Cutting a 300 gallon propane tank!!

[Buzzsaw1998]

Hey everyone I'm new to this forum and am seeking some advice.. I have a 300 gallon propane tank that has set with all the valves off for over a year.. its accumulated some rain water and there's still a faint smell of the chemical used to detect leaks.. A friend of mine (not the sharpest knife in the drawer) lit a lighter over one of the vents and nothing happened.. I plan to cut the doors out this weekend just needing a little advice and piece of mind from someone more experienced.
Thank you I look forward to learning from all of you!!

 

[mike243]

I would fill with water,propane is heavier than air and will lay in the bottom,water will push it out,

 

[kruizer]

Most guys I know would fill the tank with water and soap. Soap first and then water to mix things up. Then drain and cut.

 

[smokinq13]

+1 on soapy water... take a whole thing of dish soap and dunp into it and then put a hose in it and wait til it starts overflowing... but always proceed with caution when working with propane... example like holding a lighter over an opening palm---> face

 

[buffalobbqpete]

Take a peek at this. He pretty much runs it down for you.

https://www.pbs.org/video/bbq-franklin-episode-4-pits/

 

[indaswamp]

Great post buffalobbqpete...

 

[Buzzsaw1998]

Take a peek at this. He pretty much runs it down for you.

https://www.pbs.org/video/bbq-franklin-episode-4-pits/

I wonder how long he let it set full of water?

 

[buffalobbqpete]

I wonder how long he let it set full of water?

If I remember right, it was a few days. I haven't watched it in a while. But I don't think 3-5 days would be a bad idea. Someone else who has actually done it may have a different opinion though.

 

[indaswamp]

24 hours is plenty long enough...

 

[forktender]

Heck, 5 minutes is long enough, all you're doing with the H2o is forcing the propane out of the tank.