cut open a propane tank

[ch1ch2]

I was reading a post on moving a propane tank.
Got me to thinking. How could I cut it open and make a fire pit out of the end caps.

 

[davesl708]

You must make sure all fumes are cleared from the tank or boom.
By cutting torch or cutting wheel the heat would be enough for ignition.

Cutting wheel would leave a cleaner finish.

 

[Deere Dude]

I wouldn't do that unless I filled it completely with water first, then drain and cut. I would still be worried about it.
I had an empty 55 gallon barrel that had stuff to make fiberglass out of and was flammable., very flammable. It was old and dried when I got around to it,
I had the bung open and was chiseling the top off but that was so slow, so I started cutting it with the welder or a 4-1/2 grinder if I recall. I don't remember which.

All of a sudden I heard a rumble then a very big woof out of the bung hole. I think I soiled myself. Went back to chiseling.

 

[OldGerald]

They make a great fire pit. I have one that has flames cut into the side using a plasma cutter. I often see them advertised around here for better than $300. Should last a lifetime to.

 

[Renze]

I wouldn't do that unless I filled it completely with water first, then drain and cut.

Thats what i do too. But stuff for fiberglass (acetal resin ??) is a different stuff than propane. Water will push out all the propane gas, but resin will not flush clean.

 

[4570Man]

I wouldn't do that unless I filled it completely with water first, then drain and cut. I would still be worried about it. I had an empty 55 gallon barrel that had stuff to make fiberglass out of and was flammable., very flammable. It was old and dried when I got around to it, I had the bung open and was chiseling the top off but that was so slow, so I started cutting it with the welder or a 4-1/2 grinder if I recall. I don't remember which. All of a sudden I heard a rumble then a very big woof out of the bung hole. I think I soiled myself. Went back to chiseling.

Why did you go back to chiseling? All of the vapor had already been burned.

 

[Renze]

Why did you go back to chiseling? All of the vapor had already been burned.

My thoughts too It remembers me of the time i imploded a 1976 vacuum tanker by sucking the suction hose stuck on the bottom of the pit. The old lady couldnt take it and collapsed. a broken off axle U bolt sprung between my fathers boots, he jumped with both feet in the air and yelled "put that thing off, put that thing off" while i couldnt stop laughing whilst saying "now its too late anyway"

 

[Shield Arc]

I've never done it myself. I've read where people wash the tanks out with soap and water. Then plumb the exhaust from a diesel engine into the tank while cutting. A lot of people say never to use the exhaust from a gas engine.

 

[Egon]

Gas engine exhaust is flammable with the right ratio of air.

Fill tank with water & drain several times. If the water can be heated even better. Nitrogen purge while cutting if possible.

If the tank interior is scaly, rusty, or has callcerous deposits on the inside think about different options.

 

[ultrarunner]

At the shop we used nitrogen after ventilating for many hours first...