Just as there are many varied uses for industrial containers, there are many varied configurations of the containers themselves. From the material itself, to the size, shape, closure or more, businesses have many factors to consider when choosing the appropriate container for their use. In the world of steel and stainless steel drums, one such decision is whether you need a closed or open top stainless steel drum.
An open top stainless steel drum, also known as an open head container or a 1A2 drum, has a fully removable cover secured with a lever lock or bolt ring closure. Put simply: when not closed and sealed, the entire top of the drum is open for easy access to the contents. Open head drums are popular for a wide variety of materials and typically used in situations where regular access to the contents is necessary, whether for frequent addition or extraction.
One of the most critical components of any drum closure is the cover gasket, this is especially true when it comes to open top drums as the opening is larger and thus the contents are at greater risk of exposure and an environment is at risk of a quicker spill if the lid is not properly seated and sealed.
Since the adoption of Performance Oriented Packaging (POPS), new gasket styles, materials and profiles have been developed to increase drum integrity and performance. Drum fillers and shippers are responsible for inspecting container gaskets for any irregularities including, but not limited to: crumbling, cracking, slicing and tearing, before sealing or closing a drum. It is crucial that anyone opening the open top stainless steel drum follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper seating and sealing of the container.
At Skolnik, we manufacture industrial grade steel containers to suit a whole range of configurations and materials. We are always happy to lend our knowledge to anyone seeking insights on different drum configurations, certifications and proper closure practices.