Why is an oil barrel called a BBL?
The Blue Barrel Myth. A persistent oilfield myth says that the abbreviation “bbl” for a barrel of oil resulted from Standard Oil Company’s early practice of painting their barrels blue –bbl for “blue barrel.” However, while Ida Tarbell’s controversial 1904 History of Standard Oil Company acknowledged the “holy blue barrel,”...
What is the difference between black and blue barrels?
Black barrels are generally not food-grade. Most polyethylene drums are blue. And thus blue became the industry standard for food storage. The blue pigment in polyethylene drums has a higher UV light resistance than natural and does not show dirt or residue as readily. Blue is the standard food-grade drum.
Why are 55-gallon blue plastic barrels so popular?
In fact, you'll have no problem finding them anywhere. Why are these 55-gallon blue plastic barrels so ubiquitous? Also known as poly drums, they are the internationally-approved container for shipping liquid food products, world-wide.
What is the short form of oil carrying barrel?
When expressed in short form, oil carrying barrel is referred to as ‘bbl’ and not ‘bl’ though barrel has only one ‘b’ in it. Crude oil, when considered as unit volume, is measured in terms of a barrel.
What do blue barrels mean?
Standard Oil began manufacturing 42 gallon barrels that were blue to be used for transporting petroleum. The use of a blue barrel, abbreviated "bbl," guaranteed a buyer that this was a 42-gallon barrel.
How long will water last in a blue barrel?
Realistically, if you're storing the water for your own purposes and not in a commercial capacity, you can keep it in the plastic barrel for longer than six months – years even – without rotation. It's good practice to change it when you can though, to keep it fresh and to avoid contamination.
How big are blue barrels?
Barrels are 35″ tall, and with our simple recommended cinder block foundation, the complete BlueBarrel System height is 3′ 7″. (You may elevate your system more if you'd like, but work with a competent builder to ensure a safe elevated structure. Each barrel will weigh about 500 lbs.
How many gallons is a blue barrel?
Rockefeller and Standard Oil's blue barrels. For today's industry, the abbreviation simply signifies a 42-gallon (159 liters) unit of measure…of any color.
Can you leave a water barrel out in the winter?
You can leave a rain barrel out in the winter as long as you protect it from the elements. Just make sure to store it upside down so the snow and rain can't get inside to prevent damage.
Will algae grow in a blue barrel?
Make Sure Your Barrels Are Opaque – Before you even purchase your rain barrels, ensure they are opaque. Algae needs light to grow....How To Eliminate Algae Growth Without Removing the Water.# of GallonsAmount of Bleach1000 gallons3-4 cups2 more rows
Can you put diesel in a blue barrel?
Unfortunately, you can't store diesel fuel in plastic drums forever. The diesel will react with the plastic polymers over time, even if the drum is produced from HDPE. The plastic will then break down, eventually leading to leakages.
Can you put gas in blue barrels?
Plastic drums are a popular storage medium for all kinds of preparedness necessities. So, you might wonder: Can you store fuel in a plastic drum? The short answer is that no, you shouldn't store gasoline or any other fuel in a plastic drum.
Are blue barrels bear proof?
You're going to hear it a bunch of times from other posters, but the blue barel is NOT a bear barrel. I use them and like them, but they are not bear proof.
Are blue barrels Safe?
One of the most popular uses for blue plastic barrels is carrying chemicals. UN rated plastic barrels are safe and secure, and they won't degrade when in contact with the vast majority of industrial chemicals, including many corrosive or hazardous substances. Plastic barrels can also be used more than once.
Are blue barrels safe for water?
What are the barrels made of—how do I know they're safe? All barrels that come through BlueBarrel's participating barrel suppliers are made of UN-rated HDPE food-grade plastic, and yes, they are BPA free. These are the internationally-approved vessels for safe and secure shipping of food-grade liquids worldwide.
How do I know if my blue barrel is food grade?
The easiest way to check is to look for the Resin Identification Code—i.e., recycling number—which identifies the type of plastic material. The code consists of a triangle of arrows surrounding a number between 1 and 7. Generally, numbers 1 through 7 indicate food grade plastic.
How long can water sit in rain barrel?
You should empty excess water from your rain barrel after it has been stored for approximately 7 days. What is this? It is also recommended to regularly check your rain barrel for debris, pests, or algae. Using a container with a removable lid makes checking and cleaning easy.
How do you keep water fresh in a water barrel?
Best Disinfection TechniquesAdd 1/4 teaspoon of calcium hypochlorite to the filled barrel and screw the lid on. ... Add 2 Tablespoons of FRESH unscented regular bleach (sodium hypochlorite). ... Add 1 bottle of Water Preserver Concentrate. ... Add Aquamira chlorine dioxide 2 part water treatment bottles.More items...
Are blue barrels safe for water?
For example, it's not a good idea to use barrels that have previously stored chemicals for storing food or drinking water. While blue plastic barrels are food-grade, chemicals can leach into the plastic over time and taint any food being stored.
How do you keep water fresh in a rain barrel?
✔ Clean the barrel using a non-toxic substance such as vinegar to remove residue or algae. ✔ Clean out downspouts and roof gutters for the most effective mosquito control. However, if you find mosquitoes in your rain barrel, you may use dunks. A quarter dunk added monthly may be adequate for a 55-gallon rain barrel.