Welding On 100 lb Propane Tank Questions

[jsborn]

Just curious; how many people that have replied to to this thread have had experience in preparing hydrocarbon vessels or piping for hot work?

I have had some Exp with Gasoline and diesel not Propane. The only thing that I would add to your water and steam method is we would some times add Dry ice to the tank. As it melts /vaporizes the CO2 fills the tank adding some comfort margin.

Good luck

 

[59ih340]

Rinse it a couple of times,and drop the helmet and start welding.Fear is not the same as caution.From reading some of the fear responses in theory,they would not use internal combustion engines due to the proximity of a spark so close to a vented tank of gasoline.If you are afraid,dont do it.If you are not,make sure you do it it a well ventilated area,and use caution not fear.

 

[svcguy]

I would agree. Wash the tank out well. I have welded a number of propane tanks (about 65 gallons) when converting them to compressor tanks. I have not had a problem and don't expect any in the future. I do not believe steel "absorbs" the gas, it doesn't make sense. If concerned, wash well, let it air out with all orifices open for a bit (with one down at the lowest level), then wash again. Run some air in it with an opening at the lowest point. Propane is heavier than air.

 

[excelagator]

Sorry been away awhile. I do appreciate the instructions and concerns.

Now for something different.......

Wow at these prices...well make up your mind.
john t. unger studio: Design

Thanks again,
Dan

 

[Tom_Veatch]

First thing that went through my mind was the Pat MacManus story of his and Crazy Eddie's submarine.

 

[bobodu]

I've used propane tanks of all sizes for anything from compressor tanks to hydraulic reservoirs to garden sprayers.Have always just filled with water a couple of times and blown them out.Never even had as much as a "pfffft".

 

[excelagator]

Update..........

Well guys Thanks for the replays and concern for safety! I too do not want to be the first human in space without an aircraft! I got the most of the critical welding done. I was quite cautious doing this.

Disclaimer: Reading this, doing this I am not responsible for missing eyebrows, limbs, pets or your death! If you error, error not doing this!

The tank was empty. I opened the valve and left it open for a week. I flipped it about every 2 days.

The valve was frozen in. Tried everything but heat. My son and I s-l-o-w-l-y hack sawed the valve off. The valve was brass.

Then we had a dime-size hole to fill the tank with water. That took a good bit of time. I left it that way for a week in the sun. Then dumped it, let it air out for about 6 weeks.

Yesterday, I smelled nothing in the hole so I grabbed a drill, and some grease. I applied grease and drilled a small hole near the top. Refilled the tank, the hole vented the air out filling it. Once that was done. I took a propane torch and put down valve opening. Nothing, put it down a bit more. Nothing. Cut the rest of the valve threads off and punched the frozen threads out.

I left it filled with water. I wanted to expand the hole to fit a 3/4 pipe union. C%$#, I don't have the hole saw that big. I used a 4-1/2 angle grinder with cut off wheel to do it. It was not pretty, but it worked. Fitted the pipe union in and welded it in. I left the valve hole open, if there was a flare-up. I welded in the union. Nothing but some bubbling water under the union. Dumped the tank, cut the footer off, ground the welds down, and welded in another pipe union. I offset the union 180 degrees for venting. If I redid this I would use a 1" pipe union so you could stick the garden hose for filling the tank.

Next trick, finding center for axles and getting pillow block bearings.

BTW guys I have another tank 1/3th full. I have been trying to burn the rest of the propane off with my heater last winter. It is not the heater, but it seems the tank is freezing up when using it. Could there is water in it for being left outside for ?? years???

Thanks again,
Dan

 

[wushaw]

A propane tank will sweat and get frost on the tank if it's outside and you got the heater turned up pretty good. The valve may freeze up in this condition.

Try bringing it inside and turn the heater on low.

 

[Egon]

Now for something different.......

Jules Verne has been revisited???

 

[4shorts]

Ahh, pull the bung, fill it with water and build a fire under it. When the water boils drain the sucker and start work!

Your not far off the mark. I made a sand blaster out of a propain tank. I removed the valve, put a water hose in and let it run out for a few hours, drained it. Got the cutting disc out and went to work. Never had an issue. Here's the article.


Flickr Photo Download: sandblasting