What is a 55 Gallon Plastic Drum?
Alright so a 55 gallon plastic drum is a durable, heavy-duty, container designed for the storage or transportation of various materials and/or substances made of tough high density industrial grade polymer.
Due to their thicknesses, these drums allow for high durability, strength and longevity and fit perfectly to safely hold the chemical or material of your choosing. The seamless design only adds to the ability of these drums to safely hold hazardous or harmful solids and/or liquids.
Strength and durability are noted benefits of plastic barrels; 55 gallon capacity drum barrels are now a necessity in virtually every sector of industry, including distribution, shipping, and storage of anything. The strength and durability of 55 gallon plastic barrels also make them very useful in chemical handling, food processing, and manufacturing.
How 55 Gallon Plastic Drums are Made?
The manufacturing process for 55 gallon plastic drums starts with the selection of a suitable high-density polymer. The polymer is usually high-density polyethylene (HDPE) but may also be linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE) if work is for specialty drums.
HDPE and LDPE are strong polymers capable of withstanding exceptional impact, having good chemical stability and,be suitable for storage and transportation of various industrial liquids, food-grade products, hazardous materials and products like oils, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Production materials for the drum start life as either resin pellets or granules. The resin pellets can be made from either recycled plastics or newly produced(virgin) resin, must still meet quality and regulatory aspects of the final intended application.
Although to the untrained eye the resin materials may look the same, their molecular structure can be vastly different in terms of molecular size, strength and, density which make each type of resin do their job.
The resin(s) are originally viscous materials that during the polymerization and curing process become solid polymers.
In contemporary drum manufacturing, synthetic resins like HDPE are used in pursuit of superior mechanical properties, chemical resistance and durability of materials that store and transport liquids whether hazardous or non-hazardous in a long-term capacity.
Food grade resins used in drum production comply with FDA and USDA expectations which are important when storing products to pack hygienically.
Manufacturing Processes
All three of the primary methods of making 55 gallon plastic drums are rotational molding, injection molding, and injection blow molding.
Out of these three methods, injection blow molding is the most widely utilized, and economically efficient, which is ideal for seamless, consistent, and durable to manufacture drums.
For injection molding and blow molding, resin pellets are melted and injected or extruded into a drum-shaped mold cavity to form a monolithic, leak-proof container. Rotational molding is viable for low to medium production rates, acceptable for unique drum designs and shapes.
For rotational molding, resin powder is put into a heated mold and rotated. The mold is rotated to form thick walls and shapes.
These advanced plastic forming processes allow customization of drums that can specify UN/DOT compliance, but will also enhance the value proposition for stackabilty and tamper resistant seals in an industry packaging space.
Resin Pellets
Resin pellets are the raw material used in 55 gallon drum plastic production. Resin pellets also come in clear or white but can be compounded with colorant or additives producing 55 gallon drums of multiple colors.
Blue, white, yellow and black colors are available for immediate shipment, while drums available in customized colors can be provided for branding or identification.
Resin pellets are melted and formed into parison during the extrusion or molding process. A parison is a hollow tube, which becomes the drum shape at the end of the manufacturing process.
To provide durability and longevity to 55 gallon plastic drums, manufacturers will include specialized UV stabilizers and inhibitors for the resin pellets. These additives are to protect the drums exterior from damage due to UV exposure such as brittleness, discoloration or structural failure.
Out of the options for colors, black plastic provides the most UV protection and is preferred for outside storage.
White or natural plastics will offer less protection from UV and can be used indoors, with temporary or short term use, or longer than that if not in direct sunlight. This level of customization allows buyers to have multiple options to choose the style of drum specific to the environment and contents.
Blow Molding Drums
Blow molding has become the best and most effective technique for making 55 gallon plastic drums. The process has consistent wall thickness and the structural integrity we expect from this construction type.
