Has anyone cleaned propane tanks

I just got a call to give an estimate on cleaning the exterior of two 30,000 gallon propane tanks. Has anyone on here ever done that and if so what things do I need to be careful with.

No smoking?

8 Likes

Don’t use the flamethrower method

7 Likes

Ground entire trailer to tank being cleaned due to static ignition potential at least that’s what we are mandated to do.

2 Likes

I’ve washed a few. Algae comes off when downstreaming. I had 1 took that I used the xjet on. They are safe to wash.

2 Likes

The trailer will be about 75-100 feet away. Thanks I was just wondering about any safety concerns

You may want to ask what they mean by clean.

I have customers who say that but what they mean is “Please use a hydrofluoric acid product so it shines like a mirror after you are done”…they want shiney, not just clean.

1 Like

Usually around here propane tanks are white. I don’t think I have ever seen a stainless propane tank before?

I met with him this morning. He just wants them clean enough to be painted if necessary after cleaning. I think SH will take care of it if not EBC. But it looks more like tree stains

Hit it with 3-6% with an Xjet and be home by noon.

I don’t have an xjet. I’m was thinking about 4% with my gen 3 and rinse with my water dragon. I don’t think downstreaming will be strong enough

That will work. No DS wont be enough. I have tried!

1 Like

Will be great to see the after shots on those!

1 Like

Here’s some before and after pictures. One more batch to go

17 Likes

That turned out a heck of a lot better than I expected. Great job!!

2 Likes

It took about 70 gallons of mix. I’m going to Home Depot and get a respirator my head is pounding from the smell.

1 Like

Great job. Those before/after pics would definitely make it on the website.

Absolutely. I’ve been slacking in that area. I have a boatload to email Taylor at mister pipeline. She’s going to hate me when she gets to work on Monday

Looks fantastic. I might approach my local propane dealers about cleaning theirs. How much did you charge?

Did you end up using SH or something else?