Consolidating Drums
Wasting product is not an option when you’re trying to run a profitable business and be conscientious of the environment. Consolidating drums is the smart thing to do, and it can be a smooth process as long as you take the following precautions to be sure it’s done right.
WEAR PROPER PPE
Protect yourself with splash resistant coveralls, breathing protection, eye protection and nitrile gloves.
DRUMS CAN BE VERY HEAVY
It is important to pump out as much chemical as possible (without running the transfer pumps dry) before changing into the next drum. This will make the consolidation process faster and easier without having to lift heavy drums.
READ DRUM LABELS
Before consolidating drums, read drum labels to make sure you are consolidating the same chemicals. Don't mix one brand with another even if they are both the same type of material (e.g. 2 lb. resin).
KEEP DRUMS CLEAN
Wipe down the top of the drum to remove moisture and debris that could get into the chemical and cause problems down the line.
POUR OVER SPOUT
Construct a pour over spout using a 2 inch male by 1.5 inch female reducing bushing combined with a 1.5 inch by 3 inch long pipe nipple, thread the bushing and pipe nipple together. Set up 2 of these, one for the A-Side materials and one for the B-Side materials.
When you need to consolidate drums take the pour over spout and thread the 2 inch end into the 2 inch bung on the almost empty drum, open the 2 inch bung on the drum you are transferring the material to then flip the almost empty drum over on top of the other drum letting the 1.5 inch nipple slip into the 2 inch bung. When you are done transferring the material take the pour over spout out of the empty drum wipe down and apply a coat of lithium grease to the threads so it will be ready the next time you need it.
CONSOLIDATE THE MATERIAL DAILY
Don't let drums with small amounts of material in them build up. Consolidate the material daily by pouring the remaining chemical into the next drum of the same product. ISO drums can accumulate moisture that can react with the ISO, forming crystals in the chemical. If this does happen, you must filter out the crystals before the ISO can be used.