So an extrusion of parison is put into a mold resembling a drum, and we pressurize it with plant-air so that the parison conforms to the internal shape of the mold. There are three general types of blow molding used to produce plastic drums:
- Extrusion Blow Molding: The parison is made by extruding a long piece of molten resin vertically, the mold halves are closed, and then the parison is blown into a drum.
- Injection Blow Molding: Resin is injected into a very specific pre-shaped mold, which is how the parison is shaped (the preform), then this is moved to that drum mold and blown into shape.
- Injection-Stretch Blow Molding: The parison is blown and stretched, which gives strength—this is a well-used process for higher performing and specialty drums.
Each method has its advantages when it comes to speed of production, accuracy, and cost in producing blow molded drums, making them the top choice for bulk liquid transportation and hazardous material packaging because performance and compliance are absolute requirements.
Feeding Plastic Pellets
It all starts with dumping resin pellets into the hopper, either by hand, or through lower-cost automated bulk feeding systems for high-volume production. The pellets then make their way through the feed barrel into an extruder.
As they travel through the extruder towards the blow molding die, they are controlled heated and mixed. There are heating elements wrapped around the screw drive to help ensure the even melting of the pellets, so that they will create a defect-free parison, ready to form a drum.
Controlling the temperature and feed rate of the plastic extruder is essential to keep the desired physical properties, eliminate resin degradation, and reduce manufacturing flaws.
Buyers wanting to distinguish between different suppliers of 55 gallon plastic drums typically will take into account the capacity and automation of the feeder and extruder, as they will impact the cost of the drums, as well as the quality.
Inserted into the Mold
So once the resin is melted down, the extruder will form a parison, which is then put into an open, drum-shaped tool, designed to achieve desired volume capacity and geometry for 55 gallon drums.
Below, the illustration demonstrates that the parison is tubular and will soon fill into the shape of a seamless plastic barrel.
The positive air pressure and design of the mold have features like venting, cooling channels, and material flow paths to achieve uniform wall thickness, structural strength, and leak-free seams.
These features are especially important to end users in industries like food processing, or incidental containment of hazardous chemicals
Closing the Die
The next step in the manufacturing process, after inserting the parison into the die, is to press the die pieces together with either pneumatic systems or hydraulic systems.
This seals the ends of the parison tightly between the die halves and there is a carefully designed opening on the top for regulated injection of pressurized air.
This will ensure that the drum will perform to the required standards for pressure, drop and leak resistance and is critical to satisfy the DOT/UN requirements for containers for hazardous materials.
Air Being Forced into Parison
Compressed air is added to the parison at controlled high pressure and expands the parison against the entire shape of the mold.
This is the important step in achieving uniform wall distribution and eliminating weak points for a smooth, defect-free finish. Good blow molding limits bubbles, pin holes, or imperfections in the container so that it can safely store liquids, chemicals, or hazardous waste products.
Removal of Solidified Drum
Once the drum cools down and takes on its final rigid form, the mold halves are pulled apart typically automatically in most high-output facilities utilizing pneumatic or hydraulic motors.
The 55 gallon drum is carefully ejected, ready for finishing and quality checks— also for secondary operations like excess material trimming, addition of the bung holes, and printing product information on the drum outside.
This type of efficient process allows manufacturers to provide low lead times, consistent product quality, and compliance with international packing regulations making plastic drums a cost-effective, and reliable, packaging option for virtually any industry.
Rotational Molding Drums
Resin Powder
Rotational molding is used for applications involving non-standard shapes, thicker walls, and potentially smaller production runs.
Rotational molding uses solid resin powder made of primarily polyethylene or specialized engineered plastics as required to achieve particular performance specifications.
The resin powder remains solid until it is charged into a heated mold, which allows the processor to specify both the wall thickness, and a number of physical properties.
Rotational Mold
In rotational molding, hollow, seamless products are produced using heavy-duty steel or aluminum molds. Prior to resin loading, the applicator applies an industry standard release agent that guarantees ease of drum removal, protects the mold for many uses, and more.
