oil tank

[buffy27]

whats the craic.
has anyone ever cleaned out an oil tank?
i have not done this before.the oil is out of the tank ,but what i need to know is do i need a detergent or something in order to remove the sludge in the bottom of the tank and on the walls. can i just wash it out with water????
i understand that water and oil are not friends and can cause alot of hassle with the kerosene burner.kerosene having a relative density of around .82 and water obviously 1.[it floats and does not mix as a result]will i just rince it with water and try and let it dry as best i can???
thanks in advance...buffy.

 

[NickH]

Never done it mate but i think I would avoid using water. I reckon you should tip it up and leave it to drain as much of the crud out as possible then maybe use a spray on degreaser like Gunk. Nasty job you got there.

 

[justlead1]

Hi. The biggest problem is controlling the sludge and water when emptying. As Nick has mentioned gunk or alike will help. There is a hand operated vacuum pump (used on boats) that allows you to contain the stuff and dispose at will. As for any water present when you finish, if is only a pint or so, it will not be a problem. The outlet and fall on the tank should allow for this, as water lays tight to the base below draw off level. (there is a paste available that when coated on a dip stick, and introduced to a tank full of oil. Will change colour at the point it comes into contact with water. Thus telling you the depth of water in the tank. Good Luck

 

[bobpape]

Should you not say "hows the craic" and should not the reply be
"well now Im holdin me own"

What size is the tank, what is it made of, and does it have a man entry hole.

If it has a man entry hole,

First make sure it is gas free and get inside with a bucket and shovel,

If no man entry consider creating one,

Material to be cleaned and removed from tank includes rust and a slimey deposite that
sometimes occurs and has a tendancy to block filters, and of course any water,
the best way to clean the tank walls is with steam, there is no need to remove all of oily deposits.

Consider replacing the tank with a new plastic one.

 

[Bernie2]

Just thought it worth a mention.

Don't forget you can't put the waste down the drain. So get plenty of containers and take it to the local oil waste disposal site.


Don't forget to include for new overalls. And getting a good wash with lanolin soap after using all the oil removers.

 

[migoplumber]

you can buy the bags of oil absorbent granules. if you have access pour them in, wait 10. brush around with broom, pick it all up, take it to council recycling depot.

never get inside an oil tank

enviromental health and waste will always give a perfect answer for this type of problem.

remember if you spill a glass of oil on the floor, they will be down on you like a ton of bricks, excavating about 8 cubic metres of earth around the contamination point and charging you for it.

shaun