In the bitumen industry, proper packaging is not only crucial for maintaining product quality and safety, but also plays a key role in the processes of transportation, storage, and export. One of the most common methods of packaging is the use of bitumen barrels, which must be selected based on standard weight and dimensional specifications. Understanding the weighing of bitumen barrels is essential for contractors, exporters, and warehouse managers, as this data directly impacts cost management, logistics, and planning of construction projects. Bitumen barrels are produced in various models and weights, each with its own specific application and features. In this article, join Sinda Industrial Lubricants Company as we explore the details of this topic.
Definition of Bitumen Barrels and Their Types
From an industrial perspective, a bitumen barrel refers to a type of metal packaging used for safely storing and transporting liquid or solid bitumen. These barrels are generally made from hot-rolled steel sheets with anti-corrosion coatings to ensure high resistance to heat and environmental conditions.
Common types of bitumen barrels include:
- Tall steel barrel (180 kg): The most widely used type for export, designed to meet global standards.
- Short steel barrel (150 kg): Suitable for domestic use with limited transportation needs.
- Steel barrel with large lid (156 kg): Designed for easier unloading in factories and construction projects.
- Large steel drum (200 to 210 kg): Ideal for long-term storage or large-scale civil projects.
Weight Comparison:
| Type of Barrel | Net Bitumen Weight (kg) | Gross Weight (kg) | Empty Barrel Weight (kg) |
| Tall Steel Barrel | 180 | 190–192 | 9.5 |
| Short Steel Barrel | 150 | 158–160 | 8.5 |
| Large-lid Barrel | 156 | ~165 | 8.5 |
| Large 210 kg Drum | 200–210 | ~220 | 10 |
This table assists in making more accurate selections based on project volume and transportation capacity by clearly showcasing weighing bitumen barrels.
Factors Affecting the Weight of Bitumen Barrels
What factors influence the final weight of bitumen barrels?
- Bitumen density: Depending on the type of bitumen (petroleum-based, natural, or polymer-modified), its density ranges from 05 to 1.2 kg per liter, which directly affects the final barrel weight.
- Barrel volume: Most barrels have a nominal volume of 200 liters, but the actual weight can vary depending on the bitumen type and filling conditions.
- Type of drum and its material: The thickness of steel sheets, usually between 6 and 0.7 mm, impacts the weight of the empty barrel.
- Presence of moisture or impurities: In bitumen that is not well-refined or has absorbed moisture, the weight may increase artificially.
- Temperature and environmental storage conditions: Higher temperatures reduce the density of bitumen, leading to lower weight per unit volume. Conversely, at lower temperatures, bitumen becomes denser and heavier.
Common Weight Table of Bitumen Barrels
One of the key elements in managing logistics for construction and export projects is understanding the weighing of bitumen barrels in their various types. The table below presents precise data related to the type of drum, net weight, gross weight, empty barrel weight, height, and diameter. This information helps project decision-makers perform accurate calculations for transportation, storage, and cost management.
| Type of Drum | Net Bitumen Weight (kg) | Gross Weight (kg) | Empty Barrel Weight (kg) | Height | Diameter |
| Tall Steel Drum | 180 ± 2.5 | 190 – 192 | 9.5 | 980 mm | 500 mm |
| Short Steel Drum | 150 ± 2.5 | 158 – 160 | 8.5 | 860 mm | 500 mm |
| Large-lid Steel Drum | 156 ± 2.5 | ~165 | 8.5 | 860 mm | 500 mm |
| 200 kg Drum | 200 – 210 ± 2 | ~220 | 10 | 980–1000 mm | 500 mm |
Note: The net weight refers to the bitumen content inside the barrel, while the gross weight includes the weight of the barrel itself. The difference between the two depends on the type of barrel and the thickness of its body.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bitumen Barrels
Bitumen barrels, despite their widespread use in the construction, oil, and export industries, come with both advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before selection.
Advantages:
- Protection against UV and environmental conditions: The metal body of the bitumen barrel protects the internal content from sunlight and ambient moisture.
- Safe transportation of flammable materials: Packaging bitumen in steel drums prevents leakage, fire hazards, and environmental contamination.
- Globally accepted standard: Many countries only accept bitumen imported in standard steel barrels.
Disadvantages:
- Leakage risk in used drums: Recycled or worn-out drums may suffer from leaks or reduced safety.
- 3–5% residual bitumen left inside the barrel: Due to bitumen’s high adhesiveness, full discharge is often difficult.
- High cost for certain models: Special drums with anti-rust internal coatings or easy-discharge designs are more expensive.
The Importance of Bitumen Barrel Weight in Transportation and Export
In the bitumen export process, one of the key factors that directly affects logistics costs, container arrangement, and final pricing is the weighing of bitumen barrels. Among the various types of metal drums, the 180-kilogram barrels are recognized as the most common and cost-effective choice for export, due to their balanced weight, ease of loading, compatibility with unloading machinery, and compliance with international standards. These drums are also widely accepted by importing countries, and their shipping rates are generally more optimized by freight companies.
In standard 20-foot containers, depending on the loading arrangement, different quantities of bitumen barrels can be stored:
- Up to 110 units of 180-kg barrels without pallets
- Around 80 units with pallets (for easier and safer handling)
A comparison between 20-foot and 40-foot containers also shows that while the capacity of 40-foot containers is nearly double, their shipping, unloading, and loading costs are often higher. Therefore, the choice of container type should be based on destination, total cargo weight, unloading constraints, and customs regulations. Accurate weighing of bitumen barrels plays a vital role in making smart decisions in this area.
Technical and Practical Considerations in Selecting the Right Bitumen Barrel
A guide to selecting bitumen barrels based on technical and operational conditions:
- Type of project (residential, road construction, industrial): Residential projects usually use 150 to 180-kg barrels, while infrastructure projects require larger drums.
- Climatic and regional conditions: In hot and humid areas, barrels with large lids and UV-resistant coatings are recommended.
- Accuracy in selection based on weight and ease of discharge: For projects with limited unloading equipment, large-lid barrels or bitumen packed in meltable bags are better options.
- Compliance with environmental regulations in the destination country: Some countries do not allow the import of used or recycled barrels and only accept new and recyclable drums.
Conclusion
Given the critical role of weighing bitumen barrels in reducing transportation costs, improving warehouse efficiency, and complying with export standards, choosing the correct type and weight of barrel is of utmost importance. Understanding the differences between 150 kg, 180 kg, and 200 kg drums enables you to make technically sound and economically efficient decisions based on the project type, climate conditions, and export destination. If you are looking to purchase standard bitumen barrels, receive expert consultation, and acquire industrial lubricants tailored to the needs of construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects, Sinda Industrial Lubricants Company is a reliable and professional choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the most common weight of a bitumen barrel?
The tall steel drum with a net capacity of 180 kilograms is the most common and cost-effective option for transporting and exporting bitumen. - How is the gross weight of a bitumen barrel calculated?
Gross weight equals the weight of the bitumen inside the barrel plus the weight of the empty barrel. For example, a 180 kg drum typically weighs between 190 and 192 kilograms in total. - How many bitumen barrels fit in a 20-foot container?
Up to 110 barrels of 180 kg can be loaded without pallets, and around 80 barrels with pallets for safer and easier handling. - Does the type of bitumen affect the barrel’s weight?
Yes, the density of bitumen varies depending on its type (petroleum-based, natural, or modified) and ranges between 1.05 and 1.2 kg per liter, which affects the final barrel weight. - What factors influence the choice of a suitable bitumen barrel?
The type of project, climatic conditions, export regulations of the destination country, and available unloading equipment are among the most important factors to consider.
