55-gallon drum: Difference between revisions
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#REDIRECT [[44-gallon drum]] |
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{{merge|44-gallon drum|Talk:44-gallon drum#44 vs. 55 gallon|date=July 2008}} |
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[[Image:drum.jpg|thumb|A typical 55-gallon drum]] |
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A '''55-gallon drum''' (known as a '''[[44-gallon drum]]''' in countries that recently used the [[imperial units]]) is a cylindrical container ([[Drum (container)|drum]]) with a nominal capacity of 55 [[U.S. gallon]]s, 44 [[imperial gallon]]s, or 200 [[litre]]s. The exact capacity varies with wall thickness and other factors. Standard drums are 22.5 inches (572 [[millimetre|mm]]) in diameter and 33.5 inches (850 [[millimetre|mm]]) high. |
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The drums are typically made of steel with a ribbed outer wall to improve rigidity and durability. They are often moved by tilting, then rolling along the base, which is designed especially for that purpose. The drums are commonly used for transporting [[oil]]s and [[fuel]]s, but can be used for storing various chemicals as well. |
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Closed-head [[steel]] barrels and drums used for shipment of chemicals and petroleum products have a standardised [[bunghole]] arrangement, with one 2-inch (50.8 mm) [[National pipe thread|NPT]] and one {{frac|3|4}}-inch (19 mm) NPT threaded bunghole on opposite sides of the top head. This arrangement is echoed in many plastic drums in the same size. Various components can be mounted to the drum, such as drum pumps and [http://www.tonsoninc.com/oldweb/tbdr.htm bung mixers]. |
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These drums are also available in open head forms, with a clamp ring or flanges which hold a loose lid (often with a gasket) down on the top. |
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In the past, [[hazardous waste]] was often placed in drums of this size and stored in open fields or buried. Over time, some drums would [[corrode]] and leak. As a result, these drums have become iconic of pollution problems, even though they have numerous uses and are ubiquitous in commerce. |
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Drums are often re-conditioned and then later used for storing different liquids. Re-conditioning drums is one of the safest ways to remove hazardous waste. |
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Although oil is sometimes shipped in 55 gallon drums, the measurement of oil in [[Barrel (unit)|barrels]] is based on 42 (US) gallon wooden barrels of the 1870s.<ref>[http://www.slate.com/id/2115219/ Does oil come in barrels? - By Daniel Engber - Slate Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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==Uses== |
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The containers are frequently recycled, into further use as containers, either for shipping or long-term storage, as tanks for fuel or water, and very frequently as receptacles for trash. After perforation to improve airflow, they may be used as incinerators or outdoor hearths. More elaborate uses include sandblast cabinets[http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143854], composting toilets[http://www.nationalwatercenter.org/plans.htm], [[barbecue]]s, workplace furnaces, and even an oven powered by four incandescent bulbs[http://www.hwr.arizona.edu/globe/sci/SM/SMC/OvenHowto3pg.pdf]. The [[Steelpan|steel drums]] used in [[calypso music]] were originally made from these drums. Modern high-quality [[Steelpan|steel drums]], of the kind sold by instrument suppliers, are now made from scratch using a higher quality of steel. |
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[[Image:44gallondrums.jpg|right|thumb|[[Rust]]ed 55 gallon drums, with one sliced in half and used as a [[fireplace]].]] |
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==Plastic drums== |
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55-gallon [[plastic]] drums are increasingly used. Many do not have ribbing along the side. |
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Uses include the storage of dry goods and the collection of [[rain barrel|rain]]. |
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==References== |
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{{refs}} |
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==See also== |
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* [[Barrel (unit)]] |
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{{Refimprove|date=August 2007}} |
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[[Category:Containers]] |
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[[ja:ドラム缶]] |
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Revision as of 22:08, 12 July 2008
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