How use of steel drums can aid safety, cost-saving in oil sector

Operators in the oil and gas industry value-chain have advocated increased adoption of steel drums as a safe means on storing low viscosity fluids and other hazardous chemicals used in the sector.

Citing that capacity utilisation in the steel drum manufacturing industry remains below average, the Managing Director (MD), Pacegate Limited, Umesh Amarnani, urged increased adoption from plastic to steel.

According to him, the rising number of lubricant blenders in the country also provides an entry point for steel drums utilisation.

Amarnani, stated this at a press conference to mark one year of pioneering Africa’s largest fully-automated steel drum factory in the country.

Amarnani said: “At the moment, most independent lubricant blenders are using plastic drums, however, the global industry standard in the oil and gas sector is steel drums. This is because steel drums are more superior to plastic drums. They perform very well in extreme temperature, humidity, and pressure variations while maintaining their structural integrity irrespective of heat and flame, without any leakage or spillage. When paired with a proper fire-suppression system, retrieving-style steel drums provide optimum protection even in a high-temperature fire.”

Amarnani said the company is the first and only United Nations (UN) certified steel drum factory in the country. He said the UN approved packaging guarantees that the drums have been built, tested and certified to carry precious liquids or solids, which can either be hazardous or non-hazardous.

The certification also confirms that the drums are environmentally friendly and with no leakages. Also, the certification is mandatory for the export of steel drums.

Speaking further, Amarnani said: “As we celebrate one year of producing the highest quality drums with minimum lead times, our fundamental goal is to convert users of plastic drums to steel drum by educating them on the benefits of steel drums. Globally, there is an increasing demand for cost-effective, yet efficient packaging solutions to overcome the bulk packaging challenges.

“We are determined to make steel drums a sustainable and affordable packaging solution in Nigeria. Our steel drums are custom-made according to the customer’s needs, and we are dedicated to investing in improving our standards to reflect global best practices and ensure that we are well-positioned to meet the challenges of increasing demand for steel drums.”