Folks,
I need to remove an old kerosene storage tank (for central heating) from my in-laws back garden. The tank is moulded plastic, and has a 1,000 litre capacity.
The access point it was originally brought through is gone.
The tank has been empty for 10 years or so, the easiest way to remove it is to cut it up, and the easiest way to cut it up would be with an Angle Grinder.
There is a small amount of liquid in the tank, which is (mostly) water, I'm assured the tank was emptied by professionals.
Obviously I'm worried that there may be residual fuel/fumes that the Angle Grinder could ignite.
Is there any way to quantify the ignition risk, or some anti-philostogen agent (i.e. fire retardant) I can add to the tank that will completely negate the ignition risk?
Best Answer
Kerosene is not terribly flammable, so it probably is not a problem anyway. I'd pick a windy day, or even simpler, maybe have a fan blowing across where you are working, to keep any fumes away from the motor.
I'd also use a reciprocating saw, not an angle grinder, at least if I had the choice. Even if you have a carbide blade for the grinder, a reciprocating saw may still cut as fast or faster than a grinder, and it will generate less heat when cutting a plastic tank body.
If you are still worried, I'll bet that a good sharp (hand powered) pruning saw, the type that cuts on the pull stroke, will cut up a plastic tank at least as easily as would an angle grinder.