can a diesel tank explode?

[Ubergeekian]

The compression makes the air hot, the diessel is also compressed and is thus hot, no compression, no hot.

The diesel is pressurised as a liquid. Since that means negligible change in volume, very little work is done. For all practical purposes, compressing liquids does not heat them.

It's the hot that counts.

Absolutely. hence glow plugs, for example.

[cumbrian]

thought as much - threads can and do explode

posters - please take care when handling volatile topics.

flashpoint can easily be reached, especially when excessive agitation is present and the gas content is excessive.

[TQA]

thought as much - threads can and do explode

posters - please take care when handling volatile topics.

flashpoint can easily be reached, especially when excessive agitation is present and the gas content is excessive.

I am going to add a little fuel to the fire. What if the tank was filled with "custard powder"?

One poster suggested doing something like this and calling Customs.

What is the explosion risk?

[Mariner69]

Dust explosions can prove deadly. You could end up with egg on your face.

[WindermereColvic]

.

[xxyyzz]

I am going to add a little fuel to the fire. What if the tank was filled with "custard powder"?

One poster suggested doing something like this and calling Customs.

What is the explosion risk?

Never mind hte explosion, you'd certainly end up in custardy.

[Lakesailor]

Well I've just opened and read this thread.
Another fine example of how this microcosm of the general population know sod all about everything, and then when someone who does know (Nigel - Refueler) explains don't believe him anyway.

I too have (gas) welded diesel tanks on Transit motorhomes without problems.
However I was arc-welding a grass-track racer one evening when the motorbike fuel tank it was fitted with caught fire. I don't know if an arc occured in the tank or the vapour just ignited from the site of the weld, but it made Standard Fireworks Roman Candles look very feeble.

[xxyyzz]

Well I've just opened and read this thread.
Another fine example of how this microcosm of the general population know sod all about everything, and then when someone who does know (Nigel - Refueler) explains don't believe him anyway.

I too have (gas) welded diesel tanks on Transit motorhomes without problems.
However I was arc-welding a grass-track racer one evening when the motorbike fuel tank it was fitted with caught fire. I don't know if an arc occured in the tank or the vapour just ignited from the site of the weld, but it made Standard Fireworks Roman Candles look very feeble.

I don't believe you.

[pappaecho]

Coming late to this debate, I am firstly alarmed at the "pour some diesel in a pan and set fire to it to prove that it does not explode" approach. The same would apply to most flammable substances.
The important point is that diesel deposits "residues" which are of higher molecular weight than diesel oil per se, onto the walls of the tank. How they react with oxygen and a spark is your guess not mine.
For safety reasons I would agree with a mechanical method to cut the tank, not a grinder which creates heat and sparks.
At the end of the day if you go ahead and blow the back off the boat, what are you going to tell your insurers? ( and the wife?)

[Lakesailor]

I don't believe you.

That's up to you. I couldn't give a shit.
There were three of us there when it happened and you were conspicuous by your absence.