answersLogoWhite

0

Depends on whether the pressure is acting from within or without and at what point failure would be deemed.

If distension of the ends of the barrel is tolerable, then depending on the condition of the barrel and thickness (this can vary), pressures of many tens of pounds per square inch can be stored inside - and possibly even a couple of hundred pounds per square inch, though this would certainly be an unsafe pressure for a typical steel drum.

BUT

IF the pressure is applied from the outside (simply atmospheric would suffice) - effectively pumping down the barrel to produce a vacuum, then you will find that a barrel will collapse into itself some time BEFORE even a soft vacuum is approached. As little as 10psi can wreck the barrel - even less if the barrel has a few "starter dents".

You can do this without a vacuum pump with a small fire and a few pints of water. Place the water in the barrel and place the barrel on the fire. Wait until the water is boling vigourously and expelling a large volume of steam. then remove the barrel from the fire (or extinguish fire) and carefully observe the steam coming from the barrel opening. As soon as the steam has almost stopped, add the cap, sealing the barrel. Now, you can either wait for the water to cool and the steam to condense back to water - or you can speed things along a little by throwing cold water onto the barrel.

With the steam condensing (which has already displaced most of the air), you start generating a fairly impressive vacuum, the barrel will go from being perfectly formed to crushed (by atmospheric pressure) in one very dramatic movement lasting no more than a couple of hundred milliseconds.

Makes a very good visual science experiment when trying to demonstrate just what atmnospheric pressure is - and how much force it can exert.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How much does a empty 45 gallon steel drum weigh?

An empty 45 gallon steel drum typically weighs around 30-35 pounds.


Can you pressurize a 55 gallon steel drum to drum to another drum?

Yes, you can pressurize a 55-gallon steel drum to transfer its contents to another drum, but it must be done with caution. The drum must be designed to handle pressure, and appropriate safety measures should be taken to prevent accidents or leaks. Additionally, ensure that the contents being transferred are compatible with pressurization. Always follow safety guidelines and regulations when working with pressurized containers.


Where can one buy a 55-gallon steel drum?

Purchasing a 55 gallon drum is relatively easy and can be done by visiting a salvage or recycling center. A finished drumset from a 55 gallon drum is a harder thing to come by but there are instructions on You Tube or one could purchase a finished set from classified local advertisements.


Can a 55 gallon drum hold more than 55 gallon?

an extension adapter must be installed to the drum fill adapter


How much internal pressure can a steel drum take?

The internal pressure a steel drum can withstand depends on its design, thickness, and material properties. Typically, standard steel drums can handle pressures ranging from 15 to 30 psi (pounds per square inch) for storage purposes. However, specialized drums designed for high-pressure applications can tolerate much higher pressures. It's essential to consult specific manufacturer guidelines and engineering standards for precise limits.


How wide is a 55 gallon steel drum?

A standard 55-gallon steel drum typically has a diameter of about 22.5 inches (57 cm). Its dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but this measurement is generally consistent for most standard drums. The height of the drum is usually around 33 inches (84 cm).


What is the steel drum made of?

Steel Drums take about a week of hard labour to make Steel Drums take about a week of hard labour to make


How much does a fifty five gallon drum of gasoline weigh?

Gas is 6.3 lbs. per gallon. 55 gallons of gas will weigh 346.5 lbs. A steel drum will weigh 40 lbs. and a plastic 55 gallon drum will weigh 20 lbs.


How much does a 55 gallon drum weigh that is filled with water?

neglecting the weight of the steel drum and assuming a gallon weighs 8.2 pounds in Americian units, the calc would be 55 X 8.2 = 451 pounds. The extra weight of the steel drum would sink it from this nutral boyancy state. Also,55 gallon drums only hold 50 or so gallons.


What is height of 55 gal steel drum?

A standard 55-gallon steel drum typically has a height of about 33 inches (84 cm) and a diameter of approximately 23 inches (58 cm). These dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and specific design of the drum.


10-gallon drum with 8-gallon's of oil in it you want to share it with your friend but you only have a 5-gallon drum and a 3-gallon drum how do you share it exactly?

You pour four gallons into the five gallon drum, and take the ten gallon drum with the other four gallons of oil in that.


Where the steel drum was invented?

the steel drum was invented in trinidad.the steel drum was invented in trinidad.