When buying a UN certified drum, the design of the drum and its components (hering, gasket, bolt, nut, plugs) is defined by the test samples. These elements are incorporated into a drum type that must meet a test standard and users cannot alter or exchange any of these components as it might impact the ability for the drum to perform as certified. If a filler changes the ring from a nut and bolt style to a LeverLock, or even changes the gasket, this would void the UN certification. If replacement parts are needed, fillers must make sure that they get original parts from the manufacturer that meet the test criteria of that specific drum. Also, request current closure instructions. Once filled, compliance with the UN certification is the responsibility of the shipper.
Drum It Up
STEEL DRUM INDUSTRY NEWS, TRENDS AND ISSUES
Archive for June, 2005
Why Does Steel Gauge Go Up As Thickess Goes Down?
Many people ask me "Why does the thickness of steel diminish as the gauge increase(ie: 16 gauge steel is thicker than 20 gauge steel). The explanation comes from the original development of a gauge measurement system in which the control measurement was based on 1" thick steel plate. From this base thickness, the steel was measured in diminishing fractions such as 1/14", 1/16", 1/20" and so on. The bottom number of the fraction was adopted as the "gauge" and so 1/16" became 16 gauge, 1/20" became 20 gauge. The concept makes sense but without explanation, the converse number is often confusing. Therefore by taking the gauge number and returning it back to a fractional format, one can discover the actual nominal thickness dimension, in inches, of sheet steel.
Why Do Skolnik Products Seem Heavier Than Other Drums?
For steel drum users, all similar size drums do not weigh the same and drums manufactured by Skolnik generally weigh the most. The drum body, top and bottom made from separate coils or sheets, each potentially a different thickness. Some manufacturers use the minimal steel that will allow a drum to marginally pass as UN certified. Of course, thinner steel means less product protection, and we have built our reputation on providing containers that are thicker, heavier and stronger than industry standards. We believe it does not make business or dollar sense to save even $1 on a drum, if $1000 worth of contents is exposed to greater risk of in-transit damage.
