Sofia Martinez
The 55-gallon drum is a versatile container used for storing and transporting liquids, solids, and powders. They are made from materials such as steel, stainless steel, plastic, and fiber, each with its own unique dimensions and characteristics. While steel drums are the most common, plastic drums offer advantages like rust resistance and durability, making them ideal for outdoor use. This article will explore the dimensions of 55-gallon plastic drums, their weight capacities, and how their height compares to other drum types.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and nylon |
| Colors | Blue, black, white, or natural |
| Weight | 21.5 lbs. (9.8 kg) |
| Height | Varies from manufacturer to manufacturer |
| Capacity | 55 gallons (208 liters) |
| Uses | Safe storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous materials, liquids, solids, and powders |
| Temperature | High temperature: 140 °F, Low temperature: -40 °F |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic drum dimensions vary between manufacturers
Plastic drums are used to store and transport hazardous substances and are available in a variety of sizes and styles. The dimensions of plastic drums vary between manufacturers, with some offering customisable heights to meet specific requirements.
The Cary Company, for example, offers a range of plastic drums with straight sides or taper sides for nesting and stacking. They also offer open-head drums with a removable top and tight-head drums with a sealed top and fittings. The capacity of these drums ranges from 8 gallons to 57 gallons.
Another company, CP Lab Safety, offers plastic drums that meet the demanding standards required for sensitive and dangerous goods.
The dimensions of 55-gallon plastic drums vary depending on the manufacturer and the style selected. The height, length, and width measurements of these drums differ depending on whether they have an open or closed head.
Plastic drums are typically made from blow-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They are resistant to a wide range of chemicals and are suitable for handling various hazardous substances. They are also available in different colours, with blue, for example, often indicating that the polyethylene used is FDA- and USDA-compliant.
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Plastic drums are made from blow-moulded high-density polyethylene
A 55-gallon plastic drum is a cylindrical container used to transport and store bulk liquids, solids, and powders. They are typically made from blow-moulded high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This process involves clamping a large tube of melted plastic into a mould, then using compressed air to expand the tube into the mould to give the drum its shape. The colour is moulded in, and they are typically available in blue, black, white, or natural colours. Other colours can be provided for large quantities.
Plastic drums are a popular choice for shipping because they are lightweight, cost-effective, and have widespread applications in both the residential and commercial sectors. They are also more resistant to breakdown from extremely high or low pH levels than steel drums. However, plastic drums are generally not considered as strong as steel drums and may not be suitable for certain hazardous materials or heavy bulk weight products.
The height of a 55-gallon plastic drum can vary depending on the manufacturer, but they typically have standard dimensions similar to steel drums for standardised handling and conveying. They are also known as shipping containers and are made with industrial-strength high-molecular-weight high-density polyethylene (HMWPE) plastic, which is similar to HDPE but more durable, with extra thick walls.
The maximum fill temperature for HDPE drums is generally around 171°F, and distortion occurs between 220° to 250° F. HDPE is also naturally translucent and flexible, making it suitable for personal care products such as shampoo bottles. Adding colour will give HDPE an opaque look that will increase weight and rigidity.
Overall, 55-gallon plastic drums offer a versatile, durable, and cost-effective solution for transporting and storing a wide range of products, making them a popular choice for many industries.
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Blue plastic drums are often FDA- and USDA-compliant
The dimensions of 55-gallon drums vary depending on the material of construction and the manufacturer. Steel and stainless steel drums have standard dimensions, while plastic drums vary more. The height of fiber drums can be customized to meet specific requirements. The 55-gallon drum is popular because it is strong, durable, and can be cleaned and reused. It is also the largest single package that can be easily handled by one person.
Blue plastic drums are often used to indicate that the polyethylene used is FDA- and USDA-compliant. These drums are made from industrial-strength high-density polyethylene and are food-grade, meaning they are safe for storing food products. They are also BPA-free, ensuring that they are toxin-free. Blue plastic drums are also chemical-resistant, recyclable, reusable, stackable, and rustproof.
The FDA- and USDA-compliant blue plastic drums are suitable for storing and transporting a wide range of products, including food, chemicals, liquids, cosmetics, electronic parts, solids, hardware, and household products. These drums are designed to meet UN requirements for shipping hazardous materials. They are also often UV-resistant, with molded-in colours that keep light out, protecting light-sensitive contents.
