The concept of storage is not new to human civilization. History has recorded the first instance of storage at least one hundred thousand years ago. The idea of storage was introduced primarily because of containing food for a longer period. With time, the notion of storage gained modern insight and branched out in various types and formats.
Drums
Drums are considered as one of the most common types of storage containers, which are capable of storing up huge quantities of materials. A drum is quite easy to identify by its signature cylindrical shape. While the color, material, or capacity can vary from one drum to another, the shape of a drum is the constant factor.
An offshoot container type that can be easily linked with a drum is a barrel. Barrels are conventionally made of wood and are cylindrical as well. The distinguishing feature that separates then from drums is their budging mid-section. Traditionally barrels were used for liquor storage in wineries or breweries. However, in modern-day, they are used for storing other materials as well. Another feature that distinguishes barrels from regular drums is that they are usually closed on both top and bottom.
Salient Features of a Storage Drum
The most important feature that defines a drum is its capacity. The nominal capacity of a drum should be more than 208 liters or 55 US Gallons. You can check online some of the 55 gallon plastic drums.
A drum of such capacity would be about 88 cm high (35 inches) with a diameter of 61 cm (24 inches). In the United States, smaller drums are also commonly used that has a volume of 25 US Gallons. Such drums have a smaller diameter but are equally as long as the regular ones.
The most important feature in drums or barrels is the presence of rings. In steel drums, they can be seen as ribbed structure on the outer surface. Barrels, on the other hand, have metal strips riveted all along its length, which acts as rings that provide support and strength to the structures. However, in some types of plastic drums, such ridges can be found missing.
Accessories
Almost everything we see in our daily lives comes in various types of accessories. Drums are no strangers to such impressions as well. In fact, the use of such accessories makes the handling of drums much easier and simpler. Some of the most common accessories without which one cannot practically manage a drum include:
- Liners: Ribbed structures that cover up the drum length in order to provide support against wear and tear
- Lids or Covers: Cover up the drum-top in case it is damaged and usually made of plastic or steel
- Dollies and Trolleys: They are wheeled structures that make transporting drums easy
- Funnels: Used to pour stuff into drums with small openings
- Faucet or Pumps: Used to pour stuff out of drums with small or no openings
- Openers: Usually metal cutters that cut out the drum top
- Heaters: Used to heat the substance inside drums
