Objectives

New Pig Corporation requested Theodore Eversole, Nicholas Mayernick, Chad Rygelski, and Matthew Seech of The Pennsylvania State University Undergraduate College of Engineering to design a drum top enclosure for fifty-five gallon industrial containers. Such containers would allow both the dispensing of virgin fluid and the storage of fluid waste. Many companies store materials in outdoor areas of their facilities to both save valuable floor space indoors and keep the working environment cosmetically appealing. New Pig Corporation proposes to manufacture and sell a cover for these storage containers which will allow them to be safely stored outdoors, to be lockable, to have a fluid containment system, and to be manufactured for $250 per unit or less.

Proposed Solution

The proposed single unit drum top cover will meet all design requirements and cost less than the $250 per unit cost after initial tooling costs are absorbed. The design is based on New Pig Corporation's existing 95-gallon over-pack container, with a new screw-on top, and a flip-down lid. The drum top cover will be made out of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) since it is capable of withstanding most chemicals available in industry and is resistant to weather elements. The initial start-up costs will include approximately $28,000 in rotational molds for this two-part design. Manufacturing costs including material and labor show that the drum top cover could then be produced for approximately $176.40 per unit.

Conclusions/Recommendations

The proposed drum top cover design will allow New Pig Corporation to manufacture the desired product well within the project's allocated budget. Due to the simple design, ease of manufacturing, high durability and aesthetically pleasing looks, the recommendation to New Pig Corporation is that this design be pursued.