While blue plastic drums are typically associated with FDA and USDA compliance, it is important to verify this with the manufacturer or supplier. Reconditioned poly drums, for example, are not recommended for food use due to potential permeation from previous contents. Additionally, while plastic drums are versatile and can hold various materials, they may not be suitable for strong solvents or corrosives, where steel or stainless steel drums are preferred.
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Plastic drums are ideal for storing liquids outdoors
Plastic drums are a versatile and convenient storage method used in many different industries. They are ideal for storing liquids outdoors due to their durability, capacity, and ease of transport.
Plastic drums, typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offer a durable solution for storing liquids outdoors. HDPE is a strong and tough material that can withstand the elements, making it suitable for outdoor use. The drums can be easily moved and transported, even when filled, which is essential for outdoor storage where drums may need to be relocated due to changing weather conditions or other factors.
One of the key advantages of plastic drums is their capacity. With a volume of 55 gallons, they can store large quantities of liquids, making them perfect for mass liquid storage. This is especially useful for industries that require easy access to large volumes of liquids, such as lubricating oils, diesel, or chemicals.
Additionally, plastic drums are relatively lightweight, even when empty. This makes them easier to handle and transport than heavier alternatives like steel drums. Their lightweight construction also contributes to their durability, as they are less likely to be damaged during transportation or handling.
When storing liquids outdoors, it is crucial to consider the potential risks. Plastic drums may accumulate rainwater on their tops, and temperature changes can cause pressure variations inside the drums, leading to "breathing" through the drum openings. This breathing process can draw water into the drum, contaminating the contents. To mitigate this, it is recommended to store drums with bungs horizontal to each other or with bungs down to prevent rainwater from entering.
While plastic drums are a popular choice for outdoor liquid storage, it is important to select the appropriate type of plastic drum for the specific application. Food-grade plastic drums, for example, are designed to minimise the leaching of plastic into the stored liquid, making them suitable for drinking water storage. On the other hand, non-food-grade plastic drums may be more susceptible to leaching, rendering the stored liquid undrinkable over time.
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Plastic drums are unsuitable for storing corrosives
A 55-gallon plastic drum is typically used to store and transport liquids, solids, and powders. They are cylindrical containers made from blow-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE). While plastic drums are widely used in various industries to store and transport hazardous materials, they are unsuitable for storing corrosive substances.
Corrosive substances like acids, bases, and oxidizers require a non-reactive storage material. Polyethylene drums are often used for storing corrosive materials because they are non-reactive and prevent chemical reactions. Plastic drums, on the other hand, are reactive with certain corrosive substances. For instance, strong solvents will react with the plastic in the drum, making them unsuitable for storing corrosives.
The reactivity of plastic drums with certain corrosive substances can lead to hazardous situations. Leaks and spills may occur if the plastic drum breaks down due to a chemical reaction. This can contaminate the surrounding area and create unsafe conditions. Plastic drums are also more susceptible to abrasion and damage during transportation, which further increases the risk of leaks and spills.
Additionally, plastic drums may not meet the necessary performance standards for storing corrosive materials. Drums intended to contain hazardous materials must adhere to specific regulations, such as the United Nations' (UN) HM-181, which outlines packaging requirements for hazardous materials. Plastic drums may not always comply with these standards, making them unsuitable for corrosives storage.
Furthermore, plastic drums are not recommended for food use due to the potential for permeation of previous contents. This characteristic further highlights their unsuitability for storing corrosive substances, as the risk of contamination is higher. Overall, while plastic drums have their advantages in storing and transporting certain materials, they are not the best choice for corrosives due to safety, regulatory, and compatibility concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
The height of a 55-gallon plastic drum varies depending on the manufacturer. The average plastic drum weighs 21.5 lbs (9.8 kg) when empty.
55-gallon plastic drums are used for storing and transporting liquids, solids, and powders. They are ideal for storing chemicals, liquid food-grade ingredients, and non-leaking hazardous materials.
55-gallon plastic drums are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They can also be made from other plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nylon.
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