cutting a fuel tank

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Hey everybody..... Well, me and a friend have been hauling in anything that's metal, not too important, and not bolted down that we can get to the local scrap yard over the last few weeks, and splitting the profits. We found an old inground fuel tank of some sort that we can have, but the scrapyard will only take it if its cut in half. The walls on it look like they might be an inch thick, and it held 500 gallons. No one knows when the last time it was holding fuel was, or what kind of fuel it held. So now, I'm wondering how we should cut it. We have his diesal tractor, and my chevy to work with if we have to fill it with exhaust and cut it. I have a sawzall angle grinder torch and circular saw to choose from.Cost is sort of an issue, but safety is first no matter what. So, I guess I'm just looking for advice here. How would you guys cut this thing??[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:For the small amount of money you'll get scrapping it, and that money split in half, minus the costs, plus all the effort of getting it out of the ground, and then the safety factor, I would leave it where it is and move on to something else.  Wouldn't be worth it to me to mess with it.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I agree. Move on. Not worth it. One accident and it's game over.
Reply:i fully agree, the exhaust route cant smother a good fuel fire
Reply:If possible fill it almost full of water then cut with torch on top. Cut out a hole about 2 ft sq. then it cant blow anymore. The exhaust trick will work too. Then take torch out past it, light it, then drag back past the opening. If it dont do anything then its fine. I would smell of it, if it dont smell anymore then theres a good chance it is safe. Just use good judgment. You will find lots of this stuff in your new found business. good cutting.
Reply:I am going to have to disagree.
Reply:Originally Posted by LanseThe walls on it look like they might be an inch thick, and it held 500 gallons.
Reply:Many years ago the rage was to change out the underground fuel takes at gas stations around here with new ones.  One winter a contractor I was working for from time to time called and wanted me to do some work for them if I had time, I said sure.When I got there he had this real big old rusty gasoline tank taken up from one of those gas stations he had got for $1 and wanted me to build an oil field style water tank out of it.I built the pipe skid and we placed the tank onto it with this loader.  I then started my rig and ran a hose up and into that big tank letting it fill up with exhaust fumes.  While waiting I proceeded to wire brushed all the places I planned on cutting holes and also where I planned on welding to this tank.  All this while I had him and a few of his loyal employees right there in my way all talking and asking questions about what I was doing and whats this and that for.When my marking and cleaning was done I walked over to my rig and got my cutting torch and goggles, and lit the torch.  I walked back over to the tank and noticed there were now - no one there but me.  Standing by the tank with torch in hand I turned around looking for my long last friends and boss and I found them - peeking around from behind the cinder block garage corner.  Naturally I yelled and waved for them to come on back here and keep me company, but they all gladly refused.  Laughing I turned and started cutting and welding on that gas tank for the next several hours.----------------------I say don't do it.  Yes It can be done because I've done it before, but it ain't safe.  I used exhaust because its the easiest, but also I've heard its the safest.  But that was only from other welders over the years.Later guys
Reply:I know of a guy that decided to make a forge out of an old propane tank. He filled it with water and emptied it then lit the torch, as soon as he cut though the tank blew up and next he knew he woke up having spent 6 hours in surgery removing shrapnel.
Reply:Take it to a huge field, fill it with water, than find someone like a Navy Seal with the knowledge and enough C-4 to 'pop' the seams all apart, or maybe just knock the ends off.No Seals there? What about just running it over with a Cat D-11? Maybe even a little D-9 would do.BTW, has anyone here ever seen a D-12? I'm sure I once did, and I also knew another person who said he had, but have only found one 'good' reference to one online.
Reply:Originally Posted by Oldiron2No Seals there? What about just running it over with a Cat D-11? Maybe even a little D-9 would do.
Reply:Originally Posted by yorzaxtI know of a guy that decided to make a forge out of an old propane tank. He filled it with water and emptied it then lit the torch, as soon as he cut though the tank blew up and next he knew he woke up having spent 6 hours in surgery removing shrapnel.
Reply:Originally Posted by Oldiron2Take it to a huge field, fill it with water, than find someone like a Navy Seal with the knowledge and enough C-4 to 'pop' the seams all apart, or maybe just knock the ends off.No Seals there? What about just running it over with a Cat D-11? Maybe even a little D-9 would do.BTW, has anyone here ever seen a D-12? I'm sure I once did, and I also knew another person who said he had, but have only found one 'good' reference to one online.
Reply:I am sure the tank he is talking about is an old butane tank. They were always buried because of their need to be kept cool, so as to keep down the pressure. They would have a wall thickness of about 3/8ths of an inch. That amounts to quite a load in the scrap pile. I would use the exhaust, fill it with water, purge it with propane, but only if you understand that all you need to get out is the oxygen. Find a way.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manD12? Never heard of one. But before I die, I want to run an 11 and see "what its got"!
