Propane tank

[Copperdog]

I am involved with a community project where a large volume of air pressure is required to blow an old time steam whistle.
We are estimating we will require around 100 reserve gallons of air to make it blow.
One of the "expirts" on the committee believes he can obtain a 200 gallon propane tank for this purpose. I questioned my ability and courage to weld a bung into this large enough to provide the required air supply. I am thinking
2" or so.
Anybody have any experience welding on used propane tanks, I am not sure I want to do it or allow anybody else to get hurt doing such a job.

[weld_13]

Here is a thread that discusses stuff to do when cutting one http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/...g+propane+tank

[SundownIII]

Copperdog,

Not trying to be a smartazz but:

If you have to ask the question, DON'T DO IT.

This definitely requires more research on your part. There are procedures for flushing the tank and purging it prior to welding but, even with detectors, it's not a job for someone who's not trained in the procedures.

[Leons2003]

That level guage coupl. is close to that size, isn't it.
We use these tanks for making BBQ pits all the time. Best bet is remove all the conns. fill w/water for several days drain, you will smell the odorizer but not a problem, cut and weld.
L*S

[SundownIII]

Leon,

Original poster clearly stated that the tank would remain a "pressure vessel".

Welding on a pressure vessel is not something for the hobby welder. Requires pressure certs., which I feel if he had, he would not have posed the question in the first place.

Just my gut feelings.

PS By the way, nice looking cooker.

You've got more nerve than I do. Seen and heard of too many stories where guys were trying to weld on fuel tanks. Filled them with water for several days, dumped them, and began to weld. Enough fumes had permeated the metal to create an explosive environment. If I was going to be welding on a propane tank, I'd do what you said. But, and a big but, that sucker would be purged with nitrogen to the gills before I started.

[MMW]

I wouldn't do it. In the event of a malfunction down the road (explosion with death or injury) ANYONE who had anything to do with building it will be held liable. Whos insurance will cover you? Let a certified professional welder or shop do it. Remember welding on a propane tank can be dangerous but creating a pressure vessel is also.

[ronnielyons]

Pressure vessels

I think you're getting into a very dangerous project here. I've learned over the years that pressure vessels are not to be toyed with, and relatively low pressures like your talking about can still take a life in the event the tank ruptures and a piece of shrapnel takes someone out.

If you guys do this, please consider buying a used or new 80-100 gallon air compressor tank and tapping into the existing bung. It'll be pressure certified and if it does rupture, you've got something to go back on, i.e.it wasn't a project built by a hobbyist that isn't certified to do that kind of work. It's not work losing everything you've ever worked for.

[Wheelchair]

DON"T DO It

I wish my old buddy Jim Crewes was here to tell you not to do it,unfortunately Jim passed away about 10 years ago while welding on a propane tank that he filled with water . I don't know how long he had left the water in and we will never know. Please listen to the guys that have told you to do more research.

Thank you
Wheelchair

[wireburner]

Yeah wat wheelchair and ever one else said Don`t do it

[ronnielyons]

Propane tank

Hand an idea in the shower. Cruise on over to trainhorns.net and throw your question up on their board. These guys do all kinds of stuff with air and steam powered whistles, maybe they can give you some helpful advice.

[Fat-Fab.com]

My understanding of train whistles is that they require steam to sound authentic.




Until you get proper training Don't do it


TJ

[wireburner]

My understanding of train whistles is that they require steam to sound authentic.




Until you get proper training Don't do it


TJ

wat he said

[Copperdog]

About what I thought!

Thanks for the advise.
I was fairly sure I was not going to weld it before i asked, you guys sorta of affirmed my thoughts.

I appreciate having the ability to ask a question like this and receive direct answers. Local practical experience is getting more hard to find all the time.

[FusionKing]

Local practical experience is getting more hard to find all the time.

Yeh it's pretty bad when I am the only guy around that people ask those sort of questions to and I ain't got a clue.

SundownIII put it best

[dabar39]

listen to the other guys

If it's not already dangerous enough for a novice to deal with an explosion risk from the propane, it doubles the jeopardy now that it is a pressure vessel. As the others suggested, DON'T DO IT. Now that's my personal opinion, but I'm sure there would be some pretty colors when it goes off. Dave