Dustin,
All SCUBA divers have this same problem with their tanks all the time. They
are usually rated at 3500 PSI. I don't remember the exact interval, but I
believe that, every year the tanks must be Visually Inspected by removing
the valve and looking for rust on the inside of the tank. If any rust is
identified, the tanks are placed on a tumbler where metal fragments
specifically designed for rust removal are inserted through the valve
opening. The tank is left "rolling" on the tumbler for ? hours. An then
visually reinspected. I don't know if a local dive shop could handle a tank
as big as yours but It would be worth a try.
1959 Chevrolet Apache ____ 3100
__________/___/\_____
Rich Kinas |::::::::::::::> | | ----- )
Orlando, FL "-------( 0 )---------------( 0 )-"
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From: CLLLSLS@aol.com[SMTP:CLLLSLS@aol.com]
Reply To: CLLLSLS@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 1999 7:58 PM
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: [oletrucks] Cleaning rust from inside of tank and hydrogen
embrittlement Q's
Hi,
This isn't exactly oletruck related, but I figured I might get some good
suggestions from this list.
I'm building a huge pressure feed sand blaster for very fast paint removal
with plastic blast media. The pressure blaster consists of a tank 18" in
diameter by 5' long and all the various pipes, fittings and ball valves to
make it go. However, The inside of the tank I'm using is very rusty. I'ts
rated for 3000 PSI and it's got 1/2" thick walls so I'm not worried about
the
tank rupturing at 150 PSI, but I need to get all the scale out of the tank,
and if possible, every bit of the rust so it won't clog the pipes or
prevent
the media from settling. The only access I have to the inside of the tank
is
through the 2" FPT bungs on each end. I first thought of filling the tank
with acid to dissolve the rust, but then I realized that Hydrogen
embrittlement might make the tank prone to rupturing. I've heard about, but
never tried, using a solution of molassas and water to dissolve rust and
I'm
wondering if this too causes hydrogen embrittlement? Will the molassas
work/got any other suggestions for removing the rust by physical, chemical,
telekinetic means? Let me know.
Dustin
50 & 53 GMC 1/2 tons ( Both too rusted for plastic media to even scratch,
but
it'll make me some extra money for buying old truck parts)
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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