Reply:Take it to a lake and do some under water cutting. Just need a snorkel.Where have all the good times gone?
Reply:Originally Posted by BrianM07Take it to a lake and do some under water cutting. Just need a snorkel.
Reply:5000 Gallons maybe?
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWNot that I expect he would, but it's a bit more complex than that... Honestly that can as dangerous as cutting the tank above ground. Underwater cutting usually produces explosive gasses, and if they build up in a pocket they can explode. I saw the faceplate on a commercial helmet shattered by one gas build up between two plates. Luckily the diver stayed concious and was able to increase his gas flow to the helmet and go face down and didn't drown.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manD12? Never heard of one. But before I die, I want to run an 11 and see "what its got"!
Reply:The first thing I'd recommend here is:DO NOT LISTEN TO ANY OF THE ADVICE GIVEN.  LEAVE THE DANG TANK ALONE.[/SIZE]Reading your other post regarding your Victor gauge, you obviously are new to welding/cutting.Cutting a "fuel tank" takes knowledge/experience you do not possess.  While you may get some good advice here, you may also get some advice that will get you killed.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:be sure to give your next of kin a link to this thread and your password to the site and have them report back when this "doesn't go so well"Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIThe first thing I'd recommend here is:DO NOT LISTEN TO ANY OF THE ADVICE GIVEN.  LEAVE THE DANG TANK ALONE.[/SIZE]Reading your other post regarding your Victor gauge, you obviously are new to welding/cutting.Cutting a "fuel tank" takes knowledge/experience you do not possess.  While you may get some good advice here, you may also get some advice that will get you killed.
Reply:Hey guys, Alright, so I never got to cutting this thing up, but Ive got some free time this weekend and Im thinking of going for it. What about getting a pack of sawzall blades, and using some oil? Itll be slower than a torch, but wayyyy safer  I think. The oil would keep the blade and the steel cool, and help it cut faster. I dont know how thick this thing is, but if you say its like 1/8", then it probably is.[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:now here is a thought, guys weld all the time on aluminum tanker trucks and they weld inside of the tank when a leak is discovered, what part or the req is, is that it has to have the vapor released to atmosphere for 24 hours before the work can begin.  I know this as I was a shop manager for a tanker outfit that had to have this done often, but proceed with caution as always.Originally Posted by LanseHey guys, Alright, so I never got to cutting this thing up, but Ive got some free time this weekend and Im thinking of going for it. What about getting a pack of sawzall blades, and using some oil? Itll be slower than a torch, but wayyyy safer  I think. The oil would keep the blade and the steel cool, and help it cut faster. I dont know how thick this thing is, but if you say its like 1/8", then it probably is.
Reply:Originally Posted by LanseHey guys, Alright, so I never got to cutting this thing up, but Ive got some free time this weekend and Im thinking of going for it. What about getting a pack of sawzall blades, and using some oil? Itll be slower than a torch, but wayyyy safer  I think. The oil would keep the blade and the steel cool, and help it cut faster. I dont know how thick this thing is, but if you say its like 1/8", then it probably is.
Reply:Originally Posted by LanseHey guys, Alright, so I never got to cutting this thing up, but Ive got some free time this weekend and Im thinking of going for it. What about getting a pack of sawzall blades, and using some oil? Itll be slower than a torch, but wayyyy safer  I think. The oil would keep the blade and the steel cool, and help it cut faster. I dont know how thick this thing is, but if you say its like 1/8", then it probably is.
Reply:I knew I had read it some where as I am a prolific reader, not boasting just the fact.  In (Welding Essentials) By William Galvery and Frank Marlow ISBN 978-0-8311-3301-6 copy right 2007, on Page 71 along with a figure 2-30 is a short section on cutting tanks as being talked about.  The book also has other sections of interest that deal with the how to's of truck frame repairs and other items as well.  Some might say the guy is full of poo but it mention ways to do the cutting that have been mentioned on this site as well as others.  For example to do the cut safely, would be to fill the tank with argon, or water as was mentioned.O.K. I will shut up now.Thanks
Reply:I am a certified Underground Storage Tank installer in Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina. Use a shop vac and remove the fumes for about 30 minutes. Than cut with a 14tpi sawall blade and oil. If it is a heating oil tank, it is a nonregulated tank. Heating oil tanks have been cut with out removing the fumes. The metal in a gas tank absorbs the gas and could explode years later. If you have a gas indicator and know how to test for the lower explosive limit, test first and after us use the shop vac to remove the fumes. Or remove the fumes with the exhaust from your truck as slowhand suggested. Dry ice works, but expensive. If it was me, I would cut a 2 foot by 2 foot in each end so that it is not a confined space and clean it out with oil soak you can buy at Auto Zone. I have cut 10,000 gallon gas tank into 5 foot by 2 foot pices (prepared steel equals almost $4000 dollars) I cannot believe some of these guys are welders. There is nothing unsafe, if you know how to prepare a safe work space. When I was young and pretty, I jumped out of perfectly good airplanes for the US Army. We had rules that if you violated them you died. Now I am 68 and still work construction and weld on Steel Underground Storage Tanks. Grab your balls, pull up and go to work.
