Katana VentraIP

Drum (container)

A drum (also called a barrel) is a cylindrical shipping container used for shipping bulk cargo. Drums can be made of steel, dense paperboard (commonly called a fiber drum), or plastic, and are generally used for the transportation and storage of liquids and powders. Drums are often stackable, and have dimensions designed for efficient warehouse and logistics use. This type of packaging is frequently certified for transporting dangerous goods. Proper shipment requires the drum to comply with all applicable regulations.[1]

Open head drum, removable head drum: Top head is attached after filling with a closing ring and bolted lock. Liquids, granular solids and waste are commonly shipped in these.

Tight head drum, closed head drum, non-removable head drum: The top head is permanently attached by the manufacturer. It is usually made with one or two threaded access fittings, closed by threaded bungs after filling. Liquids are suited to these drums.

ISO 20848-2:2006. Packaging — Plastics drums — Part 1. Removable head (open head) drums with a nominal capacity of 113,6 l to 220 l

ISO 20848-2:2006. Packaging — Plastics drums — Part 2: Non-removable head (tight head) drums with a nominal capacity of 208,2 l and 220 l

ISO 20848-3:2018. Packaging — Plastics drums — Part 3: Plug bung closure systems for plastics drums with a nominal capacity of 113,6 l to 220 l

Plastic drums are typically made of blow molded high density polyethylene.[20][21] They are available in a variety of sizes and constructions designed for specific purposes and markets. Plastic drums are used for liquids, granular solids, and inner packages. When designed, tested, and labeled, plastic drums can be used with dangerous goods or hazardous materials. The plastic drum, inner coating, or drum liner should be compatible with the intended contents. Foods and pharmaceuticals can be particularly sensitive. Some liquid chemicals can permeate through plastics or can cause embrittlement.[22]


The compression stability of plastic drums can be sensitive to heat. The Plastic Drum Institute does not recommend stacking when temperatures are above about 32 °C (90 °F).[23] Some methods of reinforcing the sidewalls are available. [24] [25]


Plastic drums are used for more than shipping containers. They can be used for water collection and storage. Also, plastic drums are used along highways to mark construction zones.[26]


Applicable standards include:

Salvage drum

for transportation of larger volumes of liquid

Intermediate bulk container

Drum pump

Drum handler

Drum wrench

Performance tests of selected plastic drums, National Research Council Canada, February 2005. TP 14396E, Transport Canada

Drop tests of selected steel drums, InNOVAcorp, 2003. TP 14093E, Transport Canada

Soroka, W, "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology", IoPP, 2002,  1-930268-25-4

ISBN

Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009,  978-0-470-08704-6

ISBN

European Organisation of the Steel Drum Industry:

http://www.sefa.be

Hardwicke, Robert E. 1958. The Oilman's Barrel. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press. OCLC 541956.

Shagena, Jack L. 2006. An Illustrated History of the Barrel in America. Bel Air, MD: Jack L. Shagena.  978-0977686605.

ISBN

Stengler, Drum Handling, Ergonomic Best Practices, 2020, DoE LA-UR-20-20218,

[1]

on How Its Made

Steel Drums