I want to build a sand blaster, and I just came across a trailer load of various sized propane tanks for cheap. I want to buy a skinny long one and cut it one third of it off for a sand tank. Anyone know the best way to clean out an old tank, so it can be torched.
Cutting an old propane tank
- Thread starter CharlieTR
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scott_vt
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Charlie,
Your going to have to make sure the tank is empty to begin with. You will have to remove the main valve and then fill tank with soapy water and rinse. I would also try blowing compressed air in the tank to clear it of residual fumes. At that point you should be able to torch cut the tank. This may take some time to rid tank of strong odor!
Your going to have to make sure the tank is empty to begin with. You will have to remove the main valve and then fill tank with soapy water and rinse. I would also try blowing compressed air in the tank to clear it of residual fumes. At that point you should be able to torch cut the tank. This may take some time to rid tank of strong odor!
RobS
Super Member
I've heard of using dry ice which will displace the propane and leave non-flammable CO2 as it vaporizes. I'd get a lot more detail before I tried it though /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Highbeam
Super Member
I've removed the valve and then filled it with water to displace the propane. Still stinks though.
Egon
Epic Contributor
Steam it.
Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Hydraman
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The steel of the tank will absorb the ethyl mercaptan
(odorant) right out of the propane. Therefore, even though there is absolutely NO flamable vapors in the tank-- you will still smell the odorant-- forever-- and that is a long time!!
As previously stated--purge, purge, purge first. Fill tank with water-- then drain water out. It's gotta be straight air in the tank now; but it will still stink. Good luck. Don
(odorant) right out of the propane. Therefore, even though there is absolutely NO flamable vapors in the tank-- you will still smell the odorant-- forever-- and that is a long time!!
As previously stated--purge, purge, purge first. Fill tank with water-- then drain water out. It's gotta be straight air in the tank now; but it will still stink. Good luck. Don
Thanks guys!
Great info.
I think I will not buy a LP tank and make a sand blaster. I will keep looking and maybe find an old compressor tank. I was willing to risk getting blown up, but not that darn stink forever!
Great info.
I think I will not buy a LP tank and make a sand blaster. I will keep looking and maybe find an old compressor tank. I was willing to risk getting blown up, but not that darn stink forever!
Berniep
Platinum Member
Yeah the blowing up part only lasts a little while /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif