Steel Drums: Answers to common questions

steel drums

Since the steel drums have raised ridges, what is the true diameter of the drum?

Assuming you are referencing closed head drums in the 55 gallon range, the drum diameter measurements are taken from the head or top of the drum. You are correct in your assumption that the "true diameter" would be slightly greater than the measurement indicated because of the expanded rolling hoops.

Inspired by your question we took measurements and found that the rolling hoops you describe added less than 1" to the actual diameter of the drum.

Open head drums extend approximately 1 1/2" beyond the listed diameter. The increased dimension is a result of the nut and bolt locking mechanism used to secure the cover to the drum body. Unlike closed head drums this locking mechanism extends approximately 1/2" beyond the rolling hoops.

What are the un ratings

UN ratings are a system by which containers can be grouped by class and performance characteristics. They provide a standard so that certain regulated and hazardous materials are packed in suitable containers.

They do not dictate how a container is to be made only what general type a container is a what tests it must be capable of passing.

As and example consider the following UN rating.
1H1/Y1.8/150/05/D/Mauser/824

The break down is as follows.
UN = United Nations (international standard)
1H1 = Indicates the container is a plastic drum.
Y1.8 = Suitable for packing group II products up to 1.8 g/cm3
150 = pressure test in kPa
05 = Year of production
D = FRG
Mauser = Manufacturer
824 = Registration Number

You are also likely to see abbreviated forms of the UN ratings such as the following.
1H2/Y25/S
1H2 = Plastic open head container (pail)
Y25 = Suitable for packing group II or III products
S = Regulated material must be a solid, not liquid.

Testing is based on the maximum performance rating for the container. For example, the plastic pail rating above indicates that the "regulated mateterial" must be a solid. This is relevant hazardous materials and does not mean that the container is not an adequate vessel for non-hazardous liquids.

Also of importance is the chemical compatibility of material being packed. UN ratings indicate peformance tests only they DO NOT indicate chemical compatibility.

Q:	what type (open or closed) of 15 gallon drum is appropriate for dispensing liquid (using a drum pump)?
A:	A closed head drum would seem the most "appropriate" for liquids and is really the only option if you are considering installing a drum pump.

Q:	We have a requirement for a 55 gallon open top steel drum. The specification calls for a standard 17H steel drum. What does 17H mean and can you reference this to one of your drums so I can get dimensions.
A:	You may want to update your specifcation resource. The 17H designation is an old DOT specification. Your current resource should specify UN ratings. UN ratings follow a syntax similar to the following UN1A1/X1.8/300.

Q:	Looking for a heavy duty lid to fit 55 gallon drums. The use is water bottle recycling in a sports stadium so they must fit tight.
A:	While lids for drums can be supplied seperately you will want to contact the manufacturer of the drum to ensure a proper fit. Somewhere on the drum (likely embossed) you will see a number something similar to UN1A2/Y1.5/100 If you send me the complete number including the details at the end (that is where the manufacturer code is) I can tell you who manufactured the drum.

Q:	what do we mean by beading in drum construction?
A:	I am not sure what you are referencing, but beading may be a reference to the rolling hoops on the drum. Additionally, "nesting beads" are found on open head steel pails and are simply are small ridge in the body of the pail designed to prevent pails from sticking together while nested.

Q:	Do you sell plugs for sealed drums? I need 2 1/4" plugs with a fine thread and 2 1/2" plugs with a course thread.
A:	Who is the manufacturer of the drum we are discussing?

Q:	Can you tell me the benefits of Plastic Drums vs. Steel Drums?
A:	That would depend a great deal on your intended use. Each have their benefits which range from cost to durability, stability and compatibility with what they are to be used for. Usage is key to doing any sort of comparison.

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