are dangerous and lethal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides the inspections, regulations, and requirements for 55 gallon drums used for waste disposal.
Open head and closed head 55 gallon drums are used for waste disposal and are chosen in accordance with the types of materials that are to be stored. The nature of the materials that are handled by in waste disposal requires experts in the transport and storage of such materials. Several companies specialize in waste disposal drum manufacturing and handling. They provide a long list of their capabilities and the certifications provided by the EPA.
When the 55 gallon drums are filled and collected, the contents are tested to determine the level of toxicity of the contents, which is the deciding factor as to how to dispose of the contents. The EPA provides disposal companies with the safety guidelines for handling the materials and the effect the materials could have on the environment. Hospitals and agriculture rely on the work of waste disposal companies.
Referred to as an industrial workhorse, 55 gallon drums are made from a variety of materials depending on how they will be used. The two most common materials are plastic and steel, which are sufficiently durable and sturdy enough to endure the type of conditions and treatment 55 gallon drums encounter. For most people, 55 gallon drums are made of stainless and carbon steel, the original material that was used to manufacture them. Over the years, with the development of new methods of fabrication and materials, a wider variety of structural designs were developed.
In the early part of the 20th century, the first 55 gallon drums were introduced for the shipment of oil. They were made of metal and crudely formed due to the lack of equipment and the types of manufacturing methods. They leaked and required manufacturing processes that would tightly seal the seams of the metal.
The choice of materials used to manufacture modern drums depends on the use of the drum, with fiber being used for dry powders and granular materials while plastics, stainless steel, and carbon steel have a more varied use including storage of hazardous materials.
Stainless steel grades that are used to produce 55 gallon drums are types 304, 316, and 409. The use of stainless steel is due to its corrosion resistance, tensile strength, durability, and reusability. It is used for drums that store or transport solutions, products, and substances that require purity. Even though they are more expensive, their cost can be spread over several years due to their longevity.
Of the various grades and types of stainless steel, type 304, with a chromium and nickel content and low carbon content, is the most versatile and widely used. It is easy to fabricate, clean, and prevents and protects products from contamination. Type 304’s resistance to corrosion is due to its high chromium content at 18%.
As technology and manufacturing methods have progressed, plastic 55 gallon drums have replaced stainless steel and carbon steel drums as an essential part of transporting liquids and granules. Plastic 55 gallon drums, also referred to as poly drums, are made from various types of plastics including linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The high usage of poly drums is due to their price, which is much less than steel drums and the ease with which they can be fabricated.
Plastics are lightweight, flexible, and resistant to the effects of solvents, diluted acids, alkalis, and alcohol, and are ideal for low temperature storage due to plastic’s toughness. When exposed to cold temperatures, plastics harden and become firm and solid. In addition, plastics meet the standards of the FDA and USDA and are toxin free for safe storage of food ingredients. The sturdiness of plastics makes them ideal for all drum applications from shipping and storage to dispensing and mixing.
Carbon steel is used for the storage of hazardous materials due to its durability and heavy duty exterior. The nature of the materials that 55 gallon carbon steel drums are made from makes them capable of meeting the storing qualifications of the United Nations (UN) rating system, a certification that allows carbon steel 55 gallon drums to carry and transport hazardous and dangerous materials. A UN rating includes a set of strict guidelines for industrial packaging as well as a set of safety standards, which are applied to all forms of 55 gallon drums. While other 55 gallon drums carry the name “workhorse”, carbon steel 55 gallon drums were the drums to which the term was originally applied.
Fiber 55 gallon drums are a unique form of drum that is made from layers of kraft paper that have been wound around a cylinder to form the drum body. They are open head drums with flat bottoms and tops for easy stacking and storage. Although they do not have the strength and durability of plastic and steel, they are still a vital part of transporting a select group of products. Of the selection of materials used to manufacture 55 gallon drums, wound paper fiber is the least expensive. They have varying wall thicknesses in accordance with the materials being shipped. Fiber 55 gallon drums are restricted from storing chemicals, liquids, or hazardous substances but are ideal for storing food ingredients and dry materials.
