
Plastic drums are used for various purposes, such as storing and transporting liquids and powders. They are also used in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The volume of a standard plastic drum can vary, with common sizes including 200 litres, 210 litres, and 220 litres. These drums are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and can be used for hazardous materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Volume | 55 gallons (approximately 208 liters) or 200-220 liters |
| Height | 910 mm or 940 mm or 960 mm |
| Diameter | 570 mm or 600 mm or 585 mm |
| Weight | 8 kg or 8.5 kg or 10.5±0.5 kg |
| Color | Blue |
| Material | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Use | Storing and transporting liquids and powders, including food products, chemicals, and hazardous materials |
| Features | UN-approved, food-grade, leak-proof, UV stabilizer, L-ring/Double L-ring, 2 bungs/closures |
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What You'll Learn

A 55-gallon drum is approximately 208 litres
The volume of a standard plastic drum can vary, but a common size is a 55-gallon drum. To convert gallons to litres, you can use the conversion factor that 1 gallon is approximately equal to 3.78541 litres. By multiplying 55 gallons by the conversion factor, we get 208.17755 litres, or approximately 208 litres, in a 55-gallon drum.
This conversion factor can be used to convert any number of gallons to litres. For example, if you have a 10-gallon container, you can multiply 10 by 3.78541 to get 37.8541 litres, or approximately 38 litres.
It is important to note that this conversion factor is only an approximation and the exact volume of a 55-gallon drum in litres may vary slightly depending on the specific drum and the temperature and pressure of the contents. However, using this conversion factor will give a reasonably accurate estimate of the volume.
This information is particularly useful when trying to determine the volume of liquid or solid materials that can be stored in a 55-gallon drum. It can also be used to compare the capacity of different containers, helping to determine which container is most suitable for a given application. Understanding the volume of a 55-gallon drum in litres can also assist in calculating concentrations or dosages when working with chemicals or other substances stored in such containers.
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Drums vary in volume, with common sizes ranging from 200 to 220 litres
Plastic drums come in various sizes, and their volume can vary. The most common sizes range from 200 to 220 litres.
A standard drum typically holds around 55 gallons, which equates to approximately 208 litres. This size of drum is often used as a benchmark for measuring volume. However, it is worth noting that drum sizes can differ, and some are larger or smaller than this standard capacity.
For instance, some plastic drums have a capacity of 200 litres, or 55 gallons, and are designed with a closed top and tight head. These drums are commonly used for storing and transporting various substances, including food products, chemicals, paint, and oils. Their construction from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) ensures maximum chemical resistance and makes them suitable for containing hazardous materials.
Other plastic drums have a slightly larger capacity of 210 litres, or again, 55 gallons. These drums are typically blue and feature two screw caps for secure closure. They are lightweight, weighing only 8kg when empty, and are often utilised in industrial and transit packaging applications.
At the higher end of the volume range, 220-litre plastic drums are also available. These drums are also commonly referred to as L-ring plastic drums or tight head drums. They are UN-approved for the transportation of hazardous materials and are suitable for storing both liquids and powders. The lid on these drums is not removable, and the contents are accessed through bungs on the top. This design ensures leak prevention, making them ideal for use in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
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A 210-litre drum weighs 8kg when empty
The volume of a standard plastic drum can vary, but a common size is a 55-gallon drum, which equates to approximately 208 litres. A 210-litre drum, therefore, falls just outside of this standard size.
The 210-litre plastic drum, or D210P, is a standard blue drum with 2 x 2" BSP screw caps. It is 940mm in height and 600mm in diameter, and weighs 8kg when empty. This type of drum is also available in a 220-litre size, which is also blue and made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The 220-litre drum is food grade and UN-approved for storing and transporting liquids and powders. It is also suitable for hazardous chemicals. The lid is not removable, so the drum can only be filled or emptied via the bungs in the top.
The 210-litre drum's weight of 8kg when empty is relatively standard for plastic drums, which tend to be lightweight and easy to handle. By comparison, a new steel drum typically weighs 8.5kg to 9.5kg when empty.
