Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net> (Marvin Kaye)
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Wed, 04 Feb 2004 11:44:56 -0500
Message-ID: <redirect-2975244@logan.com>
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From: Lorn H. Olsen <lorn@dynacomm.ws>
Subject: Re: Details on the Static Discharge that Totaled '03 Lancair ES

> Several have suggested purging the tanks with Nitrogen. Earl
>
> Use Argon. Greg

I used to weld gas tanks that were removed from cars. The problem is 
much simpler than any of you are thinking.

First of all purging the tank with any gas is going to leave the liquid 
fuel intact. This liquid fuel will continue to vaporize. The oxygen 
inside of the tank will continue to try to equalize itself with the 
oxygen outside of the tank. This is a simply law of nature. The tank is 
vented, right? When this happens, you are back right where you started.

The simple solution is to fill the tank with water. With this solution 
there is no fuel and/or fuel vapor left in the tank and the tank is 
safe to sand, grind, weld or whatever. When you are done, simply run 
the water out onto the floor. If you are concerned about not being able 
to completely dry the tank afterwards, buy a can of gas dry or whatever 
they call it at the local auto parts store.
--
Lorn H. 'Feathers' Olsen, MAA, DynaComm, Corp.
248-478-4300, mailto:lorn@dynacomm.ws
LNC2, O-320-D1F, N31161, Y47, SE Michigan