Cutting up old kerosene oil tanks

[Mike2007]

I have two kero tanks in a basement that have to go, how does everyone handle removing old tanks?
Obviously kerosene is flammable, but not very flammable, with a grinder producing sparks.
Thanks in advance

 

[Jackrae]

Don't you believe it. Once the kero starts to vaporise from the heat of the cutting disk it's as explosive as any other hydrocarbon. All aircraft jet engines use kero as fuel.

 

[Mike2007]

Don't you believe it. Once the kero starts to vaporise from the heat of the cutting disk it's as explosive as any other hydrocarbon. All aircraft jet engines use kero as fuel.

I was going to drain it dry as possible and possibly fill it with CO2 at intervals.

 

[Tigercubrider]

CO2 is heavier than air and can sink to the floor of a cellar suffocating anyone working in there

If using dry ice in theatre there are strict rules about orchestra pits and understage access

Thought about a reciprocating saw ?

 

[bernardgreen]

but not very flammable,

When the inner surfaces of the tank, wet with kerosene, are exposed to air there will be a large area of evaporation to produce vapour.

Kerosene vapour mixed with air creates a high risk of explosion.

Kerosene vapour being heavier than air can fill a basement and suffocate persons.

Safety advice available HERE

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

How did the tanks get in there, and more importantly, will they come out the same way they went in?

 

[KenGMac]

To be honest, this venture is not for a DIYer --- have a go?--- NO leave this to the Pros.

 

[oilboffin]

Take an electric saw after mopping out the liquid make sure plenty of ventilation and fire extinguishers.cut into small bits I've done loads.Bob

 

[JohnD]

it used to be the practice, before welding petrol tanks, to put a steam-hose down the filler pipe, and run it until the entire tank was filled with steam and it was escaping through every opening.

Full of steam --> no air --> no explosive mixture --> no flame inside or in the escaping fumes.

Small containers are sometimes filled with water for the same reason.

 

[Mike2007]

How did the tanks get in there, and more importantly, will they come out the same way they went in?

Access is terrible and I think things have been altered over the years.

 

[Mike2007]

it used to be the practice, before welding petrol tanks, to put a steam-hose down the filler pipe, and run it until the entire tank was filled with steam and it was escaping through every opening.

Full of steam --> no air --> no explosive mixture --> no flame inside or in the escaping fumes.

Small containers are sometimes filled with water for the same reason.

I like this idea, seems to make sense.

 

[Mike2007]

Take an electric saw after mopping out the liquid make sure plenty of ventilation and fire extinguishers.cut into small bits I've done loads.Bob

Yes a reciprocating saw is probably better on this occasion, I'm so used of pulling out the grinder.
Drill a decent hole the start the saw (after forcing steam into it)

 

[bernardgreen]

Ventilation. Extractor fans must be intrinsically safe and be a type designed for use with explosive vapours.

CO2 fire extinguishers can fill a basement with CO2 gas and suffocate the person(s) in the basement using the extinguisher

 

[Mike2007]

Ventilation. Extractor fans must be intrinsically safe and be a type designed for use with explosive vapours.

CO2 fire extinguishers can fill a basement with CO2 gas and suffocate the person(s) in the basement using the extinguisher

Thanks the advice I totally agree with what you are saying here.

 

[Jackrae]

and have a cr4p before you start - saves on the washing if things go wrong