|
Bus Driver
09-25-2003 16:21:26
|
|
Re: Preventing rust inside an LPG tank in reply to Darren in TN, 09-25-2003 12:46:41
|
|
|
How coincidental that this question should come up now. About 30 years ago, I was given a junked (twice) 100# propane bottle. The boss for the valve had been mutilated with a torch- probably by the gas company. The tank was then set up beside the road and advertised the refilling services at a large mobile home park. Open to the weather when used a sign. I welded a new fitting in the end, welded a few pinholes rusted through on the bottom from sitting on the ground. Doubting the integrity of the tank, it was stood upright, filled completely with water, then fitted with a high pressure gauge and a grease fitting. Raised the pessure with a grease gun. One of the fittings cracked at 4210 PSI. I deemed the tank OK. Mounted old belt driven refrigeration compressor and 1/2HP motor, pressure switch, safety popoff, 2 quick connects. Good unit, tank is about 30 gallons. Too heavy to be called portable, slow to build pressure- but affordable and very useful. Then got big compressor for the shop. About 5 years ago, startd to use the homemade rig and the tank was leaking at the bottom (originally the side_- hole in tank. Bought another propane bottle as a replacement- but never changed to it. This week, desperately and quickly needed it at another location, so removed the compressor, turned the thing over- the hole was just a pinhole- solid metal around the hole- carefully verified. Ground off the area clean, welded up with MIG. Quick tested to 175 with big compressor. Now back in service at 125 PSI. I am convinced that it is safe. So a clean propane bottle will last a long time. If in doubt, pour in about a quart of Rustoleum, put a plug in the hole, rotate it for a while- and also every day for a while. After about a week, pour out the paint that is still liquid. Leave the plug out for a few days.
One more thing, I did put a drain petcock in the bottom- actually the side- before testing the first time.
|
|
|
