Drum Cleaning

**B92 8NW** · 14th April 2007, 11:52 AM

I bought a 205L HDPE drum from a crowd over in Campbellfield with the intention of using it to store bio-diesel. I was assured it had been filled with primrose oil only, so I duly bought it and embarked on the job of cleaning it out today.

I have no idea what was in it, but it certainly wasn't primrose oil. There was about 500mL of residue in the bottom, I flushed it with [stained

] tank water but when I poured the "substance" out it fizzed like hell. Then I found the torn off remains of a "corrosive" label on it. Great.

So I've since flushed it out with copious quantities of tank water, cleaned the insides thoroughly with diluted 1:40 degreaser, rinsed it well, then cleaned the insides again with approx 500mL unleaded petrol, rinsed it all out, dried it as best as I could and left it inverted with the caps off to ventilate/dry out.

Will this be sufficient or is there something I have missed?

**Bushie** · 14th April 2007, 02:28 PM

If it fizzed when poured out onto concrete it was most likely acidic.

Not withstanding any other real nasties that may be associated with it, a good flush with a heap of bicarb should neutralise the acid.

Personally without knowing what may have been inside (think pesticides, herbicides or any of thousands of chemicals) I would chalk it up to experience and dispose of the drum properly.

Better safe than sorry.

Martyn

**Blknight.aus** · 14th April 2007, 05:43 PM

Id flush (bout 30l at a time and roll the drum round with the bungs on) with

baking soda and water
water
soapy water
water
2-3l of metho

but as youve done most of that just doign a final with metho to get the last of the moisture out and letting it sit in the sun should do you right.

**CraigE** · 15th April 2007, 08:08 AM

I would be querying why they sold or gave you a drum that had acid residue in it. This is illegal without appropriate licencing and labelling unless it has been cleaned out properly.Labels must be clear and legible even in empty drums, msds sheet should also be given with it. It is a requirement that companies disposing of drums have them steam cleaned and all labelling removed.
As said Bi-carb should neutralise it as will lime (but then you have an issue with lime).

**JohnE** · 15th April 2007, 06:16 PM

Take it back and get up them, and get a clean replacement.

john

**Quiggers** · 15th April 2007, 08:29 PM

I've bought more than 100 of the blue drums and all were well cleaned by the supplier. One is currently doing service as a fish tank and the fish are just fine. No mutants yet

GQ

**Blknight.aus** · 15th April 2007, 08:50 PM

from where and how much do you want for some assuming your near brissy?

**B92 8NW** · 15th April 2007, 09:52 PM

I'm in Melbourne

I spent today giving it another clean out and hope to fill it next week. It seems to be fine now, but in future I won't be returning to that place. I'll find some in the Eastern Suburbs

(runs and hides)

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 16th April 2007, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by Quiggers

I've bought more than 100 of the blue drums and all were well cleaned by the supplier. One is currently doing service as a fish tank and the fish are just fine. No mutants yet

GQ

if the drums are blue--
how do you see the fish?

**abaddonxi** · 16th April 2007, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

if the drums are blue--
how do you see the fish?

1. Point shottie at top of barrel.
2. Pull trigger.
3. Watch fish float to surface.

Cheers
Simon

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