While many people are familiar with chemical containers such as drums, other containers, like carboys or totes, may be less familiar. If you are trying to understand the differences between packages, what each one looks like and how to use it, as well as what the container is commonly used for at CORECHEM; this chemical container guide is for you.
5 Gallon Chemical Containers
At CORECHEM, we typically package 5 gallon volumes of liquid chemicals into one of 2 different containers: the plastic carboy, or the metal pail.
Carboy: The plastic, semi-translucent 5 gallon carboy is used for the majority of our 5 gallon package sizes. This square-shaped container has a handle on top for ease of carrying; as well as an opening for product, and a vent. The square shape makes them more efficient for packing on pallets for shipping. While they are typically not used for flammable chemicals, occasionally, a product such as IPA that is flammable may be suitably packaged in carboys. Carboys may come with either a vented lid, or a non-vented lid. Vented lids are used for products such as bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Non-vented lids are typically used with chemicals such as liquid sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, or sulfuric acid.
Pail: A metal pail is typically used for flammable chemicals, such as methanol, glycol ethers (PM), and toluene. While the majority of our 5 gallon package sizes are produced on-site, products such as Isopars (that we often purchase pre-packaged), may come in metal pails as well.
Chemical Drums
The chemical drum is a widely recognized chemical container. At CORECHEM, material may be packaged into 15, 30, or 55 gallon drums. Drums may be made of metal or plastic.
Plastic: As with carboys, plastic drums are used for the majority of our products that are not classified as flammables. We use both reconditioned and new drums. Additionally, plastic drums may come in a variety of colors- green, black, white, and blue. Plastic drums are better for corrosives. Products such as acetic acid, that are technically flammable, may be packaged into plastic drums, because they are also corrosive.
The 55 and 30 gallon drum sizes have two entrances on top. The 15 gallon drum has an entrance and a vent. Product may be removed from the drums with either a fine thread or course thread drum pump (fine thread required on the 15’s); alternatively, a metal spigot may be used. The drum pump is a slower method, and suitable for repackaging product into smaller package sizes (i.e. the 1-gallon jug). The spigot simply attaches for pouring product.
Metal: Metal drums are typically used for flammable chemicals (as they are easier to ground). We have three different types of metal drums: the classic black drum, the coated green drum, and the stainless drum.
• Classic Black Drum – Used for many flammable chemicals, such as IPA 99%, Glycol Ether PM, Methanol, and Toluene
• Coated Green Drum – Used for water-containing products that could rust a metal drum; such as ExoEndosol
• Stainless Drum – Heavy duty, for Nitric Acid use only.
Chemical Tote
A chemical tote is a large, typically square-shaped package. They often come with some type of cage or support around them, and they are designed to hold approximately the volume of 5-6, 55-gallon drums. It is the largest package size of chemicals we offer. For larger volumes, mini-bulk or full-bulk pump-offs from tankers would be performed.
The lightest totes typically weigh around 125 lbs., empty. While they are maneuverable when fully empty, a full tote will weigh much more, and can typically only be moved with a forklift. Totes typically have lids/vents on top (like drums), but (unlike drums), product is normally distributed through a valve near the bottom. Totes come with a shipping cap on them- when you receive the tote, remove the shipping cap, attach the hose, and dispense product through the ball valve.
275 Gallon Light Weight: The 275-Gallon Light Weight tote has a metal wire cage around it to make sure it doesn’t expand or break. This tote is usually able to handle the weight of any of the chemicals we are pouring, and is commonly used.
275 Gallon Heavy Duty: The 275-Gallon Heavy Duty tote is used in circumstances where the chemical might be too dense for the Light Weight tote. It is made of a lot thicker plastic, and has a 9″ entrance on top. It is also used by customer request (for example, if the tote might take a bit of a beating).
330 Gallon Standard Tote: The 330-Gallon Standard Tote is used if the customer needs more product. It may also be used in unusual circumstances, such as with sulfuric acid. Then, it will be short filled. This is because the product is very dense (…the weight capacity of the forklift may have to be considered for).
330 – 350 Gallon Metal Tote: The 330 – 350 Gallon Metal tote is used for flammables. They fill completely differently from the other totes; and their valve for pouring out is in a different area as well. They are also used for Nitric Acid.
50# Bags / Supersacks
Our dry products are typically packaged in the paper or plastic 50# bags or supersacks they are packaged in, from the manufacturer. However, upon customer request, we do also carry pails (such as 5 gallon life-latch pails) that we can sometimes package product in (MOQ applies).
The containers in this chemical container guide are our typical/standard packages, and may not include all possible container options. With questions about the chemical containers we use here at CORECHEM, or any special container needs, reach out to a representative! We’ll be happy to speak with you!
