[TheForge] Diesel Gas Question

[Jerry Frost]

Don't weld on that drum empty!!!

Kero, diesel, fuel oil, etc. have saturation levels in 
air smack in the middle of their explosive range. If 
you strike an arc on an empty drum you will in all 
probability die in the explosion.

Your best bet is to buy a drum sling. If you MUST weld 
lift eyes on it, fill it to the top and put a small 
block under the far side of the drum you're going to 
weld on so there is absolutely NO (ZERO) air under the 
arc.

To repeat, ANY amount of air in that drum is explosive. 
Much more than a thimble full of air will allow an 
explosion large enough to open the seam on the drum and 
light the remaining kero.

Don't take my word for this, contact the local fire 
dept, welding supply, pro welding shop, fuel depot, 
etc.

Frosty
-------------------------------
If it ain't forged
it ain't real.
Wrought iron is.
The FrostWorks

Meadow Lakes, AK.

http://www.artmetalradio.com/

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <dan at irontreeworks.com>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 10:16 AM
Subject: [TheForge] Diesel Gas Question


> Hey Folks,
>
> I just picked up a 55 gallon drum and a hand crank 
> fuel pump so I can buy
> kerosene in bulk.  I planned on welding on some 
> sturdy rings (1/2 stock) around
> the top of the empty barrel so I can load/unload 
> onto/off of my pickup using a
> block and tacklle hanging from a beam.
>
> The problem:  The kerosene dealer thought he was 
> doing me a favor when he gave
> me a used drum rather than having to buy a new drum. 
> The used drum contains
> about a 4 gallons of Diesel fuel.  I am going to 
> drain the drum but I know if
> it had been filled with gasoline, the fumes alone 
> could blow up in my
> face......So....How volatile is this sutff? I'll 
> drain it first, but should I
> fill it to overflowing with soapy water before I weld 
> it?  I would do that if
> it had been filled with gas.
>
> Comments?
>
> Dan
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> This message was sent using IMP, the Internet 
> Messaging Program.
> _______________________________________________
> Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> theforge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.photoaccess.com
> Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
> password:  anvil
> ___________
>
>
>