This article will take an in-depth look at barrels
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Plastic and metal barrels are cylindrical containers designed to store diverse types of liquids, solids, and powders for shipping and storage purposes. Their uses are extensive, ranging from collecting rainwater to transporting oil and gas. Initially made of wood bound with metal strips, barrels have been utilized for centuries.
Over time, the original wooden barrels evolved, with their sides being replaced by more durable and sturdy materials such as metal and plastic. Although originating from different backgrounds, the terms "drum" and "barrel" are now often used interchangeably. Traditionally, "drum" referred to a 55 US gallon container while "barrel" denoted a 42 US gallon oil container. As their applications broadened, the definitions of these terms have adapted.
Plastic barrels are crafted from high density polyethylene (HDPE), which boasts high molecular weight and density. It is an incredibly robust material that is neutral and resistant to extreme pH levels. Barrels serve numerous functions across the supply chain, from shipment and transportation to storage and warehousing. Both the United States government and the United Nations have set forth regulations and standards that require specific markings on barrels to determine their classification and other essential information.
Barrels are generally categorized into two types: open head and closed head. Open head barrels have removable covers, making them suitable for scenarios requiring frequent content access, such as in agriculture and food production. In contrast, closed head barrels—ideal for transporting liquids—are completely sealed and include two access plugs at the top.
Due to their versatility, plastic and metal barrels are indispensable for storage and transportation, capable of safely holding nearly any substance. When secured correctly, barrels safeguard their contents against contamination and environmental elements. Selecting the right barrel involves several considerations beyond what's stored inside, like size, shape, material, and intended use.
The contents that a barrel needs to transport or store play a crucial role in determining the material used for the barrel. Some contents might be corrosive, while others are neutral, and some could be acidic or alkaline. These characteristics must be considered by barrel manufacturers when deciding on the appropriate material.
Commonly referred to as steel or carbon steel barrels, metal barrels are equipped with either phenolic linings or rust-inhibiting interiors to preserve the contents' quality. This protection renders them ideal for handling more abrasive chemicals, making them suitable for items such as retail inks, lubricants, detergents, and more.
Plastic barrels offer the widest range among drum packaging options. Often made from either HDPE or LDPE, plastic drums come in diverse colors with UV-resistant and light-blocking features. They can safely transport a wide variety of liquids and solids, such as chemicals, food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and household products.
The combined weight of the contents and the barrel is crucial when choosing the right barrel. While lighter contents might be stored in lightweight materials, heavy contents necessitate a more robust barrel.
"Open head" and "closed head" refer to two distinct barrel lid designs. An open head barrel has a detachable lid, allowing full access for filling or emptying. The lid, while removable, can be securely attached using clamps, seals, or locks. Conversely, a closed-head barrel, also known as a tight-head drum, has a permanently sealed lid, requiring removal to access the contents.
Should a closed head drum's lid be forcibly removed, it loses its UN rating and is relegated to use as a burn or trash barrel.
The open-head design is preferable for scenarios needing quick or regular access to the barrel's contents. While it can store liquids, its design is better suited for solids or semi-solids. In comparison, closed-head barrels offer superior leak protection, making them ideal for holding liquids, especially those with low viscosity.
Before selecting a barrel pump, it's important to consider the viscosity and specific gravity of the fluids involved. This choice will influence the design of the barrel's output valves, if present, particularly for barrels equipped with access taps.
Barrels, particularly the 55-gallon type, are built to withstand specific temperature ranges, thanks to the materials utilized in their construction. Hence, understanding the maximum temperature of the fluids is vital when choosing a barrel for particular applications.
When purchasing a barrel, it is essential to adhere to a predetermined budget. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always equate to greater durability.
Barrels are available in numerous shapes and sizes. The diversity in barrel size has evolved to accommodate different products requiring transport. Additionally, high-density plastics enable manufacturers to produce a wide variety of forms.
Typical HDPE barrel sizes include 55 gallons, 30 gallons, and 15 gallons, with other sizes available upon special request or varying by manufacturer. Though 55 gallons is commonly the largest size, some HDPE barrels can expand up to 65 or 95 gallons. Plastic barrels' diameters range from 14 inches for a 15-gallon barrel to 23.3 inches for a 55-gallon barrel.
Metal barrel sizes, beginning from the traditional 55-gallon drum, have expanded to encompass a wide size range. Unlike plastic barrels, however, they maintain the classic cylindrical form. Various accessories enhance metal barrels' utility, such as strainers, mixers, and heaters, facilitating easier content access and increased functionality.