In some cases, molds may have a draft angle or texture to help release the item without the use of chemical release agents to avoid possible contamination and promote food safety. Below is an illustration of the resin powder being leisurely added into the drum mold.
Rotation Process
With the mold closed, the drum spins bi-axially inside an industrial oven where the resin powder coats every surface of the mold evenly.
The oven then applies a mix of heat, time, and rotation, which allows the powder to melt and fuse together to form one layer of material as the heat increases.
The diagram below depicts the bi-axial movement of the mold; this results in a structurally uniform drum wall structure, ideal strength and thickness, and resistance to cracking or leaking.
The more resin powder introduced into the mold, the thicker the drum wall; this increases impact strength and load capacity.
When it comes to molds, the producers are very conscious of this point of product development, and they tend to monitor the final products dimensions in relation to the customers product specifications in order to develop the designs for liquid storage, hazardous containment, stackability, and compatibility with filling and dispensing equipment.
Because rotationally molded parts are formed by a unique process which usually incorporates complex shapes, structure design, and integrated attachments, these drums or containers can be incorporated or configured for specific usages suitable for carrying marine supply, chemical processing, agricultural supplies, rainwater, and many specific uses.
This modern rotational molding process demonstrates the versatility, cost-effectiveness and high-performance utility of all 55 gallon plastic drums now and into many different applications and liquids across multiple industries and business sectors.
What types of plastics are used to produce 55 gallon plastic drums?
Plastic is the most versatile material that is utilized in modern product development today. While there are many forms of plastics in use today, they definitely cover a wide array of industrial and commercial needs.
It is the requirements for strength, chemical-resistance, and versatility that qualify plastics as indispensable materials for manufacturing a wide variety of products. In fact, without plastics, several industrial storage products, including isotropic or “55 gallon” plastic drums, would be impossible to manufacture.
Plastics such as 55 gallon plastic drums are used in industrial settings for safe storage, effective transportation, and reliable shipping of a wide array or goods in every sector of business, including hazardous materials and food-grade storage, and logistics.
When making such high-volume plastic drums, it is important that the plastic be structurally sound to withstand impact, and that it is durable in various environments (e.g., not just the recycling plant). Home filling stations even purchase plastic barrels to store gasoline!
Thus, it is essential that the plastics that are utilized provide mechanical properties and barrier characteristics that protects them from UltraViolet rays, chemical degradation, and prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. After all, you want to ensure that barrels perform for a long time in an industrial application!
Types of Plastics Used to Produce 55 Gallon Plastic Drums
It might look like all plastics are the same, whether it is for consumer products (cups and plates) or heavy-duty industrial products such as barrels or bulk storage containers; however, such is not the case. There are thousands of different types of plastic available today.
Each type is comprised of different base chemicals and molecular changes, additives to create reinforcements, and stabilizers to create a variety of products.
Differences in polymers allow the production of plastic with the possible best strength, flexibility, and safety for a particular use; therefore, whether each of the 55 gallon drums meets a relevant specification for food, hazardous waste or chemical, safety does play a part in plastic drum production manufacture.
Regarding 55 gallon plastic drum use and manufacture, the plastic used in manufacture must be exceptionally durable, strong, and safe for the intended use.
The polymers most often used in plastic drum manufacture include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), nylon (polyamide), and polystyrene (PS).
These plastics have begun to replace steel, which has been used since the 1960s, due to their strength, light-weight, and, hopefully, less expense, assigning standard method usage of plastic drums instead of heavy-duty steel drums for many bulk storage and transport applications.
Knowing the key characteristics of the different types of plastic help buyers, engineers, and compliance officers select the right drum for storage or transport.
Of significant importance in assessing the different 55 gallon plastic drums is chemical resistance, food safety standards, and containment of hazardous materials.
