need some advice

mdeal · Joined: 23 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

so I just bought a 55 gallon steel drum to make a UDS but i just found out it contained resin to make plastic in it. i know i can burn it out but i am afraid it could be hazardous considering that it contained resin in it. does this mean i cannot use it for a smoker or is there some steps i could take to get rid of any harmful material in the drum and make it smoker safe. if not I am looking for a 55 gallon food grade steel drum and i live in cleveland, ohio. if anyone knows where i could get one that would be great.

thanks

Mark

animal · BBQ Pro Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 935 Location: Wisconsin

is there any residue in it from its old contents
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mdeal · Joined: 23 Apr 2011 Posts: 3

thats the problem. it is a tigh head drum so i still need to cut it open, but from what i can see through the hole, there seems to be some liquid in it. I was wondering once i get it cut open, if i rinse and scrub it down good, can i then burn it out and would it be safe?

njtarter · Posted: Apr 23 2011 Post subject:

Here is my opinion on the whole issue:

1 - Most food grade barrels contain a plastic or epoxy type liner to keep the food from contacting the metal and giving it a metallic taste - think beer can liners. So when you burn out that liner to get it out it'll release all kinds of unpleasant particles and fumes.

2 - most non food grade barrels are unlined, so all thats left is residue.

3 - The three I've build all started as used anti-freeze drums. I drained out all the remaining anti-freeze, rinsed them out, burned them out long and hot, then washed again. Not much you can't kill and sterilize with a good hot fire.

JM2C
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SoEzzy · Posted: Apr 24 2011 Post subject:

Drill the drums first too, helps get a hotter fire, I like 6 equally spaced 1/2" holes, with enough cardboard and wood you can get the barrel glowing pretty hot, but make sure you have the room, and are not in a burn ban area! Wink

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