Metal barrel size options start at 5 gallons and can extend up to 110 gallons, with increments of 8, 10, 16, and 20 gallons. The selection process for metal barrels often takes into account how many barrels can be stacked on a pallet, which helps guide decisions based on the materials to be handled.
Metal barrels are made from carbon steel and stainless steel with stainless steel used for the shipping and storage of chemicals. Steel barrels are used to ship liquids and solid materials and are used for mixing, storage, dispensing, and filtering processes, with liquids being more prevalent. Steel barrels are strong and affordable, enabling producers to get several uses out of a single barrel before recycling it after it has served its purpose.
Carbon steel is made of iron with 0.12% up to 2% of carbon. The amount of carbon determines the quality and grade of carbon steel. Stainless steel has a minimal amount of chromium, which is between 10.5% and 11%. Other alloys are added to stainless steel to enhance its strength and resistance to chemicals, corrosion, and other adverse effects. Various processes are used to manufacture carbon steel and stainless steel with cold rolling and hardening being the most common methods.
The most common material used for the shipping of hazardous chemicals for chemical processing and the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and wastewater sectors is carbon steel. Cold rolled carbon steel is best suited for industries that require high tensile strength, like mining and defense. Stainless steel is ideal for sanitary applications and applications requiring a high degree of corrosion resistance, such as food and beverage, industrial manufacturing, and construction.
In the food and beverage industry, metal barrels are used for their strength and sturdiness. Industrial applications depend on metal barrels for their durability, tolerance for extreme conditions, and ability to withstand impact and force during shipping. Metal barrels have been given UN approval for safely handling hazardous materials such as acetone, ethanol, and methanol, which can disintegrate plastic.
Certain metal barrels are specially manufactured to transport flammable, toxic, and hazardous waste products for disposal. These uniquely designed metal barrels have a tight seal to prevent leaks and a rugged exterior. The versatility and flexibility of steel barrels makes them capable of shipping a wide range of liquids, powders, and chemicals.
Industrial plastic barrels are produced from various materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), nylon, and polystyrene. Plastic barrels are capable of storing several varieties of products, which is the reason they are so widely used. They are adaptable, strong, affordable, and capable of withstanding the effects of substances with extremely high or low pH levels.
Plastic barrels, commonly called blue barrels, are used for tasks such as dispensing, mixing, filtration, transporting, and storing. They come in an assortment of sizes and can hold everything from food and drink products to hazardous garbage. Food products, chemical oils, vinegar, medications, beverages, and items like sand are shipped and stored in plastic barrels. After being thoroughly cleaned, they can be recycled and repurposed.
The introduction of plastic barrels has expanded the number of choices manufacturers and producers have for shipping their products. The wide range of sizes and the different shapes makes it possible for plastic barrels to be adapted to fit any application. They provide another option for the movement of goods along the supply chain.
Forming is frequently employed in the production of metal barrels. For example, the metal sheet used to create each drum first goes through an edge grinder, smoothes out the sheet's sharp edges. The steel sheets are then placed into a bender with a cylindrical mold where the metal is curved and bent. Then, different welding techniques are used. After being bent, the metal is fed by a worker into a spot welding machine, which starts to weld numerous locations along the edge of the metal sheet to form a tube connecting the two ends. The two loosely linked ends are then fully seamed together by going through seam welding equipment, and welding across the entire connection of the sheet ends.
The drum's entire body is first manufactured, and then it goes through a laborious manipulation process. During the flanging process, the drum is fed through a machine that inserts flanges, creating rim indentations and edges on the top and bottom of the container. Following the production of these edges, the barrel enters a bead expander. This device stretches beads or rolling hoops around the circle of the container by holding the drum horizontally. These hoops, which reinforce the object's body, are made by turning rods around the interior of the barrel. Along the top and bottom of each barrel, circumferential indentations face inward in addition to the outward-facing hoops or beads. The indentations are made with a corrugating machine and are corrugated.
The bottom section of the container must now be made and then attached after the body has been constructed to the standards mentioned above:
The item is now seamed to prevent items that the container will eventually hold from leaking. Next, it's time to finish forming the container so it can stand alone by adding a top. Drum bottoms and tops are made similarly. First, drum tops need to be punched using a machine that will make holes in a specified size and location once they are formed. The next step will be to place flanges into these holes. Metal rings must first be bent inside using a flange-fitting die set or mold machine to put flanges into drum apertures or holes. Later, the drum contents will be emptied into or out of the container through these apertures. When everything is finished, the top, which has flanged holes, is seamed to the body using a method akin to bottom seaming to produce a useful container. The whole steel barrel is now complete.
