Used Diesel tank

[whitetailfreak]

I have a 12,000 gal used diesel fuel tank that i need a new bottom welded on has about 3 gallons of fuel in it what is the easiest and safest way to weld this and not kill myself??????

 

[simon718]

first of all, welcome

second, drain all the fuel out of it!

third, do a forum search, this has been covered in depth previously

 

[3Rs]

As Simon has already said drain the tank.

You will need to put in an extraction unit.
To suck out flammable gas/fumes.

Do not use any naked flames Such as burning torches or welding equipment.
You would be all right with a nine inch grinder. (I know i have done it my self)

 

[rtbcomp]

I've moved this thread because it's more to do with techniques than forum feedback & suggestions &c

 

[wyn]

As 3Rs said a 9" grinder goes through them pretty well.

I've cut up some large diesel tanks with one.

But be carefull, the residue in the tank does catch fire Of the 4 i have chopped up at least 2 have caught fire.

Once the disc has cut into the tank, cut with the side of the blade and in a direction that fires the sparks outwards and not into the tank.

 

[madkayaker]

have a big dry powder near by just in case

 

[Archie]

Or make sure you've got plenty of space and let it burn! You won't need to worry about it catching light again once it goes out!

 

[madkayaker]

like the thinking!

 

[wyn]

Or make sure you've got plenty of space and let it burn! You won't need to worry about it catching light again one it goes out!

That's the best way Archie.

I was sent to cut one up while in work a good few years ago, before employers got a bit more into H&S. It was in a small room under a house and looked like the house had been built round it, couldn't drag it outside. Of course it caught fire with black smoke pouring out of the room, luckily a fire extinguisher sorted it.

 

[Archie]

I've got two at home I need to cut up so I can get rid of them. They're so old and rusty they've become porous so anything you put in them slowly seeps out! Quite looking forward to a bit of a bonfire really!

 

[Robotstar5]

have a big dry powder near by just in case

9 ltr Foam would be more appropriate.