Industrial drum washing systems are widely used to clean steel drums, barrels and industrial containers used across chemical manufacturing, coatings production, fuel handling and pharmaceutical industries.
However, when drums previously contained flammable liquids, solvents or volatile chemicals, the cleaning process must be carefully engineered to prevent explosive atmospheres forming during washing.
In these environments, ATEX compliant drum washing systems are required to ensure safe operation and compliance with hazardous area regulations.
Rotajet industrial drum washing systems are designed for demanding industrial environments, providing automated cleaning solutions for drums and containers used across multiple industries.
Learn more about industrial drum washing machines here:
https://drumwashing.com
This guide explains:
- What ATEX drum washing systems are
- The risks involved in cleaning flammable containers
- Engineering requirements for explosion-protected drum washers
- Industries that require ATEX drum washing
- Drum washer options including buy, rent or contract cleaning
What Is ATEX in Industrial Drum Washing?
ATEX refers to European directives that regulate equipment used in environments where explosive atmospheres may occur.
These regulations apply when flammable vapours, gases, mists or combustible dusts may be present.
When washing containers that previously held:
- solvents
- paints and coatings
- fuels and oils
- chemical products
- adhesives and resins
flammable vapours can remain inside the drum.
If these vapours mix with air and encounter an ignition source, an explosion may occur.
Industrial container cleaning systems — including Rotajet drum washing equipment — may therefore be engineered for safe operation in hazardous environments.
Typical hazardous classifications include:
| Zone | Description |
| Zone 0 | Explosive atmosphere continuously present |
| Zone 1 | Explosive atmosphere likely during operation |
| Zone 2 | Explosive atmosphere possible but unlikely |
Most industrial drum washing areas fall within Zone 1 or Zone 2 environments.
For specialist hazardous container cleaning equipment see:
ATEX Container Cleaning Systems
https://drumwashing.com/atex-container-cleaning/
Risks When Cleaning Solvent or Chemical Drums
Cleaning drums that previously contained flammable liquids introduces several hazards.
Flammable Vapours
Residual solvents inside drums can evaporate during washing.
Static Electricity
High-pressure washing systems and liquid movement may generate static charge.
Ignition Sources
Standard industrial motors or pumps may create sparks or excessive heat.
Vapour Accumulation
Without proper ventilation systems, vapours may accumulate in washing areas.
Industrial drum washing systems must therefore incorporate appropriate safety measures.
Rotajet drum washing systems are engineered for heavy-duty industrial operation and can be designed for hazardous environments where required.
Engineering Requirements for ATEX Drum Washers
Drum washing systems used in hazardous environments must include design features that reduce the risk of ignition.
ATEX Rated Motors and Electrical Components
Electrical equipment used in hazardous areas must be designed for explosive atmospheres.
This may include:
- wash pumps
- drive motors
- electrical control systems
- extraction fans
ATEX-certified motors prevent excessive surface temperatures and minimise spark risks.
Static Grounding and Bonding
Static electricity can accumulate during high pressure washing or liquid flow.
Industrial drum washers therefore incorporate grounding systems to dissipate electrical charge.
This ensures components such as:
- drum supports
- wash lances
- pipework
- machine frames
remain electrically bonded.
Non-Sparking Construction Materials
Drum washing machines are typically manufactured using materials that minimise spark risk.
Typical materials include:
- stainless steel construction
- brass fittings
- conductive seals and gaskets
Rotajet drum washing systems are manufactured using robust stainless steel construction, ensuring durability in demanding industrial environments.
Vapour Extraction and Ventilation
Ventilation is critical when washing containers that previously contained solvents.
Industrial drum washing installations may include:
- vapour extraction systems
- ventilation ducting
- air monitoring equipment
These systems remove vapours and reduce explosion risks.
Industrial Drum Washing Process
Automated drum washing machines follow a structured cleaning process to remove contamination from containers.
In automated systems such as those supplied by Rotajet drum washing equipment, the cleaning process typically includes several stages.
