[TheForge] metal infomation plate

[Bruce .]

I would think you could get an estimate of the weight of the tank (empty)
from the capacity and type -- it should be known information.  Look for
tank manufacturers or others who deal with them.

Alternatively, you could guesstimate the gauge of the metal and estimate
the volume of metal involved.

As to plates, a mild etch might work.   Think of file-sharpening with acid
-- same idea.  It can bring out features that are not obvious.  If you
doubt this, lightly mark a steel slug with a stamp and drop it in acid --
the stamp mark will not become less obvious and may well become more
obvious.

Vinegar might be too weak, but it wouldn't hurt to try.  Better is equal
parts vinegar, salt, and flour, stirred to a paste and applied.  This is
like dilute muriatic acid.  Put plastic over it to keep it from drying
out.  Don't worry too much about the environment.  The likely metals (Fe,
Cu, Zn) are toxic to some extent but you aren't dealing with great
quantities of them.

Bruce
NJ

On Sat, May 30, 2015 at 1:45 PM, terry l. ridder <terrylr at blauedonau.com>
wrote:

> Hello
>
> I was trying to read the metal information plate on a 1000 gallon bulk
> propane tank earlier this morning. The tag is corroded and I used a mild
> sanding block to clear off some of the corrosion so I could read part of
> the plate.
>
> I was able to read that the tank was originally made in freeport,
> illinois in 1956. definitely out of certification for propane.
>
> I was trying to read the tare weight of the tank.
> it needs to be moved.
> the propane service company is showing no sign of moving it after
> numerous requests. I have told them that if I move it I am sending them
> a bill.
>
> I am ready to consider the two bulk propane tanks abandoned property and
> dispose of them as I see fit.
>
> i need some idea of the weight of these tanks.
>
> I have a 10,000lbs GVWR trailer 18feet by 82 inches.
> I do not want to risk anyone being hurt or injured.
> I do not want to stress the trailer.
>
> I do not consider the smaller 500 gallon tank a weight issue.
> It is the 1000 gallon that I am concerned about.
> in a week or two they will be empty of propane.
> If I have to I will burn off any remaining propane.
>
>
> What would be the least destructive way to clean the metal information
> plates so that they were readable?
>
> I had thought of building a clay dam around the plate and filling with
> vinegar.
>
> I do not want to poisin the environment nor any wildlife.
>
> --
> terry l. ridder ><>
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