Reply:Second post. Use your nose. Does it smell like gas or diesel fuel. If gas be more careful.
Reply:Damn (68) that means you were (in country) in the 60's did you get the wings?  How many jumps did you have, my father in law jumper in Korea,  I was a combat enginer late in the conflict so didnt make it (in country) sort of a bummer, well back to welding.
Reply:I have cut many smaller heating oil tanks even after years they still flame pretty good. Will burn hot enough to burn all the paint off and you have to stop cutting to let em cool off. I know off a guy that just about blew up his shop some one brought in a 300 gal home heating oil tank to modify but while working on something else sparks ignited fumes and bang. 300 gal tank probably held bout 350 after pushed ends out 8 inchs or more turns out owner had forgot to say he used it for a gas barrel for a while.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Originally Posted by Cat220I am a certified Underground Storage Tank installer in Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina. Use a shop vac and remove the fumes for about 30 minutes. Than cut with a 14tpi sawall blade and oil. If it is a heating oil tank, it is a nonregulated tank. Heating oil tanks have been cut with out removing the fumes. The metal in a gas tank absorbs the gas and could explode years later. If you have a gas indicator and know how to test for the lower explosive limit, test first and after us use the shop vac to remove the fumes. Or remove the fumes with the exhaust from your truck as slowhand suggested. Dry ice works, but expensive. If it was me, I would cut a 2 foot by 2 foot in each end so that it is not a confined space and clean it out with oil soak you can buy at Auto Zone. I have cut 10,000 gallon gas tank into 5 foot by 2 foot pices (prepared steel equals almost $4000 dollars) I cannot believe some of these guys are welders. There is nothing unsafe, if you know how to prepare a safe work space. When I was young and pretty, I jumped out of perfectly good airplanes for the US Army.We had rules that if you violated them you died.   Now I am 68 and still work construction and weld on Steel Underground Storage Tanks. Grab your balls, pull up and go to work.
Reply:Got the wings and was a jump master. Don't need the t-shirt. One of the great experiences is when you look a jumper in the eyes; give the hand signal and say " Stand in the Door." Do not regret any of my military experience. Wish I was young enough to get in this fight. Went to the 82nd Airborne Association meeting last year, here in Indianapolis and talked to recent combat guys, all is well. They are more proficient with a lot better training  and experience. Always felt welders should have the airborne attitude: That, they can fix anything, but a broken heart or handle any situation. I can tell real quick if a guy is safe. If he is not safe, he no longer works with/for me. Why, I love the Site Health and Safety Plan required by OSHA. It makes you look at the safety hazzards and find a safe solution. I should talk. Cut my finger sharping my axe.
Reply:In your OP you stated the walls were 1" thick, if it's anywhere near this then it's way out of the sawzall range.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmshopI have cut many smaller heating oil tanks even after years they still flame pretty good. Will burn hot enough to burn all the paint off and you have to stop cutting to let em cool off. I know off a guy that just about blew up his shop some one brought in a 300 gal home heating oil tank to modify but while working on something else sparks ignited fumes and bang. 300 gal tank probably held bout 350 after pushed ends out 8 inchs or more turns out owner had forgot to say he used it for a gas barrel for a while.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIThe first thing I'd recommend here is:DO NOT LISTEN TO ANY OF THE ADVICE GIVEN.  LEAVE THE DANG TANK ALONE.[/SIZE]Reading your other post regarding your Victor gauge, you obviously are new to welding/cutting.Cutting a "fuel tank" takes knowledge/experience you do not possess.  While you may get some good advice here, you may also get some advice that will get you killed.
Reply:umm  there is a book that has everything you wanted to know about cutting tanks its called the TC 9-237 U.S.Army welders bible these a hole section on how to clean and prep the tank to work on it.WELD TO LIVE LIVE TO RIDEA bad welder blames his equipment, a good weldor can lay a perfect bead on any thing
Reply:Which chapter in TC 9-237 has the tank cutting information? I wounder if the copy I downloaded has all the pdf files or is up to date? What date is your TC 9-237, USArmy44B?
