This article was previously published on 8/7/2023 and updated on 10/2/2024
The steel drum is one of the most versatile and widely used containers in the industrial world. From chemicals and solvents to food-grade materials and oils, the storage requirements for different industries vary greatly. Ensuring that the contents of these drums are not only safe but also protected from contamination and degradation is paramount. At the heart of this protection lies the interior lining of the drum.
Drum linings are crucial because they act as a barrier between the drum’s metal surface and its contents, ensuring that corrosive substances, food-grade materials, or hazardous chemicals are safely stored. Choosing the right lining can directly affect the longevity of the drum and the integrity of the materials stored within it.
Why Are Drum Linings Important?
Drum linings provide critical protection against corrosion, chemical reactions, and contamination. Metal drums, especially those made of steel, are prone to rust, which can degrade the drum itself and affect the materials being stored. Linings ensure that:
- Corrosion is Prevented: Steel drums that store corrosive materials must have a reliable barrier to prevent rust from forming.
- Product Purity is Maintained: Especially in the food materials sector, any contamination can lead to product spoilage or safety risks. Linings help preserve the integrity of these sensitive materials.
- Extended Drum Lifespan: Proper linings can significantly extend the life of a drum, ensuring its repeated use for multiple storage and transport cycles.
- Chemical Reactions are Minimized: Some substances stored in steel drums can react with the metal. Linings serve as an inert barrier to prevent such reactions.
Diverse Applications: A Lining for Every Industry
The range of applications for steel drums is vast. Some sectors require highly specialized coatings to meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements. Common industries that rely on drum coatings include:
- Food & Beverage Ingredients: These drums must meet stringent FDA standards such as CFR 175.300 ensuring that the linings are food-safe and prevent any contamination.
- Chemicals: Drums storing chemicals require high levels of resistance to both acidic and caustic substances. In these applications, linings that offer broad chemical resistance are essential to prevent degradation of both the container and its contents.
- Pharmaceuticals: Similar to the food industry, the pharmaceutical sector demands absolute purity in its products, and any contamination could pose a serious health risk. Linings used in pharmaceutical drums must meet these high standards.
RESCO® Universal Lining: A Game-Changing Solution
Our ground-breaking RESCO® Universal lining provides superior chemical resistance that spans a wide pH range. This innovative solution allows manufacturers to use a single interior lining for all products, removing the need to source different linings for various applications. Whether the material stored is acidic or caustic, RESCO® Universal ensures top-tier protection without compromise.
In addition to its versatile chemical resistance, RESCO® Universal is designed for high-heat curing, making it an ideal solution for drums that undergo more extreme curing processes. This lining is perfect for industries that require reliable performance in challenging environments, providing peace of mind for manufacturers and material handlers alike.
Rust Inhibitors (RI’s)and Additional Coatings
UNICHEM also offers rust inhibitors in both waterborne and solvent-based systems. Rust Inhibitors are used to prevent rust on the steel coils, and sheets, or sprayed into uncoated drums in storage, protecting the metal substrate before the final coating processes. RI’s also offer an extra layer of protection, where rust and corrosion prevention is critical, particularly for drums exposed to environmental elements or that store materials prone to oxidation. These inhibitors add an extra layer of protection to metal surfaces, preventing corrosion before it even begins.
In addition to rust inhibitors, UNICHEM provides a comprehensive range of drum coatings and pail linings that cater to various industry needs. These coatings can be tailored for high-heat or low-heat curing, depending on the operational requirements. This flexibility ensures that manufacturers can choose the optimal solution based on their production processes.
Customization and Industry Expertise
UNICHEM’s expertise in drum and pail linings allows us to offer customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients. Whether you’re storing food-grade materials or highly volatile chemicals, our team works closely with you to develop lining solutions that meet all regulatory and operational requirements.
Our RESCO® interior drum linings have been engineered with versatility in mind, making them suitable for both acidic and caustic materials, something that not many linings on the market can claim. This flexibility, coupled with FDA 175.300 compliance for food contact, makes RESCO® the ideal choice for manufacturers seeking a reliable, cost-effective solution.
The UNICHEM Advantage
With decades of experience in developing innovative industrial coatings and linings, Universal Chemicals & Coatings, Inc., UNICHEM, is a trusted name for high-performance solutions in the drum and pail market. We understand the unique challenges faced by manufacturers, and our products are designed to deliver superior results in even the most demanding conditions.
Whether you need high-heat or low-heat curing solutions, waterborne or solvent-based coatings, or custom formulations tailored to your specific materials, UNICHEM has the solution you need. We’re committed to helping our clients extend the lifespan of their drums, protect the integrity of their materials, and reduce the risks associated with corrosion and contamination.
UNICHEM coatings are designed to provide unmatched chemical resistance and durability, ensuring the safe storage and transport of your valuable materials. Contact UNICHEM today to explore our comprehensive range of drum coatings and linings, including the revolutionary RESCO® Universal.