Not saying to do this way. But when I welded on a vw gas tank I filled with water and left it in. If you cutting it as soon as there is a decent hole it should not be a issue. When I worked in the refinery in vessels propane etc. they steamed them out and hot water.
Process to cutting an old propane tank
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Made air tires out of propane tank. Smell never went away. Got rid of it.
Never cut tank with out CO2 fill with gas using hose at bottom fill up with CO2 it will push any propane out. Then cut tank . Many life's have been lost cutting tanks the wrong way. You feal lucky ? You might get away with it ? I'm 70 years old and have cut too many tanks. This is the right way . Water I have had them pop ! I'm a EOD Army ret. There the best and safe way. your life don't end it. Propane will blow up even if it's 10 years old. Be safe and live old....
retired ironworker
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fill with soapy water till it is totally full and water is running over fill valve leave set 2 days then strike match near valve you may get a light puff out fill valve. be sure tank was level so no voids in tank to trap gasses. then start cutting or drain then cut. just the way i do it and still here and 80 years old.
retired ironworker
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another gov. 3 letter what is it?
Oliver 1555
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EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal. My grandson is one. Very rigorous program! His class started with 26 and graduated six.
retired ironworker
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Thank You
smalltowntex
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You could purge the tank with inert gas before you start your cutting. No pressure, just purge.
AKoz
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I washed one out with TSP then rinsed and cut no problems.
The second one I had laying horizontal and filled with CO2 from a fire extinguisher before cutting. I had to empty the extinguisher for another project anyways. Also no problem.
I wish I knew about propane being heavier than air. I would have done it differently with more confidence.
The second one I had laying horizontal and filled with CO2 from a fire extinguisher before cutting. I had to empty the extinguisher for another project anyways. Also no problem.
I wish I knew about propane being heavier than air. I would have done it differently with more confidence.
NeverEasy
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I spent 4 years in Australia at Harold E. Holt Naval Station. Most roads were gravel. Holes in radiators and gas tanks were common. On my off-time, I worked for the local Ford Dealer. His method was to park a running vehicle near the gas tank. Put a hose in the exhaust and into the tank to be gas welded. Let it sit for 10 minutes and weld away. I have done it many times there and in the US. Never had a problem. A little scary on the first approach with a torch!
Sandy hill
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I have done it before by filling it up with water. The first cut from the torch has a bit of reaction but from there on it went smoothly.
RJFCO
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No need to wash out. If it's full of water, no oxygen, it can't explode. Just keep full, (duct tape as you go) and you'll live.
ttouring
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I have welded diesel fuel tanks with fuel in them. I would run the exhaust pipe into the fuel tank for about 30 minutes while doing other work. Once you get all the oxygen out it's no problem.
kinsler33
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A skilled friend who ran a university machine shop refused to use a torch to cut a hole in a hot water heater tank that a faculty member brought in. He would simply not use a torch on _any_ tank.
No man sparks an flames ya know. Fill with water an cut with Saber Saw.
RetiredMike
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Best way is to hook up an exhaust pipe to the tank and fill the tank with carbon monoxide from your vehicle's exhaust.
MrCreosote
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If you want to be 110% explosion safe, use a Sawzall w/12" blade and cut while full of water.
Once you have it cut open, if you can still smell the skunking, I'd build a bonfire and roast the pieces - lots of heat should get rid of that oil. (or use one of those million BTU propane torches - they are cheap at Harbor Freight but get the one with the spark ignitor.)
Another thought: I clean out the rust from a gas tank by strapping it to my cement mixer and putting a bucket of p-gravel in it. Did a remarkable job. Strapping a long propane tank might be difficult if it doesn't fit in the mixer bucket.
Once you have it cut open, if you can still smell the skunking, I'd build a bonfire and roast the pieces - lots of heat should get rid of that oil. (or use one of those million BTU propane torches - they are cheap at Harbor Freight but get the one with the spark ignitor.)
Another thought: I clean out the rust from a gas tank by strapping it to my cement mixer and putting a bucket of p-gravel in it. Did a remarkable job. Strapping a long propane tank might be difficult if it doesn't fit in the mixer bucket.
JohnBYB
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Just remember to be careful. Safety Safety Safety Lets yo keep creating.
Crusader Fixer
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DO NOT monkey around with soap and water. I saw a vehicle gas tank get turned wrong side out with that "sure fire" method. Follow the previous posts and fill the tank with an inert gas. CO2 is probably least expensive of the purchased gasses. Make a friend in the heat and air business and borrow his explosive gases meter and check what's coming out as you purge. Continue to purge while cutting.
You only get to bugger this up ONCE.
there is mercaptan in the bottom, a stinky liquid that gives the odorless gas a stinky. be sure that, if there is any, that you don't dump it near where you hang out. It lasts a very long time...