Salvage Drum FAQ’s

Salvage Drum FAQ’s

1. WHAT IS THE ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT OF A SALVAGE DRUM?

In accordance with CFR 173.3, the rated capacity of a Salvage Drum, in kilograms, is the maximum gross weight that the drum can weigh after it has been loaded (the gross weight equaling the weight of the inner damaged container plus the weight of the Salvage Drum itself).                      At C. L. Smith, our most popular 85 Gallon Salvage Drum is rated at a gross weight of 440kg, or 970 pounds. This would allow for an inner container weighing as much as 404kg, or 890 pounds.

2. CAN SALVAGE DRUMS BE REUSED OR RECONDITIONED?

As a package regulated by the US-DOT, Salvage Drums that are reconditioned must be in accordance with CFR 173.28. More specifically, in order to be considered a reconditionable container, an 85 US Gallon Salvage Drum would have to be constructed of all 1.77 mm (0.070″) metal thickness and have been Leakproof tested and marked in accordance with 178.604 at 48 kPa (7.0 psi) for Packing Group I, and 20 kPa (3.0 psi) for Packing Groups II and III. Though some reconditioned Salvage Drums are available in the domestic market, none have been found to meet the reconditioning criteria of the DOT.

3. WHAT IS A ‘T’ RATED SALVAGE DRUM?

Adopted by all international regulatory agencies governing the transport of dangerous goods, the “T” marking on a Salvage Drum indicates that it has been qualified for the overpacking of damaged, leaking or non-compliant steel, plastic or fiber drums. The same ‘T’ Salvage Drum may be used for damaged, leaking or non-complaint packages of either liquid or solid contents. Identified by the letter ‘T’ in the UN mark (eg: 1A2T/Y320/S/Year of Manufacture), it is not mandatory for use within the US, but it is required outside the US. Therefore, a domestic company that is overpacking a liquid or solid drum and shipping it outside the US, should be sure that they are using a “T” qualified Salvage Drum.

4. WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE SIZES OF SALVAGE DRUMS?

With 55 gallon drums dominating the steel drum market, 85 gallon Salvage Drums are the most prevalent. Other Salvage Drum sizes available are 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 30, 55, 96 and 110 gallons. It is important to note that the Salvage Drum gallonage capacity is its actual size and therefore, must be larger then the container that is being overpacked.