Reconditioned Drums 101
What’s The Difference Between a Used Drum and a Reconditioned Drum?
You can buy used drums and other containers for peanuts at websites like Craigslist. It’s tempting. But you never really know what you’re buying. Many used drums have not been treated to the multi-step cleaning and reconditioning process necessary to safely re-use them. As a result, used drums can often contain residue of remaining traces of their previous contents like gasoline, oil, or solvents. Those “leftovers” could cause an explosion or fire if the used drum is improperly stored, handled, or utilized. Why take chances?
That's why Reconditioned Steel Drums are a Better Choice Than Used. How so? They are professionally and expertly cleaned, repaired, repainted, and inspected. They really have No Cons, All Pros ™ and they're all at Sun West in 30 gallon and 55 gallon sizes.
How Drum Reconditioning Works
Open head drums that previously contained thick or slow-moving materials such as paints, resins, tars, and adhesives undergo a thermal process. A drum furnace running at approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit incinerates any residues. The exhaust from the burn process is drawn into an afterburner at approximately 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit to comply with environmental laws.
Still hot, the reconditioned drums are pneumatically straightened to remove dents and chimed to restore their roundness and structural integrity, then blasted with steel shot to remove the ash residue and exterior paint. The recon drums are then leak-tested according to DOT and UN regulations. Fresh interior and exterior coatings are applied according to customer requirements. Lids and locking rings that have also been burned, blasted, inspected, and painted are then added to the drum.
Closed head drums that previously contained free-running liquids like oils, soaps, solvents, cleaners, and related materials are washed inside and out using a series of high pressure alkaline-based solutions and steam, then rinsed and dried thoroughly. Pneumatic straightening and chiming comes next, followed by leak-testing per DOT and UN regulations. The recon drums are then shot blasted with steel shot and repainted and relined according to customer specs.
It’s Your Product – Choose The Best!
Every one of our reconditioned drums come from a member of the Reusable Industrial Packaging Association. RIPA members must follow a code of conduct regarding safe and effective reconditioning procedures and processes. In addition, our suppliers maintain have an environmental insurance policy and a Responsible Container Management policy.
However, please note: Our reconditioned drums are NOT INHERENTLY FOOD SAFE. Food products and water storage require a brand-new container to avoid contamination.
But in all other cases with all other products, reconditioned drums are more than equipped for the proper, durable, and safe transportation and storage. If you need variety for warehouse organizational purposes, Sun West offers options like 55 gallon reconditioned drums in white, green, and blue along with the standard black. We additionally have 30 gallon and 55 gallon reconditioned plastic drums, one in black, the other in blue, and both made from impact resistant high density polyethylene with two inch fittings.