The fiber board used to manufacture fiber 55 gallon drums makes them lighter and easier to handle. In addition, the lightweight of the drums makes shipping less expensive and lowers shipping costs. Although fiber drums are durable, they have a short life of usage due to the fiber paper but can be recycled and reformed like any form of cardboard.
The tightly wrapped paper of fiber 55 gallon drums has foldability and rigidity with a grammage of 250 g/m². It can be cut, shaped, formed, and conditioned to fit multiple applications. The weight and thickness of fiberboard is similar to that of cardboard but much stronger and more durable.
The standard 55 gallon drum ,with the proper dimensions, size and shape, is manufactured from various types of materials, which depend on how the drum will be used. Stressful, hazardous, and demanding conditions require sturdier and more durable materials than conditions such as kitchens, warehouses, and open environments. Although there are manufacturers that specialize in highly durable 55 gallon drums for hazardous conditions, all manufacturers provide their clients with all the information necessary to assist and select the material for a 55 gallon drum that fits a client’s application.
Since 55 gallon drums are made from different types of materials, the manufacturing process varies in accordance with the material being used to produce the drum. Metal drums are made from coils that are curled, rolled, and resistance welded along their seam. The two forms used to manufacture plastic drums are blow molding and rotational molding, processes that involve large complex pieces of equipment. Drums made from fiberboard involve gluing multiple layers of paper to produce a solid cylindrical form.
The process for the manufacture of steel 55 gallon drums is rather simple but involves several steps. All steel drums begin as a roll of coiled steel that has been produced and shipped in large rolls that are formed from molten metal that has been rolled and annealed into thin metal sheets. As the metal cools, it is rolled into large rolls.
The first step in the manufacture of 55 gallon drums is the shaping of the bottoms and tops of the drums. The rolled sheets of steel are fed into a punch press that cuts and forms the bottoms of the drums. The die that is used to form the bottom of the drum creates the edge that will secure the bottom to the body of the drum. Unlike the top of a 55 gallon drum, the bottom is a solid round piece of steel that will be tightly sealed. Once the round pieces are punched, they are coated with a sealant, which is applied to avoid leaks.
The process for forming the tops for drums is the same as that which is used to shape the bottom of the drums. The forming of the top of a 55 gallon drum can be for an open head or closed head drum with each form having bung holes. The two bungs are two inches each with one bung being for emptying the drum while the other is to release air pressure. As with the bottom of the drum, a set of rollers turns up the edges of the top to connect it to the body of the drum. The edges of the tops and bottoms of 55 gallon drums are chimed to form a seven layer seal that is inspected by applying pressurized air to the drum.
In order to seal a 55 gallon drum, the bung holes have to have threaded fittings applied. As with the punch press process, the lid of the drum passes through a press that applies the fittings to both of the bung holes. Open and closing fittings are larger than the vent fitting. They are positioned directly across from each other and placed such that the vent bung hole will not interfere with the emptying bung hole. Although both fittings are not required for open head drums, they are still inserted.
As with all forms of 55 gallon drums, the thickness of the material for forming the body of the drum is checked to ensure that it meets the requirements necessary for the substances the drum will hold. The higher the gauge and thickness of the steel, the sturdier and more resilient the drum will be. The gauges of steel for 55 gallon drums range from 24 up to 16 with thicknesses of 0.6 mm up to 1.5 mm (0.0236 in up to 0.059 in). Only the thickest drums receive a UN rating and have a thickness of 0.9 mm up to 1.5 mm (0.0354 in up to 0.059 in).
Once the tops and bottoms are properly formed and the gauge and thickness of the steel is determined, a section of the coiled steel is sliced by a shear to the required size for shaping the body of the drum. To form the body, the piece of steel is subjected to curling rollers that press against the sheet of steel to create a tubular shape. An integral part of the process is the welding of the tubular shape to form a solid cylinder. As the tubes move from the curling process, they enter an electric resistance welder that seals and welds the tubes to form solid cylinders. The heat from the welder bonds the outside and inside of the seam to form a tight secure seal.
