Drum Reconditioning: Saving Money and Resources
Posted on Tue, Nov 10, 2009 @ 12:10 PM
By Daniel Roohan, Chemist
Most companies are trying to reduce the amount of waste they produce to limit disposal costs. One great way to reduce cost while also helping the environment is to use reconditioned drums. Using reconditioned drums is cheaper than using new drums and reduces the amount of drums being discarded as well as the amount of drums which need to be manufactured.
The reconditioning process is regulated to ensure that all drums being reused meet high standards and are devoid of contamination. An example of the process for reconditioning a 55 gallon closed head steel drum is as follows. Interiors are thoroughly cleaned and treated for corrosion resistance. If residue remains or corrosion is evident the drum is rejected or flushed with acid to completely remove rust. Drum lips are mechanically resealed and reshaped and dents are removed by use of internal pressure. Drums are abrasive blasted to remove any coatings they may have and prepare them for repainting. The drums are vacuum tested for leaks and all closures are checked for damage and fitted with new gaskets. Once this has been completed drums are repainted and stamped with the appropriate DOT ID number as well as the date the drum passed inspection.
This reconditioning process is different for each type of container, but the goal is always to restore the container to a standard accepted by the DOT for the storage and transport of products and waste. Reconditioning also saves money, reduces waste, and conserves resources.