The 210-litre drum is a good option for those seeking a lightweight and easy-to-manage drum for storage or transportation. For those requiring a slightly larger capacity, the 220-litre drum is also a popular choice, particularly in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries, where leakage prevention is critical.
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Drums are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
The volume of a standard plastic drum can vary, but a common size is a 55-gallon drum, which equates to approximately 208 litres.
Plastic drums are also known as polyethylene drums or poly drums and are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Polyethylene is a polymer that is available in different densities and grades, making it one of the most useful and widespread plastic polymers in the world. HDPE is a specific type of plastic that is flexible but firm, often returning to its original shape when flexed. It is also translucent but is often dyed.
HDPE is lightweight and durable, making it compatible with a variety of industries and applications. It is also resistant to extremely high or low pH levels, making it a safe choice for many different types of materials. For instance, HDPE is excellent for low-temperature storage as it toughens up and becomes firmer under exposure to cold. It is also resistant to most solvents, diluted acids, alkalis, and alcohols.
Black polyethylene drums are the best for UV protection and are the only drums not required by law to have extra UV protection added to the resin. However, black drums heat up a lot more than other colours—as much as 20°C if outside in hotter states like Arizona. If heat sensitivity is an issue, white drums offer UV protection and less heat generation.
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They are used for storing/transporting liquids, powders, food, and chemicals
Plastic drums are versatile and widely used for storing and transporting various substances, including liquids, powders, food, and chemicals. They are commonly employed in warehouses and for industrial storage and transportation.
Plastic drums come in different sizes, typically ranging from 100 litres to 220 litres in capacity. The volume of a standard drum can vary, but a common size is a 55-gallon drum, which equates to approximately 208 litres. These drums are often spherical and coloured blue for easy identification.
Now, let's delve into the specific uses of plastic drums for storing and transporting liquids, powders, food, and chemicals:
Liquids
Plastic drums are suitable for storing and transporting liquids. They come in two main varieties: open head and tight head. Open-head drums feature a removable lid, providing easy access for filling and emptying. These drums are commonly used for dry products but can also be utilised for liquids. Tight-head drums, on the other hand, are designed to remain securely closed, with both ends seamed and no removable lid. They are typically accessed through fittings on the top, known as bungs, and are primarily used for liquids, especially water.
Powders
Plastic drums are ideal for storing and transporting powders and dry goods. Fibre drums, made from heavy-duty paper or cardboard reinforced with resin, are often used for this purpose. They provide a lightweight solution for powders or materials that may be damaged by heavier containers. Additionally, plastic drums certified as food-grade quality can also be used to store powdered goods such as gravy granules or ground coffee.
Food
Plastic drums play a crucial role in storing and transporting food products. Food-grade plastic drums are designed to be free from harmful chemicals or dyes, ensuring they are safe for storing consumables. They are commonly used for cooking oils, ingredients, spices, beverages, and various liquid and dry food products, including water, juices, grains, flour, sugar, rice, and dry pet food.
Chemicals
Plastic drums are frequently utilised for storing and transporting chemicals, including hazardous substances. Drums made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are UN-approved for chemical storage. The material is malleable yet rigid, capable of withstanding high temperatures and many hazardous chemicals. Additionally, fluorination can be applied to HDPE containers to improve binding and decrease the chances of leakage, minimising the environmental impact of potential chemical spills.
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Frequently asked questions
The volume of a standard plastic drum can vary, but a common size is a 55-gallon drum, which would contain approximately 208 liters.
A 200-liter plastic drum could be a 55-gallon HDPE closed-top tight head plastic drum, which is suitable for packaging, storing, and transporting liquid substances, including food products and chemicals.
The ITP Packaging Tight Head Blue Plastic Drum holds 220 liters and is food-grade and UN-approved for storing hazardous chemicals.
The RainHarvest Products Blue Plastic Polyethylene Barrel holds 200 liters and has previously been used for food-grade alcohol/spirits or lime juice.
The Lifting Equipment Store offers a standard 210-liter plastic drum, which is 940mm in height and 600mm in diameter.










































