Key Benefits:
| Container Type | Material | Impact Resistance (Joules) | Leak Incident Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Drum | Steel | 200 | 0.5 |
| Plastic Drum | HDPE | 50 | 2.0 |
| Container Type | Flame Spread Rating | Heat Release (MJ/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Drum | V-0 | 0 |
| Plastic Drum | HB | 40 |
Limitations:
Key Benefits:
| Container Type | Material | Corrosion Rate (mm/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Drum | HDPE | 0.001 |
| Metal Drum | Steel | 1.0 |
Limitations:
For liquids with flashpoints below 37.8°C (100°F), both container types require proper grounding. Testing demonstrates the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies:
| Grounding Method | Conductivity (S/m) | Static Dissipation Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Conductive Hoses | 10^-3 | 99 |
| Standard Hoses | 10^-12 | 10 |
For Class I-III flammable liquids, metal containers demonstrate clear safety advantages:
| Metric | Metal Drum | Plastic Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Fire-Related Incident Rate | 0.2% | 1.8% |
| Average Incident Severity ($) | 1,000 | 10,000 |
A systematic approach to container selection should incorporate:
The data demonstrates that while plastic containers offer economic advantages for certain applications, metal drums provide superior protection for flammable and high-risk substances. Proper grounding and regular maintenance remain essential regardless of container type.
