A sudden thought. I've never seen square steel tubing that did not have a
seam in it. I'm not saying it doesn't exist. I just don't remember seeing
it.
Another thought that may get me in trouble. How safe is safe? It might
be possible to build a tank that would, for all practical purposes, be
failure proof. But would it fit and be practical to put in a Gauge 1 loco?
I don't think so. We all take chances. It's all a matter of degree.
Putting propane in a tank designed only for butane is folly. After reading
all the research and testing Charlie Mynhier put into his tank, I'd trust it
without a question. Anyone who wants to go their own way must be at least
that careful.
Phil.P. Reading,Pa.
> Walt's comments about work-hardened metal and internal stresses is a
concern
> of mine about Bob's original question about the use of square steel tubing
> for tank material. I would not think that square steel tubing is pressure
> rated at all. Therefore I would question its consistency batch to batch
for
> use as a pressurized fuel tank. I am thankful for the experts' input.
Their
> comments have been a real education. It sounds like the concensus is that
> square steel tubing will work for butane tanks given careful fabrication
and
> testing. It also sounds like propane tanks deserve a lot more careful
> analysis of the materials to be used.
>