The fully formed cylinders move on to the flanger that stretches and presses both ends of the cylinder on the outer rims to create a lip for securing the top and bottom of the drum. As with all aspects of the process, flanging is an essential part of ensuring that a 55 gallon drum is tightly sealed when the top and bottom are connected.
The flanged and welded drum body moves on to the beater, which forms rolling hoops on the drum. As with the supports for buildings, the rolling hoops add rigidity and support to the body of the drop and provide extra strength to withstand impacts during a drum’s use. The rolling hoops resemble bumps or outward stretching grooves that are placed near the middle of the drum.
The final step in the process is assembling and uniting the body, top, and bottom to form a 55 gallon drum. A conveyor places the drum top on the body of the drum. The body of the drum is spun as rollers curl the edges of the top and body together to form a tight and secure seal with an interlocking seam referred to as a chime. This process is used to form closed head drums. Once the chime is formed, another roller flattens it. The bottom of the drum is connected to the drum by forming a second chime such that the top and bottom of the drum are tightly and securely sealed without needing to be welded. The interlocking chimes have seven layers of steel that make the connections between the tops and bottoms leak proof. With open head drums, the bottom of the drum is chimed while the top is not but is sealed with straps or rings, which come with various closing mechanisms.
The factor that distinguishes 55 gallon drums from all other forms of containers is their tight seal. This is especially important when a drum will be used for transporting or storing hazardous, toxic, or other dangerous materials. The testing process involves the application of forced air under pressure to the interior of the closed drum. If there is a leak, a seam will bubble highlighting any problem.
The traditional color for 55 gallon drums is black. In the modern era, a wide variety of colors are available such as white, gray, medium and dark blue, yellow, red, and green. Manufacturers also offer custom colors to meet the requirements of their customers. The painting process involves placing the completed drum on a rotating surface where drums are rapidly rotated as paint is sprayed on the exterior surface of the drums. Aside from giving the drums a pleasing appearance, the paint provides another level of protection. To solidify the paint, the drums pass through a furnace that bakes the paint onto the drum’s surface.
There are various methods used to line 55 gallon drums. One of the more secure methods is spraying the interior of the drum as part of the spray painting process using a spray nozzle that is positioned inside the drum that applies a protective coating. When the drum passes through the oven to dry the exterior painting, the interior coating dries, solidifies, and further seals the interior of the drum. In place of coating the interior of the drum, rust inhibitors are used, which prevent the drum from rusting and is applied as a thin film.
Epoxy Phenolic linings are a resin lining that comes in different formulations to achieve a specific flexibility and resistance. This type of lining provides chemical resistance at pH levels that range between 7.0 and 9.0. The use of epoxy phenolic linings is for storing hazardous materials such as acids, detergents, chemicals, resins, surfactants, and emulsions.
Drum liners come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They are made of a variety of materials including LDPE plastic, HDPE plastic, and foil. Drum liners are used to prevent cross contamination and make removing the contents of a drum without leaving any residue. The materials used to make drum liners makes them strong, flexible, and resilient enabling them to endure the stress of their use. The main types of drum liners are anti-static, flat bottomed, pleated, round bottomed, and straight sided. They come in different thicknesses, which vary from 4 mil up to heavy duty 30 mil.
The processes for the manufacture of plastic 55 gallon drums do not involve as many steps that are necessary to produce metal 55 gallon drums but do involve huge pieces of equipment that mold, shape, and form 55 gallon drums with varying wall thicknesses. There are several methods used to manufacture plastic products, which involve the use of molds of varying sizes and types. Although all the methods can produce a wide variety of products, they are not capable of producing plastic items that are multiple feet high and why. The two methods that are used to produce larger plastic products are blow molding and rotational molding.
Both methods used for 55 gallon drum manufacturing use molds that are large enough and precise enough to produce highly durable 55 gallon drums. The difference between the processes is their methodology with one method using bursts of air to force the plastic material against the walls of the mold while the other method uses circular motion and rotation. The types of plastics used for both methods are the same in regard to strength, durability, and toughness, factors that are tested once a mold is formed and cooled.
