The dimensions of steel drums vary significantly depending on whether one is referring to the musical instrument (commonly known as a pan or pannist) or an industrial storage container. While musical steel drums are crafted from industrial barrels, their final dimensions are drastically altered during the tuning and shaping process to produce specific pitches and ranges. The size of a musical steel drum depends on its role in an ensemble (e.g., tenor, double second, cello, bass pans).
For industrial steel drums, which are primarily used for storing and transporting liquids and solids, dimensions are standardized based on their capacity. These containers come in various standard sizes, with specific diameters and heights.
Common Industrial Steel Drum Dimensions
The following table outlines typical dimensions for industrial steel drums based on their common capacities:
| Capacity (Gallons) | Capacity (Liters) | Diameter | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 114 | 18.25" | 27.50" |
| 55 | 208 | 22.50" | 33.00" |
| 65 | 246 | 30.00" | 21.42" |
| 85 | 322 | 26.00" | 37.00" |
These measurements refer to the physical size of the steel barrel itself, before any modification into a musical instrument. The process of creating a steel drum instrument involves sinking the top of the barrel, grooving specific note areas, and heat-treating and tuning the steel to create the instrument's unique sound. Therefore, the final dimensions and playable surface of a musical steel drum will differ significantly from these raw industrial barrel measurements.
