Handling a really old rusty acetylene tank.

[Reddinr]

So today I found an old acetylene tank that I think was left behind when my well was put in about 30 years ago. It has been in the bushes and has seen 30 rainy seasons. Seems to be mostly empty. So, what do I do with it? It seems to be sound as far as rust goes it does not appear to be near failure or anything. It has the top valve cover in place.

I was thinking I would open the valve on top to let off any pressure that may remain, but then what? Not sure my local praxair will take it. Maybe it will be worth a chuckle to ask for my deposit back. I suppose it could make a good wind chime.

Ideas anyone?

 

[matthewsx]

Consult with your LWS.

 

[markba633csi]

If I recall, acetylene tanks contain acetone in some sort of absorbent material so it still may be flammable- use caution

 

[Jim F]

That red line on the pressure gauge is there for a reason.
Acetylene will self ignite above 15 psi.
Opening the valve will not end well if there is any in the tank.

 

[Jake M]

So today I found an old acetylene tank that I think was left behind when my well was put in about 30 years ago. It has been in the bushes and has seen 30 rainy seasons. Seems to be mostly empty. So, what do I do with it? It seems to be sound as far as rust goes it does not appear to be near failure or anything. It has the top valve cover in place.

I was thinking I would open the valve on top to let off any pressure that may remain, but then what? Not sure my local praxair will take it. Maybe it will be worth a chuckle to ask for my deposit back. I suppose it could make a good wind chime.

Ideas anyone?

If I had five or six of those, I'd make that wind chime.

Honestly, I'd check with your local gas and or welding supply place, see if they can make it go away. There's not a whole lot of use for a tank like that. It's not really a tank, it's solid on the inside. Kinda purpose built to hold acetylene dissolved in acetone, or some other dimethyl something or other, all of that absorbed in sponge like fashion into a porous solid material that occupies the entire empty space that most tanks would have inside of them.

 

[savarin]

why not call the gas companies and ask i they will accept it for disposal

 

[Reddinr]

I'll be calling around the local gas companies to see if one will accept it. It is on its side now. WIll it hurt anything (like me for instance) to transport it in a pickup, secured on its side?

 

[matthewsx]

I'll be calling around the local gas companies to see if one will accept it. It is on its side now. WIll it hurt anything (like me for instance) to transport it in a pickup, secured on its side?

Check with your LWS....

 

[FOMOGO]

Clean it up, paint it, have it filled, and use it if you have a torch setup. Mike

 

[rwm]

That red line on the pressure gauge is there for a reason.
Acetylene will self ignite above 15 psi.
Opening the valve will not end well if there is any in the tank.

Can you elaborate on this? I am unfamiliar. If there is a small amount of acetylene in the tank what will happen if you vent it? What causes self ignition? 15 PSI is room air?