Ethan Clarke
Plastic drums are used for the safe storage and transportation of solids, liquids, and hazardous materials. 55-gallon plastic drums are made from high-density polyethylene, which provides excellent protection against environmental factors, extreme temperatures, and chemicals. These drums are used across various industries, including distribution, shipping, storage, chemicals, food processing, and manufacturing. They are also used for biowaste disposal, spill containment, and cleanup. To be suitable for food storage and transportation, 55-gallon plastic drums must adhere to the sanitary standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 55 gallons |
| Colour | Blue |
| Material | High molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) |
| Fill Temperature Range | -40 °F to 140 °F |
| Lid Type | Locking, metal band, screw-on |
| Uses | Rainwater collection, feed storage, watering troughs, paintball barriers, train cars, shipping container, storage and transport of hazardous materials |
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What You'll Learn
Safe for food storage
Not all 55-gallon plastic drums are safe for food storage. Food-grade plastic drums are specifically designed for storing food and beverages and are made from materials that do not leach into food products. They are safe for long-term food storage and meet FDA standards for food contact. These drums are commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries to store liquids and solids.
When using plastic drums for food storage, it is important to ensure that they are properly cleaned after each use. This helps to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent contamination. Additionally, food-grade drums should be stored in a safe, dry location, away from direct sunlight, concrete, and chemicals, as these factors can affect the quality of the drum and the food stored inside.
It is also crucial to check for proper labelling and indicators, such as the icon for food/water storage (depicted as a glass and a fork), to ensure the drum is safe for food storage. Drums that do not have specific food-grade labelling or indicators should be avoided for food storage.
Furthermore, some plastic drums may have previously been used to store inedible substances, such as oil, chemicals, or fuel, which can contaminate the drum and make it unsafe for food storage. In such cases, it is recommended to use a plastic coating before filling the drum with any edible substance to protect the sides of the barrel from absorbing chemicals.
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Used for hazardous materials
55-gallon plastic drums are widely used for storing and transporting hazardous materials. Their robust construction and secure seals ensure that hazardous substances remain contained, preventing potential environmental impact. The seamless design of these drums makes them ideal for safely securing hazardous and harmful solids and liquids. The strong and durable nature of 55-gallon plastic drums has made them invaluable in various industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, oil, and petroleum sectors.
The manufacturing process for these drums involves selecting high-density polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), nylon, and polystyrene. These plastics are chosen for their resilience, strength, and resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures. The drums are designed to meet strict government standards for eco-friendliness and comply with regulations set by organisations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In the context of hazardous waste disposal, 55-gallon plastic drums offer a cost-effective solution. They are lightweight, reducing shipping costs, and are particularly suitable for materials that can corrode metal, such as water. However, steel drums are often preferred for hazardous materials due to their superior strength, durability, and inherent fireproof qualities. Steel drums can withstand greater weight and blunt force, reducing the risk of damage during transportation.
To accommodate the specific requirements of hazardous materials, different types of drums are available. For instance, overpack drums can contain leaking 55-gallon drums by filling them with sorbents to absorb dangerous chemicals. Salvage drums are designed for damaged or leaking containers of hazardous materials or contaminated absorbent materials. These drums feature a secure metal lever-lock band for safe closure. The choice between plastic and steel drums depends on the nature of the materials being stored and the compatibility of the container with its contents.
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Polyethylene construction
The 55-gallon natural tight-head plastic drum is a shipping container made through blow moulding. It is constructed from industrial-strength high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, which is known for its durability and thick walls. HDPE is a commonly used resin with good impact and chemical resistance, and it is naturally translucent and flexible. It is often used for personal care products such as shampoo bottles, and adding colour will make it opaque, increasing its weight and rigidity.
The 55-gallon drum is also available in a similar but more durable form, made from high molecular weight high-density polyethylene (HMWPE). This variety is also suitable for outdoor use and provides superior performance and long-lasting durability.
HDPE is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications. It is suitable for use in below-freezing temperatures, with a maximum fill temperature of around 171°F. However, it is important to test the compatibility of the product with the container, as HDPE's heat compatibility varies. Distortion of the drum can occur between 220° and 250° F.