Learn more about industrial drum washing equipment:
https://drumwashing.com
1. Drum Loading
Drums are positioned over a wash lance or inside an automated drum washing machine designed to safely clean industrial containers.
2 High Pressure Wash
High pressure jets remove residual liquids and contamination from the drum interior.
3 Detergent Cleaning
Industrial detergents dissolve oils, greases, paints and chemical residues.
4 Fresh Water Rinse
A rinse cycle removes cleaning chemicals and remaining contamination.
5 Drum Drying
Air drying removes moisture, preparing containers for reuse or recycling.
Technical Design Considerations for Drum Washing Systems
Plant engineers selecting container washing equipment must consider several important technical factors.
Throughput Requirements
Industrial drum washing systems must match container processing volumes.
Typical installations may process:
- 10 drums per hour
- 50 drums per hour
- 100+ drums per hour
depending on automation levels.
Wastewater Treatment
Cleaning chemical containers produces contaminated wastewater.
Systems may incorporate:
- filtration systems
- oil separation
- water recycling systems
Rotajet washing equipment can be integrated with filtration and water recirculation systems to improve efficiency.
Container Handling
Large drum washing systems may include:
- automated loading systems
- drum conveyors
- rotating wash stations
These systems improve throughput and reduce manual handling.
Industries That Require ATEX Drum Washing
ATEX drum washing equipment is widely used across industries handling flammable materials.
Rotajet drum washing systems are used globally across multiple industrial sectors.
Chemical Manufacturing
Paint and Coatings Production
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Oil and Fuel Industries
Adhesives and Resin Production
Each of these industries uses drums and containers that require careful cleaning before reuse or recycling.
Environmental Benefits of Drum Washing
Industrial drum washing systems help companies reduce packaging waste.
Instead of disposing of contaminated containers, companies can:
- reuse industrial containers
- recycle packaging materials
- reduce hazardous waste
- reduce transport emissions
Modern washing systems — including those manufactured by Rotajet — enable companies to operate more sustainably.
Buy, Rent or Contract Drum Washing
Companies processing containers have several options for drum cleaning.
Buy Drum Washing Equipment
Installing an in-house drum washing system allows companies to clean containers quickly and efficiently.
See Rotajet drum washing systems:
https://drumwashing.com
Rent Drum Washing Machines
For temporary projects or smaller volumes, drum washing equipment can also be rented.
Rental systems allow companies to process containers without major capital investment.
Contract Drum Cleaning
Some companies outsource container cleaning to specialist facilities operating industrial drum washing systems.
This approach can be beneficial when container volumes are low or cleaning requirements are complex.
Rotajet Drum Washing Machinery
Rotajet designs and manufactures industrial drum washing systems used globally across recycling, chemical and manufacturing industries.
Rotajet container cleaning equipment is designed to clean:
- steel drums
- plastic drums
- chemical containers
- industrial barrels
Explore Rotajet container cleaning equipment:
Drum Washing Systems
https://drumwashing.com
ATEX Container Cleaning Systems
https://drumwashing.com/atex-container-cleaning/
IBC Cleaning Station
https://drumwashing.com/ibc-cleaning-station/
Conclusion
Cleaning drums that previously contained flammable liquids requires specialised engineering and safety considerations.
ATEX drum washing systems allow industrial containers to be cleaned safely while meeting strict safety standards.
With the correct equipment, companies can safely reuse containers, reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.
Industrial drum washing systems — including those designed and manufactured by Rotajet — play a critical role in modern container cleaning and recycling operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can drums containing solvents be washed safely?
Yes. Industrial drum washing systems designed for hazardous environments can safely clean containers that previously held flammable substances.
What industries require ATEX drum washing systems?
Industries including chemical manufacturing, paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals and fuel storage commonly require explosion-protected drum cleaning equipment.
How are chemical drums cleaned?
Drums are typically cleaned using automated washing systems combining high pressure washing, detergents and rinse cycles.
Are drum washing machines available for hire?
Yes. Drum washing equipment can be purchased, rented or accessed through contract cleaning services depending on operational requirements.
Visit Drum Washing to learn more, or to get in contact with us.
