Stainless steel has many benefits including its corrosion resistance, impact resistance, and ease of cleaning which make it a strong material candidate for the drum construction. Stainless is a low carbon steel that contains 10% or more chromium by weight than regular steel. It is this addition that allows the unique stainless ability and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is oftentimes overlooked by designers because of its high up-front costs, but the long term benefits make it an excellent choice for certain projects and industries. The contents of a drum will help determine if stainless steel is necessary and beneficial for transport and storage.
There are over 60 different grades of stainless steel, that are usually divided into 5 classes based on different alloying elements that affect the microstructure of the steel. Though able to order proper material for customized orders, Skolnik generally manufacturers stainless steel drums in three grades of stainless steel: 316, 304, and 409. Each grade of stainless has its own benefits that make it specifically useful for certain markets or contents.
316 is the strongest stainless steel and considered surgical steel. This makes it ideal for customers in the pharmaceutical industry who desire the best protection for their products, but also need to be mindful of sanitation. The 316 also has a rust resistance property which makes it more suitable for certain environments than other gauges of stainless. If a drum will be exposed to salt water, sand, or any other harsh salty locations it needs to be protected from rust. Containers being shipped by the Navy are often constructed of 316 gauge stainless steel to guarantee the necessary protection against sea water. The resistance also makes a 316 drum ideal for anything being stored long term because it lowers the risk of contamination of contents.
A middle grade stainless steel, 304 is the most requested by Skolnik customers. It is a lower grade than 316, and considered a food grade material. Often times it is used in the wine, spirits, and beer industries. Regulations also recommend that nitric acid be stored in drums constructed with 304 gauge stainless steel, as it is not allowed to be stored in plastic for safety precautions and could negatively react with the 316 gauge. The majority of Skolnik stainless steel drums are created using 304 grade steel.
409 is a less costly option for stainless steel and a lower grade. It is commonly used to make mufflers in the commercial markets, but often difficult to stock because it is not made widely by steel mills. 409 offers less protection than 304 and 316 gauge steel, but the lower price is an advantage to many customers. Skolnik uses 409 in place of the hazardous galvanizing process that used to be standard practice for giving carbon steel extra protection. 409 stainless steel is slightly more expensive than galvanized carbon, but added safety benefits to customers and Skolnik employees make it a valuable switch.
Stainless steel has many benefits that make it a valuable construction material for the drum industry, but it is important to know which grade will create the most appropriate, and the safest container.