Re: Propane tanks

[protek@shreve.net]

    I sprayed epoxy paint on the inside of my sub.  However, spraying
inside an enclosed chamber is very tricky.  If you us any form of flamable
vehicle you run a strong risk of fire or explosion from the large about of
spray in the enclosed air volume.  When I had finished the inside hull, but
before I added the end caps, I sprayed the inside.  It was open on both
ends and I worked from both ends with the spraying.  I then welded the two
end caps on after they were primed.  There are ways of keeping sparks from
doing damage to existing paint during this process.  At this point I sanded
and/or wire brushed the burned paint back from the weld on either side and
coated the weld area with primer applied with a brush.  Then I painted the
ends with a brush overlapping the existing paint.  This may sound tacky
looking but it is not.  I do not think anyone could tell by looking from
where you sit to drive my sub.
    I was worried about explosion from static discharge inside the hull
while moving around and spraying.  This was the reason for this technique.
Also it was easier to get a good coverage over most of the inside.  I would
not use oil based paint due to the drying period.  If I did it again in
this manner, I would probably use acrylic urathane or some form of acrylic
enamel.  But you need a good hood and vent system for breathing, so you
will not get any of this material into your lungs.

Gary Boucher


At 11:18 PM 4/6/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Michael B Holt wrote:
>
>> What does one need to do to make the tank safe and/or clean enough to use
>> as an inhabitable place?    Anything or nothing?
>> Somewhere I read about (several) oil tanks used a pressure hulls.
>> Apparently, they retain enough of the oil to be dangerous to humans,
>> somehow.
>> Any details or experience?
>>
>> Michael Holt
>
>Hi all,
>Yes they need to be cleaned out good, unless you like the smell or want to
>get sick.
>I think I already outlined how I cleaned out the propane tank I used to build
>my sub from. Check the archives? This is just one idea. You could use many
>different kinds of solvents to get the worst of it out. I can't recommend any
>"best" one. Then wash it out with a grease dissolving detergent and water.
>Dry it and sand it, wire brush it, or sandblast it clean then prime it. After
>painting the inside of my sub with a oil based metal paint, I have to say it
>was a bad choice. Oil paint dries very slow and gives off a odor for over a
>year. A friend of mine used an epoxy type paint and did not have as much of a
>paint odor problem.
>I know, let's ask Phil! Phil, what kind of paint do you use on the inside of
>your subs? How long is the drying time before it is safe to occupy? Any body
>else got any paint info?
>
>
>