My company has been manufacturing stainless steel drums and barrels for 30 years and from my experince there were only two instances that were brought to my attention regarding degredation of the steel. We use primarily T304 SS due to it's availabilty and being more cost effective.
Type 304 SS is a great all around material. Going back to the two situations brought to my attention, I have no idea of what was put in those drums, I wasn't told by either customer, but have to assume it had to be something very acidic, it was very aggreesive and actually made pock marks like a BB gun shot the bottom of the drum.
I know with from all of the positive testimony and repeat orders from indutries ranging from beverages, chemical to wines the success of my product is proven it's self over and over again.
Alchol should have no issue in T304 SS. I have distillers usong my product, one was processing flavored vodka as well as concentrated primary products used in the product from the number one soft drink manufacture in the world.
Yes to the other factor of pricing with T304 SS being much more cost effective.
I hope this is somewhat helpful.