Blow molding is a process that is similar to glass blowing where a craftsman blows into molten glass to shape bottles and glass containers. In the case of blow molding plastic, the craftsman has been replaced by compressed air that blows puffs of air into a parison heated and formed by an extruder. The process of blow molding involves the use of a horizontal mold that has the dimension of a 55 gallon drum. The parison, under the pressure of the compressed air, expands in the mold and is forced against the sides of the mold. Although blow molding is used to form 55 gallon drums, it is also used for a wide range of very large products.
Blow molding forms seamless, solid, single piece drums that do not require sealing and eliminates weak corners that are susceptible to cracking. There is an endless number of sizes and shapes that can be produced using blow molding. The raw materials for blow molding are thermoplastics such as acetal, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, low or high density polycarbonate, and polypropylene.
The forms of blow molding are defined by how the parison is produced and includes extrusion, injection, and injection stretch. In all cases, plastic resin or pellets are melted to be blown into the mold in the form of a parison that looks like a long plastic tube with a hole in one end. The forming of the parison is critical in determining the thickness of a 55 gallon.
The melted plastic parison can enter the mold from the bottom or top of the mold. In either case, the melted plastic parison is ejected by an extruder and blown upward or downward into the mold where pressurized air expands the parison and forces it against the sides of the mold. Regardless of the method used to insert the parison, compressed air expands it until the plastic material is tightly pressed against the walls of the mold where it remains until it cools and can be removed.
Rotational molding, also known as roto molding, roto casting, and roto mold, involves a large mold and a rotational mechanism that carries the materials to form a 55 gallon drum through four stages. Unlike blow molding that creates a parison, rotational molding places unheated dry resin powder in the mold to initiate the process. As with blow molding, once the resin is placed in the mold, the mold is tightly sealed. The rotation process involves a rotational arm that securely holds the mold and is capable of rotating the mold along two axes to evenly spread the resin over the walls of the mold.
The next step of rotational molding involves heating and rotating the mold, which occur simultaneously. The mechanism that holds the mold rotates it as it moves through a heating chamber. The rotation process involves rotating the mold along two axes in order to spread the resin evenly as it melts. The rotating process continues as the mold is moved from the heating chamber into the cooling chamber, where the formed plastic solidifies and cools.
When the mold exits the cooling chamber, it is removed from the mold, and the process repeats. The popularity of rotational molding is due to its exceptional dimensional accuracy. A drawback is the hours it takes for each 55 gallon drum to form. Although the equipment is more expensive than other molding processes and the process takes longer, the dimensional accuracy and tolerances of the drums makes it less expensive.
The three layers of a fiber drum are the outer layer or skin, inner layer or liners, and barriers that are buried between laminations of the wound paper. The main construction material for fiber drums is kraft paper that is shipped to manufacturers in large rolls that are similar to the rolls of stainless steel used for metal 55 gallon drums.
The construction process for manufacturing fiber drums begins with the kraft paper being pulled from a winder to a mandrel that has the diameter of a 55 gallon drum. As the paper moves from the winder to the mandrel it is coated with a polyurethane adhesive that creates a strong durable elastic seal across the substrate. The liner for the drum is placed on the mandrel prior to the arrival of the kraft paper winding. As the mandrel turns and the shape of the drum forms, the barrier is inserted.
The application of the kraft paper to the mandrel creates a long tightly sealed paper tube. Unlike the manufacturing of plastic and metal 55 gallon drums, fiber drums begin as a long tube that makes up multiple drums. The process is designed for efficiency and ensures that the drums are tightly sealed. Of the three drum manufacturing processes, the winding on a mandrel method is referred to as the lock rim process due to chiming at the bottom and top of the drum.
Once the glue of the long tube has dried, it is cut into 55 gallon lengths and trimmed to make the bottoms and tops smooth for the installation of the chimes, which will secure the tops and bottoms to the drum tube. The connecting of the chimes to the top and bottom of the drum is automatically completed by a set of rollers. The metal rings for the chiming are attached to the drum and processed by a set of rollers that seal them to the fiber tube. The process is completed quickly and can seal multiple drums in a short period of time.
The bottom chimes are crimped to connect them to the base of the drum to make them secure and strong. The chiming of the bottom is designed to seal the drum to prevent leakage. The top chime is crimped to secure it to the body of the drum but is not sealed to leave room for the drum’s cover.
