Innovative drum technology reduces static discharge risk

The packaging of low flashpoint hazardous chemicals has been made safer through the introduction of an impermeable barrier technology from Harcostar Drums, of Huntingdon in the UK. The filling of drums with solvent-based products, particularly those with a low flashpoint, is a safety risk because of the build-up of static and the risk of incendive discharge. SurfTech is a UN-approved internal coating for plastic drums that reduces static discharge and enables solvent-based hazardous chemicals to be transported in lighter and safer containers.

The technology, on which patents are pending, has taken five years to develop and is available globally. It can also yield cost savings of 10-50% compared with alternative barrier packs, claims Harcostar Drums. SurfTech plastic drums have a brimful capacity that is 7% greater than the steel equivalent, resulting in a transport cost saving of one container in every 16. And as the plastic drum is around half the weight of a steel drum, there is also much greater fuel efficiency during transport.

Since SurfTech is impermeable to hydrocarbon-based chemicals, a further advantage is that plastic drums can now be used as the standard container, with only the internal finish being different where solvent-based products are being filled. This saves significant downtime previously incurred when changing over between steel and plastic drums.

Furthermore, SurfTech drums are lighter to handle and quieter than steel for high volume production lines.