A welder in Minnesota was killed recently trying to fix a leaky old steel pontoon . The owner had tried sealing it up it by filling it with spray foam expanding insulation , which didn't work , but did provide the perfect fuel , in an enclosed , contained environment to create a massive pipe bomb ! Be careful , guys . Don't torch- cut steel oil drums right ? Everybody knows that . But a pontoon ? I never would have suspected THAT !!! I was told by the Fire Marshall that the initial arc strike initiated a high-speed burn from the rear all the way through towards the bow . Centered . Only about 5 or 6" diameter . The resulting overpressure shock wave though , came rocketing back , blowing the ass end apart instantly and decapitated the poor guy .
Yes we need to be extremely careful when cutting into an unknown pressure vessel! If you’re unsure of anything just purge it or cold cut by some method.
A welder in Minnesota was killed recently trying to fix a leaky old steel pontoon . The owner had tried sealing it up it by filling it with spray foam expanding insulation , which didn't work , but did provide the perfect fuel , in an enclosed , contained environment to create a massive pipe bomb ! Be careful , guys . Don't torch- cut steel oil drums right ? Everybody knows that . But a pontoon ? I never would have suspected THAT !!! I was told by the Fire Marshall that the initial arc strike initiated a high-speed burn from the rear all the way through towards the bow . Centered . Only about 5 or 6" diameter . The resulting overpressure shock wave though , came rocketing back , blowing the ass end apart instantly and decapitated the poor guy .
Yes we need to be extremely careful when cutting into an unknown pressure vessel! If you’re unsure of anything just purge it or cold cut by some method.