Storage And Transport Of Plastic Drums

The standard temperature resistance range for High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic drums is between -50°C and +70°C, though they can withstand temperatures of approximately 100°C for short periods. During storage, the drums should be kept under cover to avoid exposure to direct sunlight; the maximum recommended service temperature is 60°C, while the recommended storage temperature is below 40°C. When stacking, care must be taken to ensure the stack is level and that the drums in the upper and lower layers are properly aligned; staggered stacking is strictly prohibited. If the product being filled into the drums exceeds 40°C, it must be allowed to cool to ambient temperature before the caps are tightened and the drums are stacked.

Prior to storage and transportation, plastic drums must undergo performance testing in accordance with relevant standards. Examples of such tests include the stacking test (based on GB/T 4857.3-2008), the airtightness test (based on GB/T 17344-1998), the hydraulic pressure test (based on GB 18191-2008), and the drop test (based on GB/T 4857.5-1992). These tests are designed to ensure the structural integrity of the containers during the transportation and stacking processes.

In accordance with the requirements of the standard *GB 18191-2008: Packaging Containers-Plastic Drums for Packaging of Dangerous Goods*, hazardous waste (such as laboratory waste liquids) must be contained in plastic drums of specified capacities. Furthermore, the fill volume must not exceed 75% of the drum's total capacity, and a leak-proof containment pallet must be placed beneath the drum. The use of ordinary plastic drums to contain flammable liquids-such as gasoline-is strictly prohibited, as this poses a risk of explosion due to the accumulation of static electricity. If such materials must be contained, specialized anti-static drums must be utilized, and strict adherence to operational protocols-such as controlling the filling rate and ensuring proper grounding-is mandatory. Examples of dangerous goods that may be transported in these plastic drums include acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid; conversely, examples of items that *cannot* be transported in these drums include fuming sulfuric acid, concentrated nitric acid, benzene, and gasoline.