However, in the fabrication of steel drums, optional procedures are used based on personal desire and final use. For example, each drum can enter a paint booth machine, rotated and horizontally fed while being painted on the exterior by the machine.
Plastic blow molding technology produces plastic barrels in which molten plastic is blown into a die or mold. With this technique, numerous shapes can be produced without internal seams. As with steel drums, barrels are still formed in a cylindrical shape to facilitate rolling and handling. The round design has no weak corners but exposed and impact-prone corners can crack. A seamless design has the extra advantage of preventing the growth of microorganisms in crevices. The sizes and shapes created via blow molding are virtually limitless. The materials used for blow molding drums are thermoplastics, including acetal, polyamide, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, low or high-density polycarbonate, and polypropylene.
Blow molding can be done in three ways: extrusion, injection, and injection stretch. Melting resin or pellets into a parison, which resembles a long plastic tube with a hole at one end, is the first step in every plastic molding procedure. The parison is dropped into the mold cavity open end first and secured firmly to prevent air leakage. Next, the parison is fired with compressed air, inflating and pushing it against the mold's side. The heated plastic fills the empty area in the mold and takes on the shape of the mold as it expands. After the form piece has cooled, the mold is opened to release the finished barrel. The top and bottom protrusions of the barrel can be removed automatically or manually.
The top cover of a closed-head barrel, also known as a tight-head drum, is not detachable. The top and bottom of a plastic drum with a tight head are sealed. Similar to the bottom end, the top side of a closed-head drum forms a durable seal since it is solid and merged with the drum's body. A port known as a bung opening is the sole means to get to a closed-head drum's contents. These tiny gaps are closed off using a bung or another sturdy stopper. Tight-head plastic drums are frequently considered more secure than open-head plastic drums since they are sealed.
Low-viscosity liquids, including water, gasoline, crude oil, and other flammable and liquid combustibles, are ideally suited for closed-head drums. The two-inch bung is designed to accommodate suitable pipe and pumping systems, enabling every drum's secure loading and spill-free filling. Since closed-head drums are frequently used to store liquid hazardous compounds, they must normally be UN-rated, have the proper hazmat labeling, and adhere to strict requirements.
An open-head barrel often called an open-top drum, has a top cover or lid that is completely detachable. Open-head drums can be sealed with a tight cover and fastenings for transport or storage or left open-topped, i.e., without a lid. The top of the container will be used for filling and emptying because it has a single entrance.
They can withstand the demands of shipping because they are built to withstand severe environments and continuous use. Depending on the project's needs, open-head barrels can be used indoors or outdoors and are durable. They are available in various colors and can be readily labeled so that the contents are recognized. Open-head drums are frequently used for shipping or storage since they are highly reliable and well-liked.
Open-head drums can be used to carry liquids, but because of how simple it is to operate the lid and how large the opening is when the top cover is removed, they work best for semi-solid and fluid-like materials (such as sand, dirt, soil, gravel, etc.). Furthermore, an open-head drum can be filled and emptied without requiring special tools or devices, unlike closed-head drums. They can even be manually loaded or unloaded if necessary. Additionally, one of the only viable containers for transporting viscous and thick liquids (such as syrups, certain oils, glues, absorbents, and some solvents) is an open-head drum.
Open-head barrels are utilized because they offer the following advantages:
Taper-sided barrels are lighter and easier to handle than other types of drums. In addition, for simple storage, the tapering sides allow for nesting. Open-headed, taper-sided 55-gallon drums are typically available in several colors. However, blue is the most typical.
Stainless steel drums are becoming increasingly popular to create, ferment, mature, and store wine in the wine business. New designs are created to fit inside wine barrel racks.
Rain barrels are containers that catch rainwater dripping from roofs and downspouts. It is unsafe to consume this drainage because it is non-potable. However, such water is safe to wash automobiles or outside surfaces and water gardens, lawns, and trees.
Drums for collecting rainwater have a straightforward design, are simple to use, and can be placed anywhere. Installing a basic rain barrel utilizes soft rainwater, decreases the need for public utility water, and promotes self-sufficiency. In addition, rain barrels lessen the amount and flow of runoff into the sewer or stormwater systems by collecting and storing rainwater.
