Steel drums are a versatile packaging for the transport and storage of many materials. However, there are some materials, usually liquids in the food or chemical industries, that may not be compatible with steel. In these cases, drum linings are used to protect both the contents and the drum from contact due to damage or contamination from their interaction. The drum lining most commonly used at Skolnik is an epoxy/phenolic lining.
Epoxy phenolic coatings offer consistent high quality protection for a wide range of applications. The lining is created by combining heat-cured epoxy resin with thermosetting phenolic resin. The chemical resistance from these two resins makes for an ideal lining for a container holding liquids such as food products, detergents, latex paints or other materials with a pH range above 7.
This lining has high resistance to 92%-98% sulfuric acid at temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The coating is also resistant to hydrochloric acid, phenol, anhydrous chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride and many other chemicals. An epoxy phenolic lining is also flexible. So, when applied correctly, the lining can adhere to a dent and bend with the metal, preventing any chipping or contamination of the contents.
At Skolnik, we strive to protect our clients, their materials and communities by connecting them with the right container for their contents and needs. Our lined steel drums are just one way we ensure that our drums are thicker, heavier and stronger enough to do the job. Free compatibility testing is available, and recommended, to insure content integrity.
Are epoxy phenolic coatings compatable with diesel fuel or gasoline
Thanks for asking a very good question. Whether lined or unlined, using a steel drum to store diesel fuel or gasoline is not recommended due to flammability.
Thank you,
Howard
Do you have a complete compatibility chart?
We have some of this on small old orig. drums. Need to move into new drums. Curious if EPOXY PHENOLIC LINED STEEL DRUMSwould be best? I can send Tech sheet & SDS but are also available at this link. Just have about 14 gallons.
https://www.zep.com/product/zepcorporate/zepresto
Chemical name Concentration [%]
Dichloromethane >= 30 – = 10 – = 5 – = 0.1 – < 1
Thank you.
Brian Watson
Manager of Toll Manufacturing Services
Richman Chemical Inc.
768 North Bethlehem Pike, Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002
Office: (215) 628-2946 ext. 16 | Fax: (215) 628-4262
Hello Brian,
Thank you for your inquiry. Since you have a specific situation that may require some discussion, I am forwarding your contact information to our sales team. Someone will contact you within 24 business hours to help you find a solution.
Many thanks, stay healthy,
Howard Skolnik
Are Epoxy phenolic lined drums resistant to chlorinated solvents?
Currently using stainless steel drums but the chlorinated solvents keep eating holes in them.
Hi Bret,
Thank you for the inquiry. Clearly, you have an aggressive solvent if it is eating through stainless steel. My suggestion is that you contact one of our sales tech’s, and they will guide you to finding a packaging solution. In this case, it might be better in an epoxy/phenolic interior coating or some other type of coating. Call 773.735.0700 or 1-800-441-8780. Thank you, Howard Skolnik
Is it safe to use a steel drum with an epoxy phenolic liner as a meat smoker? Or would there be risk of chemicals leaching out of the lining from the heat of the smoker? The temperatures in the drum during smoking would be below 350F.
Hello Ellie and thank you for your inquiry. The epoxy liner is a sprayed on lining that is then cured. I have no experience with lining performance for smoking. Using a lined drum in this manner will be at your own risk.
Best of luck,
Howard
we have a process that uses o-Chlorotoluene and Thionyl Chloride which is recovered and stored. We use steel drums but have been eating at the integrity of the drums causing holes. We need a conductive drum that will be able to endure the low pH of the Thionyl Chloride. (very strong HCL).
William McCants
Pilot Plant Manager
Sun Chemical Corporation
william.mccants@sunchemical.com
Hello William,
Thank you for sending in such a unique inquiry. Because of the nature of the product that you are describing, I have passed on your enquiry to Dean Ricker, our President, and Jon Stein, our VP of Sales. Either Dean or Jon will be contacting you directly to assist you with finding a solution for the Thionyl Chloride.
With thanks,
Howard Skolnik
Can a phenolic lined drum be used to collect and store hot cooking oil from a deep fryer?
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your inquiry. A lined drum is an epoxy/phenolic coating that is spray applied and then baked to cure. We cannot anticipate the resistance of the lining against a hot cooking oil. If you like, we can perform a compatibility test to see the results, but we do require an order of a minimum quantity of 100 drums to perform this test. Please contact one of our sales tech’s to arrange for the test if your order meets our minimum requirement.
Thank you,
Howard Skolnik
Hi,
Are the EPOXY PHENOLIC LINED STEEL DRUMS resistant to tetrahydrofuran at 5 deg C and/or 30 deg C?
Michael
Hello Michael,
Thanks for the inquiry. All contents react uniquely to the epoxy phenolic lining, therefore, we offer accelerated compatibility testing for your product with the lining. Please call one of our sales techs at 773.735.0700 to get the testing arranged.
Thank you,
Howard Skolnik
Hi, we are after very small Epoxy Phenolic lined drums/containers (between 100 ml and 1 L). Do you supply these of do you know of any suppliers for Epoxy Phenolic lined drums/containers of this size?
Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry. A sales tech will be contacting you about your request.
With thanks,
Howard Skolnik
Are phenolic linings safe for composting in?
Hello Matthew,
Thanks for sending in this question. We have no experience with composting in drums. If you are interested in a regular supply of drums, we can offer a compatibility test of your specific product.
If you want to proceed with the test, please contact our Sales office at 773.735.0700.
Thank you,
Howard Skolnik
Thank you, Howard. Do you, by chance, know if gold phenolic lining is safe for rain water? Would it be safe for human consumption or garden watering? Thank you.
Can you boil water in a Epoxy Phenolic line drum for consumption? Drum was used for syrup.
Thanks.
Hi Ted,
Thanks for your inquiry. Since the drum is not new, it is possible that the epoxy phenolic lining could be damaged which could lead to contamination with the water. Furthermore, at a boiling temperature, the lining would separate from the bare steel – linings are not designed for that temperature. Better for you to find some other style of metal container that does not have any coating on the interior. Also, if there are plugs in the top of the drum, make sure to remove them so that the building pressure inside the drum can escape. If the plugs are on, the drum will explode.
Best of luck,
Howard Skolnik
Are epoxy phenolic lined drums good for storing Thionyl Chloride?
Hello Scott,
Thanks for your inquiry. The only way to know the compatibility of a product with an epoxy phenolic lining is to submit your product for accelerated testing at our coating manufacturer. If you would like to proceed with this test, which usually is at no charge, please contact our Sales Team at 773.735.0700 or Rob Powers at rob@skolnik.com.
Thank you,
Howard Skolnik