Floating Plastic Barrels: Weight Limits And Safety

A 55-gallon plastic barrel will theoretically displace 55 gallons of water, weighing 440 pounds. The weight of the drum itself must also be considered, along with whether it will be completely submerged. The ability of the barrel to float also depends on what it is filled with. For example, if the drum is filled with styrofoam, it will be less buoyant than if it were filled with air.

Buoyancy calculations

Now, to calculate the buoyancy of the barrel, we subtract the weight of the barrel from the weight of the displaced water. In this case, that would be 440 pounds of displaced water minus 22 pounds for the weight of the barrel, resulting in a net buoyancy of 418 pounds. This means that the barrel can support a weight of up to 418 pounds while still floating.

It's important to note that the temperature of the water can slightly affect the density and, consequently, the weight of the water. However, the impact is relatively minor, with a difference of only about 19 pounds between water at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, the buoyancy calculations assume that the barrel is completely sealed. If the barrel is punctured and fills with water, it will lose its buoyancy and sink. Similarly, if the barrel is filled with a substance like concrete, which weighs approximately 972 pounds in a 55-gallon drum, it will sink due to the weight exceeding the buoyancy provided by the displaced water.

In summary, a 55-gallon plastic barrel can float while supporting a weight of up to approximately 418 pounds, depending on the specific conditions and factors mentioned above.

Effect of temperature on floatation

The effect of temperature on the floatation of plastic barrels is a critical consideration, with a direct impact on performance. While plastics were once considered cheap substitutes for other materials, and temperature variation was not a significant concern, today, the demands on plastic materials have increased, and the impact of temperature variation on their performance cannot be overlooked.

The mechanical properties of polymers are influenced by temperature. As the temperature rises, the performance of polymers decreases. This means that a plastic barrel's ability to float may be compromised at higher temperatures, as the material's strength and performance are reduced.

The rate of loading is another factor that comes into play when considering the impact of temperature on floatation. The performance of a plastic barrel is perceived based on its rate of loading, and this can be influenced by the temperature of the water it floats in. The hotter the water, the greater the potential impact on the barrel's performance in terms of load-bearing capacity.

Additionally, the specific gravity of water changes with temperature. Water density decreases as temperature increases, which means that warmer water is less buoyant than cooler water. This can affect the floatation of objects, including plastic barrels. For example, a plastic barrel might experience greater buoyancy in cooler water, where the water density is higher, compared to warmer water conditions.

Therefore, when considering the floatation ability of a plastic barrel, it is essential to factor in the temperature of the water it will be immersed in. The performance of the plastic material will be influenced by the temperature, and this, in turn, will impact the barrel's ability to remain afloat, especially when subjected to weight or load.

Sealed vs punctured drums

A 55-gallon plastic drum weighs around 22 lbs and can be used for floating. The weight it can float depends on whether the drum is sealed or punctured.

A sealed plastic drum will float on water because it is airtight and watertight, displacing the water and creating buoyancy. The weight of the drum must be subtracted from the total weight it can float. For example, a 55-gallon drum can displace 440 pounds of water (8 pounds per gallon multiplied by 55 gallons). If the sealed drum weighs 22 lbs, it can float a maximum load of 418 pounds (440 pounds minus 22 pounds).

However, if the drum is punctured and fills with water, it will lose its buoyancy and sink. The weight that a punctured drum can float will depend on the density of the plastic and whether it is filled with a buoyant material such as styrofoam. If the plastic is denser than water, it will sink, and the styrofoam will provide buoyancy to the overall unit, although the weight it can float will be reduced.

In terms of cost, a new polyethylene plastic drum is less expensive than a new steel drum. Plastic drums are also lighter, which may result in lower shipping and fuel costs. They are versatile and popular for shipping beverages, industrial chemicals, and non-corrosive liquid or semi-liquid goods. However, steel drums have higher resistance to punctures, leaks, and impacts, making them the preferred choice for shipping heavy solid goods and hazardous materials.

Plastic density

The weight a plastic barrel can float depends on several factors, including the density of the plastic, the volume of the barrel, and whether the barrel is sealed or punctured.

The volume of the barrel also plays a role in determining its buoyancy. A 55-gallon plastic barrel, for instance, can theoretically displace 55 gallons of water, which weighs approximately 440 pounds. By subtracting the weight of the empty drum, you can estimate how much additional weight it can support while floating.

Additionally, the integrity of the barrel is essential. A sealed drum will float differently from a punctured one. If the drum is sealed, the air inside contributes to its buoyancy. However, if the drum is punctured and fills with water, it will be weighed down by the plastic if the plastic is denser than water.

Different types of plastics have different densities, which affect their buoyancy. For example, styrofoam, which is less dense than water, can provide buoyancy to a ship even if it is punctured and flooded, assuming it doesn't float away. On the other hand, concrete, which is denser than water, will cause a plastic barrel to sink.

Styrofoam as cargo

A 55-gallon plastic barrel will displace 440 pounds of water (as water weighs 8 pounds per gallon). The buoyancy of the barrel will depend on whether it is sealed and filled with air or another substance, such as Styrofoam.

Styrofoam is often used as a buoyant material and has been compared to cargo in a ship. If a cargo ship were filled with Styrofoam, it would ride lower in the water than an empty ship due to the weight of the Styrofoam. However, if the ship were to sustain damage and flood, the Styrofoam could provide buoyancy and keep the ship afloat, assuming it is contained and does not float away.

In some jurisdictions, Styrofoam floats are banned due to their environmental impact. Over time, Styrofoam can break apart into smaller chunks, which can pollute shores and harm wildlife. Despite this, some types of Styrofoam are approved for use, while others are not.

Styrofoam is also used in the cargo area of some vehicles, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, to protect wires and other components. In this case, Styrofoam serves as a protective and organizational material rather than a buoyant one.

Overall, when considering the use of Styrofoam as cargo, it is important to take into account its buoyancy, environmental impact, and potential applications, such as in shipping or automotive industries.

Frequently asked questions