Aluminum tank modification

admin

Well this weeks dead line job is getting this tank modified and out of here. Who ever built it didn't have any idea how to baffle a tank or pipe it for that matter.  It's used to transport avgas for a helicopter and will be run down the road half full a lot. Needed a lot more baffle than they had in it. They also piped the fuel pump straight the hose reel with solid pipe and no flex coupling at all. I'll be showing my fix for that later but here's what we started with after cutting the top off. As you can see they didn't even clean the tank after building it. Foot prints, soot at the welds, etc.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Here's where we are today. And for those who think you don't need a radiator on a cooler here's some proof that it might be needed. Temp of coolant in tank. This is just the temp of the return water taken by just contact with the quick coupling. I know the water has to be hotter than that. The 280 has been getting a workout today. Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:How many gallons does that hold? It looks pretty good size. Is is larger than 300 gallons? \My first thought was... it look like a giant ice cube tray. I be you could have used a few ice cubes today.
Reply:Is this an unused new tank you are working on? At least that's what I figure since you mentioned the foot prints and weld soot left behind.
Reply:Originally Posted by forhireHow many gallons does that hold? It looks pretty good size. Is is larger than 300 gallons? \My first thought was... it look like a giant ice cube tray. I be you could have used a few ice cubes today.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120Whoever built that knowing it was to be used for avgas, needs their collective arses kicked.
Reply:Thanks. It's not over yet.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Wayne,What is the tank wall thickness?  What alloy are you using for the mods?  What kind of filler are you using? Regards
Reply:You get all the fun jobs......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Wayne, I like your cooler fill plug, looks like it's a one-of-a-kind.  Nice work as always from you.   Bob
Reply:Originally Posted by AMillerUserWayne,What is the tank wall thickness?  What alloy are you using for the mods?  What kind of filler are you using? Regards
Reply:Todays progress. Clamping the warped top down while welding reinforcement collars around the bung holes. I'm hoping to get rid of some of the warp or at least not add to it.  All baffles are in place and the tank has been scrubbed.  An example of the kind of welds I found on the tank.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Wayne I like the way you added the baffles.  I figured. About 957.5 gallons less the displacement of the baffles less the thickness  of the walls if the dimension you gave Is o d on everything.  Great job
Reply:very nice work. i like the way you clamped down the top to reduce warpage.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Thanks guys. The baffles have warped more than I like but not much can be done about it.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Looking good
Reply:Wow thats a lot of weight in avgas.  I fugure around 5,760lbsCarlohttp://public.fotki.com/Naudi2U/
Reply:Originally Posted by Murphy's lawLooking good
Reply:Tops on. Still have to test it than mount and pipe it.  Sorry not close ups of the welds. I'm to ashamed of them. Attached ImagesMillermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Looks interesting never built a a gas tank befor ? Though when I do the boat tanks we plug weld the tank lid to the baffles to prevent the baffles from cracking the sides of the tanks
Reply:I seriously considered doing some plug welds. But with the thickness of the baffles and the short span they're going over I think they'll be ok. I'm running out of time to get this out of the shop as it is.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Nice Work Irish and a good save for the customer I can't believe that big of tank was originally built without baffles! I've built a few much smaller ones and learned the hard way.Good to see your new Dynasty is up to some good hard work at an honest paying job, mine is destined to just be a hobby brat by comparison although I will certainly be abusing it in other ways If you get many more paying jobs like this one I would highly recommend getting a big sister to your 280 like this. Hard to rationally justify and very specialized but boy is she sweet on aluminum!  If nothing else, think of how nice the 16 pound filler rods lengths would be
Reply:Originally Posted by weedenbNice Work Irish and a good save for the customer I can't believe that big of tank was originally built without baffles! I've built a few much smaller ones and learned the hard way.Good to see your new Dynasty is up to some good hard work at an honest paying job, mine is destined to just be a hobby brat by comparison although I will certainly be abusing it in other ways If you get many more paying jobs like this one I would highly recommend getting a big sister to your 280 like this. Hard to rationally justify and very specialized but boy is she sweet on aluminum!  If nothing else, think of how nice the 16 pound filler rods lengths would be