Understanding the important factors that affect the production of a drum creates the minimum requirements and accompanies all the relevant criteria required for selection and evaluation of the drum whilst making a selection.
Polyvinyl Chloride Drums (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of synthetic resin made by polymerizing the monomer vinyl chloride. PVC is the second most widely produced plastic resin in the world.
PVC is stiff, has good tensile strength, and is flame resistant, making it a great material for drums that will store flammable, corrosive, or toxic materials.
Its impermeable barrier and ability to withstand outdoor weather conditions eliminate the risk of chemical leaching from the drums and chain of UV degradation to the contents.
High-Density Polyethylene Drums (HDPE)
High-Density Polyethylene, or HDPE, is one of the only plastics that has a high strength-to-density ratio, high impact resistance, lightweight, and great performance with chemicals. HDPE is made from petroleum by cracking the compound to produce ethylene gas.
Ethylene gas is then polymerized into long chains of molecules to form HDPE, which results in a sturdy, thermoplastic.
HDPE has a variety of properties that are of importance, most notably its nonreactive nature, which is why HDPE 55 gallon drums are purchased.
Specifically, HDPE is used to safely store acids, caustics, food-grade ingredients, pharmaceuticals and hazardous waste. HDPE is FDA compliant for food and beverage use, and approved for storing UN/DOT harmful materials that follow a rigid process with its transport (or use).
In addition to their impact and chemical resistance, HDPE drums are recyclable and offer excellent longevity for repeated use, further supporting sustainability initiatives and lowering total cost of ownership for industrial packaging operations.
Nylon Drums (PA)
Nylon, or polyamide (PA) as its known in science circles, is used in certain manufactured industrial plastic drums because it is highly inert, absorbs low moisture, and is very resistant to abrasion and chemicals.
Those characteristics are incredibly important for applications which require absolute purity and long lasting durability, and in cases of specialty chemical storage or pharmaceutical transport.
Nylon is produced by condensing two different types of molecules in high heat and pressure to create a flexible yet extremely durable polymer that can be tailored to multiple designs and specialty closures.
Polystyrene Drums (PS)
Another good polymer for use in the drum industry is polystyrene (PS). Polystyrene is created by the polymerization of styrene monomers and blends with reinforcing polymers generally provide better hardness and rigidity.
Given these mechanical properties, PS is the ideal polymer for drum applications where material rigidity and stability is required.
While polystyrene is more commonly recognized in consumer goods such as disposable cups, trays, and product packaging, engineered, modified polystyrene can be developed for 55 gallon plastic drum applications where moderate chemical compatibility and good structural integrity are required.
Modern polystyrene drum manufacturers utilize eco-friendly alternatives to harmful chlorofluorocarbons when making polystyrene drums within legislation and sustainability guidelines of the plastics industry.
When blended with engineered polymers, PS can meet performance standards for storage for industrial and commercial use.
Additional Considerations When Selecting Drum Plastics
When considering what the best plastic material for a 55 gallon drum might be, there may also be things you want as requirements such as UN/DOT certified, FDA food-grade, and cooperative with the contents.
Users of the drums will consider factors such as whether the drum has UV resistance or mechanical impact resistance and some users may have criteria (similar to the previous factors) of whether they will be reusable or recyclable.
In addition to weighing these factors to ensure they are selecting the right materials for safe storage and freight options, and to meet regulatory conditions of maintaining safety for workers, surroundings, and materials, selecting the proper regulation also has other regulations related to the plastic.
If you are searching for solutions with custom drums, always check with the drum manufacturer to verify the type of plastic, used if suitable for your process, storage, and transportation needs.
What are the uses for 55 gallon plastic drums?
55 gallon plastic drums can be used for many different purposes because of their versatility and strength. Although many solutions are offered from the use of these versatile containers, the basic purpose often gets lost in the discussion.
The simple function is to store, transport, and ship liquids, powders, granules, chemicals, and food (i.e. edible) products. The basic functions are a key part of why they have become popular for over sixty years.
