Everything in its place. When it comes to choosing the right drum or container for your materials, it isn’t a matter of preference, it’s a matter of safety. Overpack salvage drums often fit the bill for both. However, while overpack salvage drums are a long standing industry favorite for the efficient and effective transport of damaged containers of various materials, they are not certified to hold liquids on their own and they are not recommended for primary shipment.
This is because overpack salvage drums are designed and certified for damaged, defective or non-compliant packaging discovered or damaged after the transportation cycle has already begun. They are a backup, a solution to a damaged container. They are not Plan A.
Now, an overpack drum not being used for salvage could be Plan-A. Overpack drums are often used in multi-pack situations or to handle a package more conveniently. But traditional overpack drums are designed to protect non-leaking containers or to be used in a combination pack. They are not certified to function as salvage containers for damaged/non-compliant containers. For that, you will require a certified, overpack salvage drum.
Furthermore, overpack and overpack salvage drums are not meant to hold liquids. In the case of a traditional overpack drum, it is only certified to hold another container. That other container is considered a solid, no matter what materials are within that container.
As for salvage drums, to bear the UN certification, an overpack salvage drum is rigorously tested. This test includes a leakproof test. However, the DOT recommends that, once over packed in a salvage drum, a leaking or non-compliant container should be immediately routed to a facility for disposal or re-containment. Again, a salvage drum is Plan B. They are a solution to be implemented in response to a problem.
You can never be too careful. Always consult regulatory materials and industry specialists before choosing a container.