A 44-gallon drum (known as a 55-gallon drum in the United States, and increasingly in Australia as a 200-litre drum) is a cylindrical container (drum) with a nominal capacity of 44 imperial gallons, 55 U.S. gallons or 205 litres. The exact capacity varies with wall thickness and other factors.

The drums are typically made of steel with a ribbed outer to improve rigidity and durability. They are often moved by tilting, then rolling along the base, which is designed especially for that purpose. The drums are commonly used for transporting oils and fuels, but can be used for storing various chemicals as well.

44-gallon plastic drums are increasingly used. Many do not have ribbing along the side.

22.5 inches (572mm/57.2cm) is the standard diameter for a 44-^*gallon/55-^*gallon (200-litre) drum.

Closed-head steel barrels and drums used for shipment of chemicals and petroleum products have a standardised bunghole arrangement, with one 2in. (50.8mm/5.08cm) NPT and one 3/4in. (19.05mm/1.905cm) NPT threaded bunghole on opposite sides of the top head. This arrangement is echoed in many plastic drums in the same size,

These drums are also available in open head forms, with a clamp ring or flanges that hold a loose lid (often with a gasket) down on the top.

In the past, hazardous waste was often placed in drums of this size and stored in open fields or buried. Over time, some drums would corrode and leak. As a result these drums have become iconic of pollution problems, even though they have numerous legitimate uses and are ubiquitous in commerce.

See also

• Barrel (unit)

Containers

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