Like open head metal and plastic drums, the lids for fiber drums are attached using a lockband made of metal. Locking rings can take several forms but are made of high gauge steel to ensure a tight secure fit. As with the bottom of a fiber drum, the locking apparatus for the lid of a fiber drum must be tight and secure to prevent spillage and leakage. The most common form of locking rings are the lever type with drilled holes that make it possible to padlock the drum.
Although fiber drums do not have the impact strength and durability of plastic or metal 55 gallon drums, they are popular due to their lightweight, inability to corrode or rust, and high endurance in certain conditions. Different types of lines are added that enable the drums to carry a wider spectrum of products, safely and securely. The main products that fiber drums carry are powders, granular materials, pharmaceuticals, and hazardous chemicals. They are inexpensive, reliable, and capable of transporting a wide range of products and materials.
The 55 gallon drums of the 19th Century have progressed rapidly to become an important staple of modern shipping from the transport of oil and fuel to the storage and movement of food ingredients and pharmaceuticals. What was once thought to be the foundation of oil production has become an essential component in material and substance handling.
Closed head drums are used for hazardous waste and are required to meet strict standards. They are tested to meet drop, stack, leak, hydrostatic, and vibration requirements as established by the United Nations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has four categories of hazardous waste.
Closed drums used for these purposes have to meet the EPA standards and requirements.
Open head drums are very popular, reliable, and are normally used for storage or shipping. They are designed for harsh conditions and constant use with the ability to survive the demands of shipping. Open head drops are highly durable and can be used indoors or outdoors depending on the job requirements. They come in a variety of colors and can be easily labeled for easy identification of the contents.
Open top plastic drums are made of high density polyethylene and have a removable lid or top that is locked in place by a metal ring using a nut and bolt or lever lock. Referred to as open head plastic drums, open top plastic drums are weather resistant, which makes them durable for storage or transport. They are ideal for the handling of hazardous materials, spill containment, and biomass disposal.
The types of open top plastic drums include ones with tapered sides as well as the normal straight side configuration. Of the various types of 55 gallon drums, plastic open top drums are recyclable and are widely used by the food and beverage industries.
Salvage drums are used to contain materials that are damaged, leaking, or not compliant with shipping regulations. They are designed with secure closures to ensure safe transport of damaged or potentially hazardous materials.
Overpack drums are used to contain packages or materials that are already sealed and compliant with safety and shipping regulations. They are designed to consolidate non-leaking packages and provide an additional layer of protection. Essentially, an overpack drum is a larger container that holds another sealed container inside.
The wine industry is increasingly adopting stainless steel drums for the development, fermentation, maturation, and storage of wine. New designs are being created to accommodate wine barrel racks.
Tapered-sided drums are lighter and easier to handle compared to other drum types. The tapered design facilitates nesting for convenient storage. Typically, 55-gallon tapered-sided drums are open-headed and available in various colors, with blue being the most common.
A rain barrel drum is designed to collect rainwater and features a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, and a screen to keep out debris. With a simple design, these barrels are easy to use and can be placed wherever rainwater accumulates. The basic rain barrel helps utilize soft rainwater, reduce reliance on public utilities, and promote self-sufficiency.
An emerging industry focuses on repurposing, reconditioning, and refurbishing discarded 55-gallon drums that are no longer suited for industrial use. Despite having outlived their original purpose, these drums remain sturdy and viable. The repurposing process involves a detailed series of steps to ensure that the drums can be safely used for other applications.
Steps to refurbishing 55 gallon drums:
Open-head drums can be placed in a furnace to burn off any residue, followed by a chemical spray cleaning similar to the process used for closed-head drums.
For open-head drums, the cover and sealing gasket should be checked for dents, bruises, creases, or other damage. Only the exterior of a closed-head drum can be inspected, with a focus on examining the welds on the top and bottom. Additionally, the bottom welds of open-head drums should be thoroughly inspected.
The interior of the drum should be coated with a rust inhibitor, epoxy coating, or another rust and corrosion-resistant material. To harden the interior coating, the drum can undergo a curing process. Once the interior coating is fully hardened and set, the exterior can be coated as the final step.
