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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Fuel oil Tanks

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Jim-IL

05-04-2004 05:10:34




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I have two empty fuel oil tanks in my basement that I want to get rid of. Is there any problem with fire or explosion if I cut them up with a Sawzall or an angle grinder? (One has about 1/2" of oil in it yet.) I thought that would make them easier to get out of the basement.




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ScottT

05-05-2004 10:13:04




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
I would NOT fill it with water. What are you going to do with 275 gallons of petroleum contaminated water? This should not be disposed of in a sewer and it can adversely impact groundwater if you dump it.

After removing all the fuel oil, a sawzall is a good choice, the flashpoint of fuel oil is quite high, it will take more than a spark to ignite it.
If you decide to use dry ice, make sure you have some ventilation in the basement to dissipate the escaping CO2.

Scott

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remove..John,PA

05-04-2004 21:13:03




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
Did you convert to another heating source. I believe that I would remove the tanks whole. Might have some resale value. Trick: find some place to attach a pulley that will be "inline with the basement steps." use a rope to pull the tanks up the stair steps, even by yourself. I have done this many times. John,PA



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Johnski

05-04-2004 15:22:43




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
It takes fuel and air to support combustion so I would take out one of the plugs on the top and put in a bunch of dry ice. Wait a while until the vapor fills the tank and then use a sawzall to cut it up. There will always be some sludge/fuel at the bottom so have some empty buckets and some oil-dry.BTDT ;>)



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paul

05-04-2004 11:32:58




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
There are ways to do it, but they are not 100% safe. Sure would be a lot better to take it out whole. I guess I'd toy with the idea of cutting it up outside - diesel is not so horribly explosive, but it sure is flamible & you will have fumes from it & some form of heat/sparks in an enclosed basement - yikes!

You notice from the replies, you are mixing a fuel, water, electricity, & sparks or heat. In a basement. There is a good chance for something to go wrong, maybe only electrocuding yourself with the angle grinder & water, but something more serious could easily go wrong....

--->Paul

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Chip

05-04-2004 10:40:05




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
Sometimes they just won't fit,dang it. Remodeled or put in then built house.Been using a sawzall forever,no problem. But then again you didn't hear it from me.



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ME

05-04-2004 09:39:32




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
Idiots! Just fill it with water and use the torch. I weld fuel tanks all the time full of water.



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rustyfarmall

05-04-2004 06:56:20




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
There is absolutely no way I would attempt to cut them with anything that could make a spark, unless you want to lose your house. Actually, those tanks are not all that heavy, my son and I removed one from my basement, had one flight of stairs to go up. It's not easy, but it can be done. The best way to remove the old fuel is to lower the end with the spigot, or raise the other end of the tank, there could easily be as much as 5 gallons or more, even in the tank you think is empty.

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VADAVE

05-04-2004 06:23:42




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
It's better if you can take them out without cutting BUT. First you have to get the oil out; I suggest you fill it with water. The oil will float to the top and you can pull it off. Then with it still full of water cut with the sawzall. The water is to keep the fumes down. Of course the water will start coming out so you will have to keep it cool (flooded with water) and be very mindful of the fumes.
See why I said better to take out complete.

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Coloken

05-04-2004 06:00:54




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
Don't even think about it with any thing that could make a spark. And I can't think of any thing that might not.



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Van in AR

05-04-2004 05:27:36




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 Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Jim-IL, 05-04-2004 05:10:34  
Jim, Just make sure that your life insurance and house insurance are all paid up before you start.



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teamjunkyard

05-09-2004 15:33:03




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 Re: Re: Fuel oil Tanks in reply to Van in AR, 05-04-2004 05:27:36  
I have cut one with a torch,, and I am still here.



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