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Cutting a propane tank.

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Howard Barlow

08-01-2002 21:40:31

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What are the proper procedures for cutting a propane tank with a torch? I know, bleed off the propane. :-)

I want to make a bbq pit out of a condemned tank. Will filling it with water be sufficient? TIA

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Howard Barlow

08-10-2002 10:52:31

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure there are safety concerns, that is why I asked. KABOOM!? Not if you pay attention. People make these all the time.
I just wondered if any here had.

At $20 for a 150 gallon tank, against $1500 for a commercial rig, I have the equipment, I have the time.

All are invited to the funeral or bbq, which ever comes first. :-)

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Dennis Benson

08-07-2002 19:21:27

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

Hello,

Have you asked a propane dealer? Maybe they can cut it for you.

Dennis

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Chris Brown

08-04-2002 08:00:45

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

Listen to bill b ,propane smells bad ,but it's supposed to,it doesn't absorb into the metal,and theres no special coating inside the tank.. Stick an air hose deep into the tank and let it blow for a half hour,thats all you need ,another way is to remove the valve and burn the whole tank on a brush pile ,this'll remove all the paint make it easy to cut. Just think it out first,if your'e worried about blowing up ,ignite it first so theres no question,two long wires off the tractor and a spark plug or a long line of gas and a match

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bill b va

08-02-2002 16:45:58

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

i can't believe all of the old wives tales i see posted here . steel doesn't asorbe propane .at least not enough to cause an explosion .knowledge and common sense and it can be done safely

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Sometimes Wrong But Never In Doubt

08-02-2002 09:12:11

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

Certianly some of those posting already know much more about welding than I do. That said, I have welded two propane tanks with no problem. If the gas diffuses into the metal, it will come back out. I think propane will not leak through steel-look at the fittings used for propane installations-not specially coated inside. Propane has an added odorant added as a detector-perhaps methyl mercaptan. If there is no smell, there is no propane. Pressure the tank about twice with air, release the air and when there is no odor, the tank is free of propane. Weld away. Worked for me.

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kjm

08-02-2002 07:50:13

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

There is a scrape yard here that sells new junk tanks , if they have a dent they can`t be sold for gas.I have one I use for used oil at the shop. F.I.M.inc Quincy IL 217-223-0354 I hope this helps someone out.

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thurlow

08-02-2002 07:40:28

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

This was discussed in detail a few months ago on one of these sites; should be able to find it in the archives. At the various barbecue festivals in West Tennessee, every other team (seemingly) has a cooker made from a propane tank. I've cut a bunch of 'em, but I wouldn't advise you or anyone else to do so.

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Dave

08-02-2002 07:33:42

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

Solid metal is not really. It's a crystal structure with a lot of open space on a molecular level. A light gas can diffuse into and through that structure. Propane is a fairly heavy molecule so it doesn't effectively 'leak'. Over time it will diffuse into the structure. This is one of the reasons hydrogen as a fuel is having a hard time. It will 'leak' out of a solid tank. It also attacks the grain boundaries in steel (hydrogen imbrittlement). Finding coatings that will stop it has been difficult.

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Bob Pruitt

08-02-2002 07:09:57

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

I can't believe you'd even consider it!!!!! !!

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mac

08-02-2002 07:00:27

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

If you are determined to have a Large BBq grill/pit. Best have it fabricated, that way you can enjoy it. I have seen what gas tank explosions can do. Nice picture from Shep, but I would imagine that it was fabricated from all new materials and talk about Big bucks. WOW!!!

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ShepFL

08-02-2002 05:33:04

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

Howard -
Good question as I have about 10 of these tanks and would like to do the same. Been looking on the net but not much info avail.

Fellas - Is there not a safe way to do this? I see these rigs on the road all the time going to the deer woods. Sure would like to have one or two myself.
ShepFL

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thurlow

08-02-2002 19:36:32

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Re: Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to ShepFL, 08-02-2002 05:33:04

Shep; they definitely can be safely cut open; but, as per T_Bone's post, wouldn't feel comfortable sharing that information here, given the different levels of skill and experience apparent from the posts on these various forums. I suggest you approach someone who has one of these "rigs" in your area. He'd probably give up a grandchild before he'd share his 'secret' sauce recipe, but I just about guarantee he'd share all the details of his cooker, ad infinitum.

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T_Bone

08-02-2002 08:00:12

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Re: Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to ShepFL, 08-02-2002 05:33:04

He must be heading to a Texas BB-Q!!!

A very nice looking unit Shep!

Howard,
Even it could be done safely would you want that info posted on a internet forum as it would so easy for someone NOT to follow all directions thus ending there cheap BB-Q idea permently.

T_Bone

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bbq

08-02-2002 02:34:29

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Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Howard Barlow, 08-01-2002 21:40:31

DO NOT.... i repeat DO NOT .... cut open a propane tank. the only thing you will barbeque is yourself. -----ABSOLUTLY DO NOT CUT A PROPANE TANK OPEN-----. it is a most dangerous practice. propane "soaks" into the metal of a tank and can NEVER be gotten out, therefore it will flash and/or explode when fire or spark is present.

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JohnnyB

08-02-2002 13:28:43

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Re: Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to bbq, 08-02-2002 02:34:29

How could the tank explode if it was full of water?

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Mark Kw

08-02-2002 06:31:00

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Re: Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to bbq, 08-02-2002 02:34:29

"bbq" is correct in saying the LP soaks into the steel of the tank. Personally, I don't have a scientific answer as to why or how but it does and will result in an explosion when the tank is heated.

ShepFL, looked at the pic you posted but I can't make out what it is, can you please explain or otherwise identify it. Thanks. Mark Kw

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ShepFL

08-04-2002 19:12:46

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Re: Re: Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Mark Kw, 08-02-2002 06:31:00

Mark KW -
The unit is an old 500 gal LP tank. The tank would no longer pass inspection. It belongs to a buddy of mine. He has his set up for both LP or wood fire. This was taken as they were heading to SC for deer hunting. I have about fifteen (15) 250 gal. tanks I want to convert to a similar cooking rig.

I have had the tops out for about 3 yrs., have periodically filled with water and dumped. Planning to fill with inert gas (argon/helium) and begin my efforts. Other questions or comments send me an email to the link I provided above.
ShepFL

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gy3020

08-02-2002 21:20:08

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Re: Re: Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to Mark Kw, 08-02-2002 06:31:00

Its a smoker dude, what has everyone been talking about making out of a propane tank here.

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michael

02-16-2003 11:13:18

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Cutting a propane tank. in reply to gy3020, 08-02-2002 21:20:08

I am planning to build a bbq out of a large empty propane tank..can anyone suggest where I might get plans for doing this
tks
mike

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