The 55-gallon HDPE drums are also UN-rated, with two 2" Bung openings and plugs/gaskets. They comply with FDA regulations for food and drugs and have the same dimensions as steel drums for standardised handling and conveying.
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Blow moulding manufacturing
Blow moulding is a versatile manufacturing process used to create a wide range of plastic products, from tiny vials to 55-gallon drums. The process involves placing a parison into a mould, where it is inflated under pressure to conform to the desired shape. Blow moulding is particularly useful for creating hollow plastic parts.
The three main types of blow moulding are extrusion blow moulding, injection blow moulding, and injection-stretch blow moulding. The type of blow moulding used depends on how the parison is formed, its size, and how it is manipulated within the mould cavity.
In the blow moulding process, resin pellets are melted and shaped into a parison using injection moulding. The parison is then clamped into a mould cavity, which determines the final shape of the product. The mould design and manufacturing quality are critical to the success of the process. The parting surface, structural parts, and positioning methods are key considerations in mould design.
For 55-gallon plastic drums, the plastics used must be durable and resistant to demanding conditions. To ensure durability, a UV inhibitor is added to the resin pellets to protect the plastic from sunlight exposure, which can cause degradation over time. The colour of the drums also impacts UV protection, with black offering the best protection and white the least.
The blow moulding process for 55-gallon drums involves melting the resin pellets and feeding them into an extruder through the feed barrel. The pellets are heated and moved along to the blow moulding die, where they are uniformly heated to form a parison. The parison is then placed into an open mould that forms the shape of the drum. The die sections are pressed together using pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.
Overall, blow moulding is a flexible and efficient manufacturing process that can be adapted to create a variety of plastic products, including 55-gallon drums.
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Locking lids
55-gallon plastic drums are available with a variety of lid types, including locking lids. Locking lids are often used for the safe storage and transportation of hazardous materials.
Eagle, for example, offers a range of plastic barrel drums with locking lids. Their drums are made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and come in various colours, lid types, and closure types. Common closure types include lever-lock closures, metal bolt ring closures, and screw-on lid closures. Lever-lock closures are suitable for applications where the drum needs to be opened frequently, as they provide easy access and can be locked without tools. Metal bolt ring closures, on the other hand, provide a more secure closure as they require a torque wrench to tighten or loosen. Screw-on lid closures are commonly used for smaller plastic drums and provide convenient access with a simple twist mechanism.
Another example is the EarthMinded 55-gallon plastic industrial drum, which features a lid and lock band. This drum is constructed from durable plastic and has a flanged base for stability and secure handling.
Additionally, Hazmat Resource, Inc. offers a 55-gallon plastic drum with a lid for decontamination collection. This drum is made of blue blow-moulded HDPE with UV inhibitors, making it durable and lightweight. The lid features a metal lever-lock band closure, and the drum is UN/DOT rated for solids.
When choosing between sealed and removable lids for 55-gallon plastic drums, there are several considerations. Removable lids offer the advantage of easy cleaning and versatility, as they can be used for various purposes such as water storage, holding feed, grain, or supplies. However, they may have a slightly higher risk of leaking due to the removable lid. Sealed lids, on the other hand, may be preferred for long-term water storage to prevent contamination and algae growth, although proper cycling and sanitisation are still necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy them from any chemical distributor or online from places like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, The Cary Company, Eagle, and ULINE.
Prices vary depending on the seller and the number of drums being purchased. Used drums can be found for as little as $10 each, while new drums can cost significantly more.
They have a variety of uses, including rainwater collection, feed storage, watering troughs, paintball barriers, and train cars for children. They are also used for safe handling and transportation of hazardous materials, spill containment, and cleanup of hazardous materials.
They are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is lightweight, weather and corrosion-resistant, and incineratable. Some drums are also made of high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), which is similar to HDPE but more durable, with extra thick walls.
Common closure types include lever-lock, metal bolt ring, and screw-on lids. Lever-lock closures provide easy access and are locked in place with a built-in latch, while metal bolt ring closures require a torque wrench and provide a more secure closure. Screw-on lids are convenient and commonly used for smaller drums.
