Filling material for solving leakage of steel drums - sealant
Sealing Material for Preventing Leaks in Steel Drums
Wang Shilin
The Measures for the Administration of Packaging Inspection of Maritime Export Dangerous Goods, issued by the Ministry of Communications and the State Administration of Commodity Inspection, has been in effect since July this year. This regulation emphasizes strict packaging standards for dangerous goods being exported by sea.
For example, when a 200-liter steel drum is inspected by the local commodity inspection bureau, it must pass tests such as the "gravity drop test" and "falling test" without any leakage. Only then can it receive the "Dangerous Goods Packaging Verification Book." However, many steel drum manufacturers face challenges in meeting these requirements, which affects both production efficiency and product quality. As a result, many factories are asking, "How can we effectively solve the issue of leakage in steel drums?"
According to analysis, the main sources of leakage in steel drums include: about 10% from the body, 5% from the vertical seam, and a significant 85% from the bottom's large circle, especially at the T-shaped mouth. In addition to improving machinery and enhancing the strength of the crimping machine, the most effective solution is to use a high-quality sealing filler that is both corrosion-resistant and impermeable.
Over the past few years, Zhejiang Yongkang Chengguan Hardware Factory has produced 200-liter steel drums used for export, and our company has been using the sealing sealant manufactured by Xiamen Kaiyuan Latex Factory. This rubber-based material is made from natural latex and is suitable for food cans, honey containers, and other applications where chemical resistance is required. It also serves as an effective crimping material for steel drums, preventing leaks caused by oils, solvents, and other substances.
Previously, we tested DAREX water-based canned sealant from Japan, which contains latex as its main component. When substances like oil, alcohol, aldehyde, or ketone penetrate into the barrel’s bottom, the sealant reacts by expanding, forming a tight barrier that prevents further leakage. Similarly, the Xiamen-made sealant follows this principle, offering long-term reliability—much like traditional materials such as brown sugar and glue.
However, proper application of the sealing filler is crucial for achieving a leak-proof seal. Before applying the sealant, it should be thoroughly mixed. It is generally not recommended to dilute it unless it becomes too thick. In such cases, soft water or nitrogen water can be added. There are two common methods for coating:
1. Apply the sealant using a semi-automatic coating machine on the steel drum lid before crimping. The nozzle is fixed on a bracket, and the lid is rotated on a tray. A pressure of 1.5–2 kg/cm² is applied to evenly coat a 2–3 mm wide strip on the lid. After application, let it air dry for one hour. For faster drying, you can place the lid in a 70–80°C environment for 20 minutes (see Figure 1).
2. Apply the sealant during the crimping process. Be careful to spray it on the side of the barrel just as the lid is rolled up, i.e., when the lid is bent. This helps prevent the filler from splashing out due to centrifugal force during high-speed rotation (see Figure 2).
Considering that small and medium-sized steel drum manufacturers do not have very high daily output, it is advisable to use the first method to ensure quality and reduce the risk of leakage. Proper sealing is essential for compliance with international safety standards and maintaining customer trust.
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