The use of high-density plastic drums can contribute positively to manufacturing and manufacturing type industries. The high strength and durability of high-density plastic drums provide an option for an application that involves potentially hazardous storage.
Uses for 55 Gallon Plastic Drums
Food Grade Drums
For a plastic drum to be used for food chemicals or transportation for food, it must meet the cleanliness and sanitary requirement from the Food and Drug Administration.
The term “food grade” applies to plastics that can be in direct contact with food while it is still in processing, harvesting, producing or packaging. With regards to 55 gallon plastic drums, they are food grade certified for long-term storage and transportation of food.
55 gallon plastic drums earn their food grade designation once they go through evaluations that include testing, inspection, and analysis to make sure there are no harmful food grade dyes or chemicals in the product.
When the drum passes the evaluation, it is safe to use for storage and transportation of bulk food, grains, liquids, and cooking oil.
Pharmaceutical Products
The pharmaceutical industry uses 55 gallon plastic drums because they’re tough enough, and they won’t break down from exposure to corrosive substances.
The drums in the pharmaceutical industry are constructed from FDA-approved high-density polyethylene, which does a great job of protecting against chemicals and hazardous materials.
The sealed 55 gallon plastic drums protect the contents from environmental elements and contamination, so the contents remain consistent and pure.
Chemical Storage Drums
If you’re looking for chemical storage options, it’s hard to beat 55 gallon plastic drums when it comes to safety and reliability-good value too With hazardous and/or volatile chemicals, there are so many things to consider and that’s why you want to use quality plastic to contain these hazardous and volatile chemicals.
Your first consideration should be protecting the environment from any toxic exposure. 55 gallon plastic drums provide an extra layer of protection from things vying for your chemical like the environment with their tight seals and also their ability to withstand rust, corrosion, extreme temperatures, and being placed close to other chemical containers.
Waste Management Drums
Managing industrial waste requires careful and thoughtful methods to keep the environment safe. The shape and durability of the design of 55 gallon plastic drums makes for a great way to properly and safely manage industrial waste.
These drums are tough, they seal well, and they help ensure hazardous materials stay contained with no environmental outcomes.
The versatility and strength of 55 gallon plastic drums make them the ideal option for organizations looking to responsibly manage their waste materials.
There are many different kinds of materials and designs available that can help meet your various waste management needs by safely contributing to environmentally responsible waste management.
Petroleum Production
In the oil and petroleum sector, plastic 55 gallon drums are industry standard. Before pipelines were developed, crude oil was transported using drums, however, they needed to be durable enough to withstand the rigors of shipping. At the time these drums were flimsy and leaked and broke during shipping, so the industry moved to steel drums.
Steel drums eliminated many of the initial issues but creating a way to get rid of them after use was an obstacle. This continued until around the 1960’s when the first HDPE drum was introduced, the 55 gallon plastic drum was a huge leap forward, now we had a reasonable way to store and ship oil by-products.
Wine Production
Wine has undergone fermentation and storage in wood barrels for a long time, and only in the last century has storage been transitioned to stainless steel vessels.
The expanding market for FDA-approved food-grade 55 gallon plastic drums has recently caused the wine industry to become accustomed to using plastic for fermentation and storage. They will ideally go with polyethylene because of its chemical resistant qualities and structural integrity.
Manufacturers have learned that plastic drums are easier to clean, take up a smaller footprint, and are lighter which is easier to work with. The versatility and performance of 55 gallon plastic drums make them a viable substitute for wooden casks.
Unusual Drum Uses
Aside from their original uses to store and ship anything you could think of, you wouldn’t believe how many alternative or non-traditional uses people have come up with after they were done using it for industrial uses.
Many of the non-conventional uses for the drum has spawned a whole host of innovative and creative uses and manufacturers actually design and manufacture drums just for this purpose.