Metal barrels can be made from a variety of materials with varying strengths. Therefore, it is useful for storing various materials thanks to these characteristics. It is crucial to know the material that will be kept within to choose the appropriate kind of barrels. Metal drums are widely used for various purposes and are effective for long-term storage and transportation. The following are some of their most common applications:
It's crucial to be sure the barrels one uses can hold the materials one needs because plastic barrels can be created in various grades, strengths, and capacities. In addition, approved polymers are required to store chemicals and other hazardous goods.
Steel barrels are among the most widely used industrial storage choices available today since they offer many fantastic advantages to organizations. Some of these advantages are discussed below.
Steel drums or metal barrels are strong and durable. Most significantly, metal barrels are highly effective at preventing damage to or contamination of the items kept inside. Steel barrels are a great way to store a range of items and work well to hold everything from pharmaceuticals to hazardous trash.
Steel barrels, which continue to be a popular alternative in the food and beverage supply chain, are also a very durable solution for keeping food products. Food can be safeguarded and kept fresh in steel barrels, especially when combined with drum liners. It is crucial to confirm that the steel barrel is certified as "food grade" and that it hasn't previously been used to hold potentially dangerous items before storing food goods.
Steel barrels are excellent for storing items because they are quick to maintain and simple to use. In reality, if a steel drum is kept clean and handled with the proper care and attention, it can last for decades with proper maintenance.
Steel barrels should be cleaned after each usage, but don't worry; they're simple to maintain and clean. Steel barrels can be cleaned with standard cleaning supplies after emptying, depending on what was put within.
Steel barrels may be reused often due to how simple they are to clean and maintain. By ensuring this product has several uses, one can save money on operating expenses while promoting environmental protection. In addition, steel drums can be completely utilized or disassembled and recycled into new barrels at the end of their long lives.
Metal barrels offer protection from physical harm and airborne contaminants, moisture, UV rays, and pests that can be present near the storage location when they are securely sealed. A steel drum can receive additional defense levels by adding waterproof coverings, UV covers, or other protective coatings. These are especially helpful if metal barrels are kept outside.
Metal barrels can be significantly customized to make them even simpler to store, move, and ship across large distances. For instance, many barrels have sturdy handles that make it possible to move them swiftly and without using large gear.
A steel drum can also have various "accessories" attached to it. A drum liner is the most typical accessory. This liner fits within the barrel and prevents contamination between the stored product and the steel.
Metal barrels are made to be used in factories. Hence they are created with the ability to be stacked on top of one another. Metal barrels are big and heavy when filled, but they can be quickly lifted and moved about using industrial equipment like forklifts. They can be conveniently stacked in warehouses for storage or in lorries for shipment. Their design makes it easy to move and transport them, reducing storage space requirements and helping to save time and money.
Lightweight compared to other storage containers like metal drums, plastic barrels are highly portable. Other advantages of plastic barrels are listed below.
Plastic is a very robust and resilient substance. Plastic barrels are made of incredibly strong and resilient materials, which lengthens their lifespan. Plastic barrels resist weathering, temperature changes, and damp, humid, or moist situations. Since plastic is resistant to the impact of ultraviolet radiation, storing drums outside is not an issue. In addition, plastic drums' strong and reliable seal guarantees they won't leak or sweat while being stored or transported. What distinguishes plastic from other sorts of materials is its tenacity and sturdiness.
Importantly, plastic barrels can be customized to carry various substances and are mass-produced in various sizes, making them an excellent value.
The fact that recycled plastic barrels won't end up in a landfill or garbage dump is an additional advantage. Plastic barrels have numerous applications, so there is no longer a need to figure out how to get rid of them, which considerably reduces one component of the rising waste management issue.
The various polymers used to create plastic barrels are inert and resistant to pH levels that are low or high. Therefore, they are the best option for storing and delivering chemicals and other potentially volatile materials because of this property.
Plastic barrels are inexpensive, which is a big factor in why they have grown to be a prized asset. It's the key reason why they gained popularity quickly after being introduced. Plastic is simpler, less expensive, and more useful to create than glass, metal, or any other storage container material. In addition, years of usage with no signs of use, wear, or damage are possible with plastic barrels.
The capacity to preserve and sustain our way of life for future generations is sustainability. Plastic barrels can be reused in countless ways once they have served their specific industrial purpose. Plastic may be easily recycled and repurposed for other purposes, in contrast to the other materials used to make drums. Although this is true for steel and aluminum, the procedures for recycling those materials are extremely difficult and time-consuming. Plastic drums, on the other hand, may be easily shredded and converted into plastic pellets.
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