I tried the water method once, on a 30 gallon tank from a '73 Chevy stepvan. I rinsed it out, then filled it to the neck with water. I didn't even get the flame to the tank when it jumped two feet in the air, spun around a few times and swelled up enough to uncurl some of the crimped seams. It had a seven inch crack when I took it out of the truck, but Neither my neighbor or I expected areas that were eight inches under water to uncurl. GM's supplier was on strike, and had been for months. The junkyards had been picked bare of every usable tank for repair jobs. I lucked out and called a yard and was told, You're in luck, we just hauled in a truck a few minutes ago. $50, if you remove it. I was shocked that they used a forklift to tip the truck over, but I had the tank I needed. :)
A friend in highschool (back in '69) had a leak in the tank of his '55 Fairlane. He drained it. left it sit overnight, then filled it with water and started welding it. Within seconds he was on his back, soaking wet with the tank across the driveway.
Clare Snyder snipped-for-privacy@snyder.on.ca> on Sun, 05 Jan 2020 20:45:28 -0500 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
I've heard of similar incidents. A motorcycle tank flying across the shop.
Ask Nels about the issues involved in repairing an old fashioned acetylene generator. The kind where you put the basket of calcium carbide in the water and collected the gas as it bubbled off.
Assuming the engine is running efficiently and not sewing large amounts of CO and unburned hydrocarbons, yes.
I would be cautious about making that assumption using exhaust from something other than a properly functioning emmission controlled vehicle - don't, for instance, use your lawn mower or an old gasoline tractor - - -
From OSHA
What are fire hazards and extinguishing media for carbon monoxide?
Flammable Properties: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE GAS. Can easily ignite. Can readily form explosive mixture with air at room temperature.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam, water spray or fog. Foam manufacturers should be consulted for recommendations regarding types of foams and application rates.
Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Gas or vapour may accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas especially inside confined spaces, resulting in a health hazard. Heat from fire can cause a rapid build-up of pressure inside cylinders. Explosive rupture and a sudden release of large amounts of gas may result. Cylinder may rocket. In a fire, the following hazardous materials may be generated: Very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
? What are the stability and reactivity hazards of carbon monoxide?
Chemical Stability: Normally stable. Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, sparks, static discharge, heat and other ignition sources. Incompatible Materials: Increased risk of fire and explosion on contact with: oxidizing agents (e.g. peroxides), halogens (e.g. chlorine), metals (e.g. aluminum). Not corrosive to: aluminum alloys, stainless steel. Hazardous Decomposition Products: None known. Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: None known.
I worked at a tank farm. When there was a bullet hole in a
80,000 bbl. gasoline tank the SOP was to drive a plug into the hole, & wait several days. (Can't recall if they were cork or rubber or ?)
When and only when the level was ?3-6ft? feet above the plug, and multiple explosive gas measurements were clear, the wall was cleaned of its epoxy paint, a plate was placed around the plug and held in place. Then the welder came in and welded the plate to the tank wall on all sides. After it cooled, it was primed and painted.
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