Non-traditional uses that I’ve seen for 55 gallon plastics drums include the following: rainwater collection, composting, garden planters, hydroponic system support, aquaponics, root cellars, buoys, and wheelbarrows. These might seem a little non-traditional, but they are all good ways to re-purpose them for good use in other creative ways.
What are the different types of 55 gallon plastic drums?
55 gallon plastic barrels are available in different construction styles, based on the material used and the wall thickness. Each type of drum is for specific applications. For example, drums have different polymer types for chemical and hazardous materials containment, versus powders and foods.
The difference in these drums is due to a variety of different polymers that exist, the most common of which is High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
Also differentiating 55 gallon plastic drums, besides material, is head type. The head type may be either an open removable top or a closed top barrel. The choice of type of drum head is important and serves as equal importance to the material, as it refers to the use of the drum.
Types of 55 Gallon Plastic Drums
Open Head Drums
Open head 55 gallon plastic barrels are about 35 inches tall and 23 inches in diameter. Open head drums come with covers that can be easily removed, and they come with either a lever or bolt ring to secure it tightly when closed.
The lid is most conveniently removed when the drum is in a horizontal position so loading and accessing the contents is simplified. Open head drums are perfect for applications that require frequent, unrestricted access to the contents.
Lids for Open Head Drums
If you’re gonna use an open-head 55 gallon plastic drum, they’re usually 35 inches tall with an open head top that is 23 inches in diameter.
Open-head plastic drums normally have a removable cover that fits tightly under a lever or bolt ring to ensure the cover is sealed when closed. Open-head plastic drums are useful if you need frequent access to the drum’s contents.
Lids for 55 gallon plastic drums will come in different styles based on the drums configuration. Steel lids are durable and strong, often come with an EPDM rubber gasket inside, for a secure seal. Lids using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is flexible and relatively easy to mold.
LDPE will resist heat and moisture, making it a useful material to utilize in open-head drums. Sometimes when the drums will be exposed to UV rays, manufacturers will create lids out of anything vinyl or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that will offer UV protection.
Closed Head Drums
Closed or tight head drums differ from open head drums in that they are totally sealed aggravating the small vent hole – the only way to access the contents inside.
They are usually 35 inches tall and 23 inches in diameter. Both ends of the drums have flanges and are constantly sealed; parts of the drum have been welded together as a one-piece construction.
Closed head drums are inferred to safely transfer and place hazardous materials which may vent if exposed to open air. Closed head drums are ideal for shipping waste and unstable materials and are soon typically used for handling liquids of varying viscosities.
Closed head drums have two threaded openings on the top: one to let out vapor and the other to access contents. The bung hole material, either plastic or metal, is chosen depending on the material inside the drum.
What are the benefits of using 55 gallon plastic drums?
When it comes to stable storing or moving granular, powder, and liquid items, 55 gallon drums now usually replaced aluminum and steel drums.
The plastic 55 gallon drum has been a popular choice since the 1960s when they first came on the market, becoming the choice for barrel or drum method of storage.
One of many advantages of plastic is the ease of recycling and repurposing. While aluminum & steel can and are recycled, the processes are complicated and take much more time.
After you correctly rinse and clean the plastic drums you can shred them and make them into plastic pellets relatively effortless.
Benefits of Using 55 Gallon Plastic Drums
Stability
You know why I’m telling you this? Because plastic drums are made of durable stuff that lasts forever. Plastic 55 gallon drums hold up really well against any environmental occurrence such as: rain and snow/temperature changes/humid weather.
Plastic is also not affected by UV rays, so you don’t have to worry if they sit in the sun. Since plastic drums seal tight, they remain leak-proof and do not sweat during storage and transport.
Sustainability
Sustainability is really at the core of what business is all about today it speaks to preserving resources for future generations.
When plastic drums have reached the limit of their industrial life there are countless ways to repurpose them, from garden planters to grinding them down into pellets for new products. Either way, these examples show how environmentally friendly plastic drums can be throughout their lifecycle.