There are several benefits to using refurbished and reconditioned 55 gallon drums, the most important of which is saving them from being placed in a dump site. Refurbished 55 gallon drums are used for planters, rain barrels, compost bins, horse feeders, deer feeders, rodeo barrels, and flotation devices, to name a few. Drum manufacturers refurbish and recondition their products for resale to be used as storage and shipping containers.
The regulations for 55 gallon drums are both national and international since they are used to ship products around the world. The United Nations’ rating system was introduced in the 1990s when the Department of Transportation (DOT) adopted the Performance Oriented Packaging (POP) system. The concept for the UN system grew from the confusion created by the many shipping regulations used by different countries and growing international trade, which was not a significant problem until the middle of the 20th century.
The establishment of the UN rating system provided universally accepted regulations that made shipping between countries faster and less confusing. The codes identify the contents of a container and whether the materials being shipped are dangerous. The concise information protects workers from hazards, makes handling easier, and provides summary information.
The classification system for the United Nations consists of a series of letters and numbers that identify the type of container, its materials, and the substances that it can contain and additional information regarding the history and background of a container.
For a container to receive a rating, it is tested by a certified laboratory that identifies a container's capabilities based on a list of parameters. The main factors are the materials from which a container is made and what it can contain. The acceptance of the UN rating system provides companies that are receiving imports with valuable and easy to read information.
The rating system established by the United Nations is universal and makes a drum identifiable by any country in the world. It is a quick, convenient, and easy way for identifying which materials or substances a drum is certified to carry.
The packaging identification code of the UN rating system consists of two numbers and a letter with the first number identifying the package type, such as box, bag, or drum. The letter in the code indicates the material used to manufacture the packaging device, such as steel, wood, aluminum, or fiberwood. The second number, and final part of the code, lets handlers know if the packaging is open or closed headed.
Packaging Types
Material
Open or Closed Headed Codes
The packing group level identifies the hazard level of the packing using X, Y, and Z with X meaning high hazard level, Y medium, and Z low level. In addition, there is a specific gravity code that compares the contents to the density of water at a set temperature and pressure. This aspect of the code is for the shipment of liquids.
Packaging GroupSpecific Gravity
X1.2
The next indicator, the hydrostatic test pressure, is vapor pressure measured in kilopascals (kPa), which is a test that is required to receive a UN rating. This particular test is used for liquids and represented by a three digit number, such as 250.
Immediately after the hydrostatic test pressure are two digits that identify the year that the container was manufactured. This aspect of the identification process is critical in determining how long a drum has been in use and its age since certain packaging deteriorates rapidly as it ages.
The last two sections of the UN certification code identifies the country where a container was manufactured and the company that manufactured it. When a manufacturer receives a UN rating, they are given an identification code that consists of numbers and letters. This lets handlers know that a manufacturer has received UN approval and are approved for worldwide shipping.
RIPA is a trade association representing reconditioners, manufacturers, and distributors of reusable packaging products. The organization has established a code of practices regarding the operations of packaging reuse and recycling. The concept of RIPA is to improve the performance of the packaging industry. It is a founding member of the International Confederation of Container Reconditioners (ICCR), which is a world wide group of reconditioning companies.
IPANA represents industrial packaging manufacturers in North America. It works to increase the visibility of the packaging industry with emphasis on safe transport of goods. The basic aspects of IPANA is to promote and support member companies as well as provide information regarding the benefits of proper industrial packaging.
A burn barrel is a metal drum that has been transformed and modified to dispose of combustible trash, waste, and other materials by incineration. Carefully constructed and manufactured, burn barrels are a safe and convenient method for disposing of...
A 55 gallon plastic drum is a storage or shipping container 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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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 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...
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...
A plastic tote is a box type portable storage container that is made of resilient and durable plastic that is capable of withstanding heavy duty use in industrial and residential settings. They come in...
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...
A poly tank is a plastic storage tank used to store, transport, and collect water, other liquids, and granular or powder materials. They are made of polyethylene or polypropylene and are a cost effective, lightweight, and easy to handle...