Need ideas for scraping community water tanks

[Patriot76]

Thanks to all that responded. I was working all day and just got a chance to view the thread. No I was not working on the water tanks, still on a farm I have been on all winter.

First, thank you to oldtoothlessbassmaster for rescuing my picture. I tried to post it and was unsuccessful. I immediately deleted the post and he saved it for me.

I plan to cut it with propane. My son will be joining me for this project. I was a millwright when going to school and made the transition to propane this winter. I am not the best, but this project will make me better. I plan to use liquid oxygen on the water tanks because I plan to cut non stop.

I have a scraping trailer complete with Miller generator/welder, air compressor, three K oxygen bottles, 100lb. propane bottle, and tool boxes. There is also two Smith torch sets with scraper heads. This was made out of a two horse trailer that was scrap on my first job. I have thought about purchasing metal shears for my skid steer and might with this project. I borrowed a plasma cutter this winter but my generator could not handle the load. Since all of my work is rural, it would not be a good investment until I get a bigger generator.

I appreciate Cory's ideas and calculations. The concern about the structure springing is a real concern of mine. I like Auminer's idea, but I was told that dome roof tanks do not need an internal structure. I will not know until I cut Cory's door. Combining Cory's and Auminer's ideas might be the best strategy. Based on what I have heard I think cutting slices like you mount a tire on a truck would be worth researching. If it does not have an internal frame, the roof will be the first to go. I have an agreement with two scrap yards to cut the pieces into 5ft. X 18in. slices.

Old Dude reinforced the reason I posted this thread. It is all new to me and I would like to haul the last load into the scrap yard instead of being buried under it.

This is a once in a life time opportunity, so I would appreciate any additional insight.

[Patriot76]

This is an update to those that are interested. After a great deal of research I found out most companies charge demolition and sell the steel as a bonus. These companies have large backhoes with shears that can finish the job in a couple of days as NHscrapman pointed out. I do not have, nor can I afford this type of equipment so it will be David -v- Goliath. Other companies will come in and cut up the tank only to weld it in a new location for a new customer. This would be a huge challenge and goal, but time is not my friend in this project.

Initially the thought was to use my mountain climbing gear for safety. If the tank springs, trouble could be the result. Nylon rope does not like heat and not knowing what will drop, when, or where, sent chills.

The latest strategy is to rent a two man lift to cut the roof into eight slices and let them drop inside. This is after an entry door for the skid steer is cut. The lift will allow me to do the work without being on the structure. If there is an internal structure, I will cut around that to leave a frame. When the sides have been cut into a spoke structure, I will anchor it to a Clark C55 loader with 60 ft. of chain. Every other support beam will be cut with a backhoe providing protection during the cutting. If the Clark can drop the structure, the rest of the work will be on the ground. If not, another beam will be cut one at a time until the structure can be pulled to the ground.

One thing I came across in my research is the possibility the tanks could have lead paint. If that is the case a respirator will be required. I also saw where the EPA will not allow water tanks to be painted with lead paint. Does anyone know the answer or a good way to find out.

Any ideas or suggestions about this challenge would be greatly appreciated.

[wadarbr549]

there wasnt an internal structure in the tanks we removed,im not sure about yours though

[Patriot76]

Thank you. I had not thought of this strategy. I like your idea about the yard stick.