Hardwearing, robust, long lasting and able to safely store everything from hazardous waste to food and beverages, steel barrels are one of the world’s most popular industrial storage and transport solutions.
With an impressive range of industrial uses, steel barrels have been adopted for different purposes by sectors as diverse as the pharmaceutical and aviation industries, and much more in between.
In this article, the experts at ITP Packaging explain in more detail the most common industrial uses for steel barrels.
Why Are Steel Barrels Commonly Used by Companies Across a Range of Industries?
Steel barrels aren’t just used by one or two different industries. Far from it, steel barrels are commonly used by companies across a whole spectrum of industries.
There are several reasons for their widespread industrial use. The key features of steel barrels that ensure their enduring popularity include:
- Robust and hardwearing
- Versatile, with the ability to hold a wide range of liquids and solids
- UN rated/food grade
- Able to be reused, repurposed and recycled time and time again
- Cost-effective, offering value for money
- Can be stacked and stored in an industrial setting, such as a warehouse
- Can be safely transported in bulk
What Industries Use Steel Barrels?
Given their versatility, it’s no surprise that different industries in the UK and globally make heavy use of steel barrels for storing and transporting products, goods and industrial waste.
The following industries commonly use steel barrels, but remember steel drums can be found in many more industrial settings too.
- Agriculture
- Automobile
- Aviation
- Building and construction
- Food and beverage
- Manufacturing
- Medical and pharmaceutical
- Shipping
- Storage
What Can Steel Barrels Be Used For?
Steel drums have an impressive array of uses, and that’s one of the primary reasons why they’re so widespread across different industries. The primary use of a steel barrel is to safely store or transport goods, but within this, steel barrels are employed by companies to fulfil a number of different functions.
The most common uses for steel barrels include:
- Storing liquids (including water)
- Storing fuel (including petrol, diesel and aviation fuel)
- Storing oils and lubricants (including cooking oil or engine oil)
- Storing food and beverages (including spices, grains, powders, etc.)
- Storing medical or pharmaceutical supplies
- Storing solvents and chemicals
- Storing hazardous waste
- Storing construction materials (e.g. sand)
Where Should Steel Barrels Be Stored?
Steel barrels should be stored in a safe and secure environment, and in such a way that follows government health and safety regulations.
For example, steel barrels that contain hazardous waste need to be clearly marked and stored in a location where the general public can’t access them. Steel barrels that contain food need to be stored in a location where the food can’t be contaminated.
In general, steel barrels should always be stored in a cool, dry environment, such as a warehouse or dedicated storage area. Steel barrels can be fitted with dust covers or UV covers and other attachments that can protect against moisture, dust and sunlight, thereby allowing products to be kept safely for longer.
Steel barrels are designed specifically for industrial use, and they can be stacked on pallets and on top of one another. When moving large 210-litre steel barrels in an industrial setting, always ensure that health and safety regulations are stringently followed.
What Is the Lifespan of Steel Barrels?
Steel barrels have the potential for a long lifespan – yet another reason why they are so popular amongst many different industries.
The average lifespan of a steel barrel is as long as twenty years, but this is only when drums are regularly inspected for damage, cleaned and serviced.
Steel barrels that are well maintained can be reused time and time again, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly storage option for businesses. Damaged steel barrels can be repaired, reused or entirely repurposed for other uses.
At the end of their lifespan, steel barrels can be broken down and completely recycled, ensuring their environmental footprint remains as low as possible and giving the barrels a second lease of life.
Contact ITP Packaging Today for More Information on Steel Barrels
Long lasting and highly versatile, steel barrels are used by industries as diverse as aviation and food and beverage. Here at ITP Packaging, we stock a wide range of industrial storage and transport solutions, including UN rated and food-grade steel barrels.
If your business is searching for high quality steel barrels, don’t hesitate to contact ITP Packaging for more information.