Reduction of Landfill Use
By repurposing a 55 gallon plastic barrel, you’re keeping it from going into the landfill or a waste dump! A barrel can be reused for so many things and repurposing anything cuts down on disposal methods—solving yet another measure of the growing waste management problem!
Plastic Materials
The resins used to make the plastic polymers that are 55 gallon barrels, are chemically inert, so they do not react with either low or high pH environments. That being said, they will be suitable for shipping and storage of chemicals and potentially hazardous materials.
Cost
The main reason why 55 gallon plastic drums found value is because they are cheap. Once they were put into the market, they were easily picked up because they were of lesser cost than glass, metal, or other storage options.
Plastic is easier, more affordable, and supplied more quickly than any process for other materials. Plastic drums once used can be used for as long as you want without any expectation of showing deterioration of the product itself.
Whether intended as toxic waste receptacle, a 55 gallon oil drum or just a general-purpose container, it’s plastic’s longevity and durability that sets it apart.
Design
Manufacturers of 55 gallon plastic drums know there are many benefits of using their products. Engineers and professionals involved in the design and manufacture of plastic drums know that their drums provide a safe and secure, airtight way to ship and store various materials.
They work with their customers to make sure that the containers are followed precisely in accordance with their specification and the requirements of the particular mode of shipment.
What are the United Nations standards for 55 gallon plastic drums?
The United States Department of Transportation sets standards for shipping containers which are accepted by all manufacturers, producers or industries.
In addition to national requirements, the United Nations has a rating system for shipping containers that companies should use when shipping internationally, either liquids, substances or other materials.
A container that has a higher UN rating can comply with regulations of lower ratings but cannot ever be used for applications of a higher rating level.
United Nations Standards for 55 Gallon Plastic Drums
To help track and classify containers, the UN system has adopted a series of numbers and codes to identify and rate containers.
The rating system for a 55 gallon plastic drum follows a particular process. The example that follows will show a bit about how a 55 gallon plastic drum is rated and classified in the UN Rating System.
1H2/X420/L
1 – The first number in the UN Symbol which is one identifies that the container is a drum.
H – The second letter H indicates what the container is made from, which is plastic.
1 or 2 – The third position indicates if the drum is open or closed head. 1 = closed head and 2 = open head.
X – The X after the backslash represents the packing group which the container is rated for. There are 3 groups: Roman numeral I for highly hazardous materials, II for moderately hazardous materials, and III for the materials that are least hazardous.
- X packaging covers all three packing groups: I, II, or III
- Y packaging covers packing groups II and III only
- Z packaging covers packing group III only
420 – The number after “X” always establishes the gross mass that the container is rated for. This is the container + all contents, and it has been tested for safety.
L – The letter L also follows the second backslash and indicates to the type of contents the container is rated to hold. In this case, L refers to liquids. S would indicate solids.
The UN rating system is designed to protect people and the environment, and to protect companies from expensive fines.
UN ratings are good for five years and at the end of the five years, the company can request an extension from the Department of Transportation (DOT). If they do not request an extension, UN-rated drums need to be properly disposed of.
Conclusion
- A 55 gallon plastic drum is a storage or shipping container that is constructed of a high density industrial strength polymer with thick walls that provide endurance, strength & longevity for containment of a variety of substances and materials.
- The rigidity, durability, and strength of 55 gallon plastic drums has made them a resource that has great value to distributors, shippers, warehouse operations, and others involved with shipping and storage.
- The fabrication of 55 gallon drums starts with finding the correct high density polymer, which is sometimes low density for certain types of drums.
- Plastic as a material has become such an important part of so many products, including plastic drums for shipping, storage, and transport, because of its durability, flexibility and strength.
- A 55 gallon plastic drum is involved in many ways of incorporating their use, just because of the large number of different ways they have been useful for people for storage and shipping.