A 55-gallon drum is a cylindrical shipping container used for storing and transporting liquids, solids, and other goods. 55-gallon drums have a 208-liter capacity. 55-gallon drums are usually made of steel, but they can also be made of plastic, fiber, or stainless steel.
The 55-gallon drum’s origins can be traced to the early 1900s when oil was transported in wooden drums. As the oil industry expanded, the demand for a uniform container outgrew the quality of wooden barrels, leading to the development of 55-gallon containers.
Steel became the standard for 55-gallon containers because of its strength and endurance as industries developed, changing both the design and the materials utilized. When it comes to storing flammable or volatile products, steel drums offer a safer choice than wood drums because they are more resistant to breaking and have a more effective seal than wood drums!
In this reading, we’ll explore the types of 55-gallon drums and their uses.
Let’s get started!
Types Of 55-gallon Drums And Their Uses
Drums were invented to transport crude oil during the period of oil discovery. They are now used by manufacturing and industrial companies to store and transport items, raw materials, and finished goods.
Here are the types of 55-gallon drums and their uses to help you select the appropriate container and comply with all relevant national and international shipping and storage regulations.
Closed-Head Drum
Closed-head drums must adhere to stringent regulations and are utilized for hazardous waste. They undergo testing to ensure they satisfy the United Nations’ requirements for drop, stack, leak, hydrostatic, and vibration. There are four types of hazardous waste according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Industrial companies are required to utilize closed-head drums for the storage of hazardous waste. They have to adhere to U.S. Department of Transportation and United Nations regulations and processes. You can use them to keep dirt, liquids, sand, gravel, and other semi-solids.
Invest in a drum that has a detachable cover or lid. These drums are ideal for storing items for an extended period of time. They have to pass hydrostatic, vibration, and leakage testing.
Open-Head Drum
Open-head drums are widely used for storage or transportation and are extremely reliable. They can withstand the demands of shipping and are made to withstand harsh conditions and continuous use.
Depending on the needs of the project, open-head drums can be utilized both indoors and outdoors. They are conveniently labeled to make it simple to identify the contents and come in a range of colors.
Open-head drums are useful for both indoor and outdoor applications, as well as for shipping and storage. Container manufacturers utilize materials that are durable and intended for long-term use. The open-headed drum lacks a detachable cover or lid compared to the closed-headed type.
The contents of the container can be accessed by a bung on top of it. The typical bung size on a 55-gallon drum is between 1 and 3 inches in diameter. An extra vent hole could be included in certain drums.
Carbon Steel Drum
Carbon Steel Drums are secure containers for transporting large items. They come in open and tight head designs and are available in sizes ranging from 5 to 110 gallons, including the Workhorse 55-gallon drum. They are ideal for packaging a wide range of products, including hazardous compounds.
Carbon steel barrels are an excellent option for businesses that require robust and long-lasting packaging for the transportation and storage of hazardous liquids. Each barrel is made with sturdy, heavy-duty materials to avoid spills and other dangerous incidents.
Drums made of carbon steel meet U.S. and U.N. standards. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Standards necessitate 55-gallon containers secured by dikes or pans if your company ships flammable or dangerous liquids.
Salvage Drum
Salvage drums can help you if the packaging for risky products leaks. You can use salvage drums to transport your leaking drum or combination package. The structural purpose of salvage drums is to hold packaging that contains hazardous materials that are leaking, broken, or non-compliant.
Use PPE to carefully insert the leaky drum or package inside the salvage drum, close it, and add padding or absorbent if needed to move or store risky products.
TIH Over-Packed Drum
TIH Overpack Drums are intended exclusively for customers who carry Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH) goods. These overpack drums add an extra degree of safety and convenience, consolidating many items or protecting difficult-to-handle containers.
By U.N. regulations, over-packed TIH (toxic by inhalation) drums undergo solids testing and certification. The drum needs to meet the requirements for safe outer packing for storage or transportation.
Overpack Drums
An overpack drum is a sizable container made to give smaller containers an extra level of safety and containment while they are being stored or moved. It is used when the original container is damaged or when more than one container needs to be put together.
The main function of an overpack drum is to improve handling and transportation while preventing spills, leaks, and additional harm to the original containers. It encloses and holds the primary containers inside of it, functioning as a secondary container.
Fiber Drum
Fiber drums are multipurpose storage cylinders made of fiberboard, which resembles cardboard but is far more robust and long-lasting. Although they feature a cylindrical body made of fiber, they typically have a solid, detachable cover made of steel or plastic.
The lid can be reused and recycled, while the body of a cylinder is composed of recyclable fiber. Fiber drums have many uses and advantages, and they are available in a variety of sizes.
Taper-Sided Drums
The main function of a tapered open-head plastic drum’s unique design is to increase handling, storage, and transportation efficiency. When the drums are empty, the tapering enables them to be nested, greatly minimizing the amount of space needed for transportation and storage.
In logistics and supply chain management, where space efficiency directly correlates with cost savings and operational efficiency, this design characteristic is especially beneficial.
Plastic Drums
Plastic drums, also known as polyethylene drums, are industrial-grade containers made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They weigh less than their steel drum counterparts and are thought to be more economical. Both the business and residential sectors make extensive use of plastic drums.
Crevice-Free Process Drum
The tensile strength of crevice-free process drums is a result of their stainless steel construction. The containers are suitable for personal care items, processed foods, and medications. They have a clean interior and straight lines throughout their design. You can either sell your used drums or repurpose them.
Rain Barrel Drum
A rain barrel collects and holds roof runoff that would otherwise go to storm sewers and streams. A rain barrel is typically made up of a 55-gallon drum, vinyl hose, PVC couplings, a screen grate to keep insects and debris out, and other readily available parts. It is easy to assemble and reasonably priced, and it can be placed simply under any gutter downspout in a home.
Wine Barrels
The wine business is increasingly using stainless steel drums to develop, ferment, mature, and store wine. New designs are being developed to accommodate wine barrel racks.
Nitric Drum
Nitric drums are great storage options for compatibility and purity. When exporting items abroad, they are resistant to nitric acid and oxidation. Stainless steel nitric drums meet sanitation regulations.