cut open a propane tank

   / cut open a propane tank #31  
That is my experience, too. Cursed with a sensitive nose, I really want to eliminate that stink.

For LP or gasoline tanks, as well as 55gal drums, I remove all caps and ventilate with compressor air
after removing liquids. With 2 holes, I can blow in one, and ignite the exhaust from the other, using
a propane torch. If there are flammable gases, you get a flame. Stop the air when the flame dies
out. No woof or explosion. Works like an O-A torch. No water.
For things like gasoline and oils they collect residue in the pores of the metal and this will come out as a flammable vapor when you cut it with a torch. not much of a problem until you get a stoichiometric mix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air–fuel_ratio) and then you get a big boom. A good way to avoid this is to use any kind of device to move the air in and out of the tank. like a constant stream of air from a compressor or a running engine exhaust. Although, as already stated, if it is not tuned well a gas engine, and possibly any engine can contribute to the problem rather than help.
Just a few miles from me a guy was killed cutting the end out of a tank open with a torch. The tank was about head high with two sizable caps that had been open for at least 20 years. There was no discern-able odor and he had almost made the complete cut in one end when it blew.
 
   / cut open a propane tank #32  
Bernie: there have been a lot of deaths from exploding barrels and tanks.

General note: in an industrial setting one will find some pretty specific guidelines about what can be done with discarded containers.
 
   / cut open a propane tank #33  
Bernie: there have been a lot of deaths from exploding barrels and tanks.

General note: in an industrial setting one will find some pretty specific guidelines about what can be done with discarded containers.
 
   / cut open a propane tank
  • Thread Starter
#34  
For things like gasoline and oils they collect residue in the pores of the metal and this will come out as a flammable vapor when you cut it with a torch. not much of a problem until you get a stoichiometric mix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air–fuel_ratio) and then you get a big boom. A good way to avoid this is to use any kind of device to move the air in and out of the tank. like a constant stream of air from a compressor or a running engine exhaust. Although, as already stated, if it is not tuned well a gas engine, and possibly any engine can contribute to the problem rather than help.
Just a few miles from me a guy was killed cutting the end out of a tank open with a torch. The tank was about head high with two sizable caps that had been open for at least 20 years. There was no discern-able odor and he had almost made the complete cut in one end when it blew.

Sound like filling with water is the best way. Know from experience how porous metal really is.
 
   / cut open a propane tank #35  
You always have the best advice... and simple to do.

Much cheaper than flooding with Nitrogen...

There are places and times the nitrogen gets delivered by trailer trucks and requires a pump truck to get it into the system.
 
   / cut open a propane tank #36  
Flame. You could do it with a rosebud up in the bung.


For things like gasoline and oils they collect residue in the pores of the metal and this will come out as a flammable vapor when you cut it with a torch. not much of a problem until you get a stoichiometric mix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air–fuel_ratio) and then you get a big boom. A good way to avoid this is to use any kind of device to move the air in and out of the tank. like a constant stream of air from a compressor or a running engine exhaust. Although, as already stated, if it is not tuned well a gas engine, and possibly any engine can contribute to the problem rather than help.
Just a few miles from me a guy was killed cutting the end out of a tank open with a torch. The tank was about head high with two sizable caps that had been open for at least 20 years. There was no discern-able odor and he had almost made the complete cut in one end when it blew.

Yea. On second thought, the smell can't really be that bad. Considering the alternative, of course.
 
   / cut open a propane tank #37  
Flushing it out with water won't remove the mercaptan. You can have it filled to the brim, dump it out, fill it again, dump, fill, dump, fill, dump = still smells!
 
   / cut open a propane tank #38  
No suggestions as to best way to cut a tank but this is a link to a company that makes some good looking pits and may give you some ideas.
Look here: Muskoka Fire Pits
 
   / cut open a propane tank #39  
I once picked up some staledated 100lb tanks and needed compressed air storage as my pump is a little small. I pulled the valves and vented in the sun, filled with water etc, then welded on extra legs for stability and height, plus a 1/2' pipe coupling for a drain in the bottom. Next I filled them with cold water and screwed a pressure gauge, ball valve assembly into the top while it sat out in the sun. I added a bit of extra heat to bring the pressure up to 300psi. Result was an air tank to hold 125psi that had been tested to 300psi,
 
   / cut open a propane tank #40  
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.

I have filled a gas tank with mig gas before welding on it. I don't know if it was the right thing to do or not but I'm still alive.
 

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