Reply:Another story if you will.  lolYears ago at work one day the boss told me to cut loose the pipes coming from the top of this big drip tank.  They had only removed enough dirt to expose the top 1/3 of the tank and the connecting lines had to be removed so they could finish digging it out to remove it.  We were down in this long sag (the lowest point around for aways) and I knew there would be all manner of bad things in this tank.  Residual natural gas,  compressor oil, drip gasoline, PCBs, who knows.... It was more than likely bad in there and I knew it.  I looked at the boss, nodded my head, and politely said, "sure thing man".This time there was me, my helper, our boss, his son (another welder), his helper, and a couple operators and laborers at the top of the hole.  My helper though he was going to go down in there and assist me but I did a wave off on him so he knew to keep back.  It wasn't safe in there.Looking down in the hole I could see the laborers had left a shovel down there so with my cutting torch in hand I went in.They wanted the pipes cut very close to the tank and again farther away and those places were cleaned and ready for me to burn.  The first thing I did was pick up some rocks and dirt clods and built this pyramid looking thing kinda close to my first cut position.  All the watchers on from above didn't have a clue what I was doing, but I did.  I HAD A PLAN.Next I took several steps backwards (got as far from this thing as I could just in case it was seeping) and lit my torch and got her really fired up man.  I then gave here just a touch more air than I should have for good measure.  Grabbing that shovel I slid my torch over the end, held it fully out away from me and quickly walked over and laid the torch across my dirt and rock pyramid and slid out the shovel - - - - its flame looked to me like it was close-enough - - - so I RAN LIKE HELL >>>>>When I hit the top of the hole (running like hell) and ran past all those spectators you should of seen the look and the surprise on their faces.  Me running like hell right past them scared the heck out of all those guys and here they all come on my heels.  Running like hell too.  The fuse was lit.....At some distance behind me there was this very loud and very huge explosion!!!!!!  I took enough time to glance back over my shoulder (still running like hell)  and there was this nice fire ball with lots of dirt and rocks going way way way up in the air.  It was really something man.It went off with a KA-BOOM!!!!!! - - - just like I figured it would. A few minutes later my boss had many strangers around him asking some very serious questions about what had just happened there.  I didn't care.  He wanted it cut open, so I cut it open.  Now it was his problem.BTW:  We later learned that one of those lines was leaking gas though a faulty valve, so this thing WAS HOT.  A drill and a sniffer would of saved him some explaining, but it wouldn't of been near the fun.Later guysLast edited by slowhand; 05-15-2011 at 08:51 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by WelderskelterIf possible fill it almost full of water then cut with torch on top. Cut out a hole about 2 ft sq. then it cant blow anymore. The exhaust trick will work too. Then take torch out past it, light it, then drag back past the opening. If it dont do anything then its fine. I would smell of it, if it dont smell anymore then theres a good chance it is safe. Just use good judgment. You will find lots of this stuff in your new found business. good cutting.
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11Iv'e never seen a D-12 or heard of one and have run equipment all my liferun everthing from a D-3 to the D-11RKamatsu makes a 975 which is the biggest i know of and have seenI love the D11R but i am a power junkie  There is nothing like over a thousand HP at your finger tips
Reply:Its done. We hauled it in today, after cutting it up yesterday. We each made $42 off it. And survived. Score!! Pics and a video to come [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manWhy did he empty the water? If I was to do this it would be filled with water during the first cuts. I don't think it could go boom when it's filled with water.
Reply:Lanse,Where is the video? what technique did you end up using?I'll be doing two 55 gallon drums for a bbq/smoker early next year. Plan is to empty. clean with dish soap twice. preasure wash. rinse twice, fill with water then use an Air nibbler to do the actual cutting. Probably a couple extra steps in there, but I'd rather be safe and see my kid turn 3 than not.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:This guy is full of it, if he doesn't produce any vid of the job.
Reply:Originally Posted by DanthemanThis guy is full of it, if he doesn't produce any vid of the job.
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorsHammerLanse,Where is the video? what technique did you end up using?
Reply:Awesome, you got lucky there bud that this tank didn't have much fuel vapour in there. As you didn't have the exhaust hose hooked up the whole time in. Diesel fuel is really hard to flash on fire until you reach the flashpoint of the fuel. Which is easy to reach if you dont have inert gas in the tank to remove all the oxygen out of it and keep it out of it for the duration of the cut.To reach the flashpoint of diesel fuel you need the 3 element , HEAT-OXYGENE-FUEL without these 3 it cannot explode. By using the saw you were using you removed heat, but sometime the friction of the saw blade cutting, it is enough the create enough heat to combine the 3 element and explode.Next time do you self a fever and keed the exhaut going inside the tank, you could have use the exhaust of the truck, which coming out at the end of the exhaust pipe would have been way less hot then right at the end of your tractor.It would be a lot safer for you this way.PS: please for your safety dont try this with a GAS tank the way you did this one, I'm serious, you will set yourself for faillure, you and the people close to your project.Check this out:  This could be you right after laughing at  people for thinking you should be more carefull in what you do.This happen after trying to take all the precaution, but they overlooked and item.