Barrel (unit)
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A barrel is one of several units of volume applied in various contexts; there are dry barrels, fluid barrels, oil barrels, and so forth. For historical reasons the volumes of some barrel units are roughly double the volumes of others; volumes in common use range approximately from 100 to 200 litres. In many connections the term drum is used almost interchangeably with barrel.
Ale casks at a brewery in the UK. These are firkins, each holding 9 imperial gallons (41 L) or a quarter of a UK beer barrel.
While the barrel as a unit of measurement for oil is 42 U.S. gallons, actual barrels used in industry are typically 55 U.S. gallons or 200 litres internationally.
Drum (container)
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A drum is a cylindrical shipping container used for shipping bulk cargo. Drums can be made of steel, dense paperboard, or plastic, and are generally used for the transportation and storage of liquids and powders. Drums are often stackable, and have dimensions designed for efficient warehouse and logistics use. This type of packaging is frequently certified for transporting dangerous goods. Proper shipment requires the drum to comply with all applicable regulations.
A typical 208.2-litre (55 US or 44 imp gal) tight head drum
Low level nuclear waste in open head steel drums.
Drum pumps on drums
Filling oil drum, 1914