Wax substitute for top of non-pressurized storage tank

[gorsuchmill]

I was thinking of ways to seal the top of a storage tank to keep out oxygen and it occurred to me to use a layer (1/2 ") of vegetable oil or something like that. An 8x6 tank would require 15 gallons or so, but that doesn't seem to hateful.

Any thoughts.

 

[pybyr]

I wouldn't worry about the acidity (assuming you are talking a metal tank- I would not use any oil with a liner-type tank)- but I would be concerned about rancidity or it eventually getting gummy/hardening, as many veg oils do that at varying rates, and generally do it faster when heated

 

[Redox]

I wouldn't worry about the acidity (assuming you are talking a metal tank- I would not use any oil with a liner-type tank)- but I would be concerned about rancidity or it eventually getting gummy/hardening, as many veg oils do that at varying rates, and generally do it faster when heated

Agreed; veg oil would make a mess of things in short order. What about just laying a liner across the top?

Chris

 

[gorsuchmill]

I was thinking a liner across the top wouldn't remain sealed to the water as expansion and contraction occurs. I believe others have used melted paraffin, which made me think that an oil barrier would serve the same purpose; however would also be very fluid and move adequately as the water beneath it moved, thus maintaining a seal at all times.

I'm not ready to do something yet, just tossing around ideas.

 

[Patch]

I asked a similar question to a steam water quality specialist, and his advice was to use nitrogen gas over the open tank. A timer controlling a solenoid valve, would dispense the gas. I wonder if co2 would also work?

John

 

[Adios Pantalones]

CO2 dissolves in water and forms carbonic acid. ( CO2 + H2O <--> H2CO3 ) It's a weak acid, but acidic.

 

[Nofossil]

The whole (and only) point of the paraffin is to reduce evaporation, with the assumption that no cover can ever be a perfect seal. Evaporation carries away heat and causes condensation in the insulation. reducing its effectiveness. The thought is that paraffin is liquid at the temperatures we're dealing with, but could be removed easily from a cold tank if necessary.

 

[free75degrees]

When I heard about using paraffin I thought it was a brilliant idea. Just toss in a block and it melts to form a near perfect barrier to evaporation. Like nofo said, it can be removed when cooled. It won't be messy and can be had for pretty cheap. I can't think of anything wrong with it.

 

[leaddog]

I'm wondering if paraffin is ok with epdm. I put it in mine but I'm going to be takeing the open tank out so I'll look at it and see if its made any problem.
leaddog