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Fitting Taps to Poly Drums

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  • Fitting Taps to Poly Drums

    Hi,

    Does anyone know how to properly drill and fit a brass tap to a large (250L) poly drum (where there is no existing fitting)? Thanks.

  • #2
    Re: Fitting Taps to Poly Drums

    If you have access to the inside of the drum you can fit a marine "skin fitting" through it or make something similar with a length of threaded brass tubing, a couple of flanges and suitable rubber washers. However this method has a far greater potential for leaking than a fitting tapped into the drum itself.
    As far as actually drilling a hole in the drum and tapping a thread into that, this will only work if the drum has a suitable thickened/reinforced area which will allow this. You'd need to find a tap of the correct size (I'm guessing you want/need 1 1/2" or 2" BSP) and the correct size drill bit/hole saw for it. Buying these will be a fair amount of money. You may find it cheaper to source some other drums.

    Mick

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    • #3
      Re: Fitting Taps to Poly Drums

      Yes this is very easily done depending on what you are doing with the drum.
      One way is to find the correct bung for the original hole. Some have a 3/4 pipe thread in the centre, and you can cut/punch the hole out and screw in there.

      Another way. If using for wash tank with either the top or bottom cut out. Use a spade drill and trill a hole to take a length of "ALL THREAD" with a bulkhead nut each side. Seal with a bit of silastic.

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      • #4
        Re: Fitting Taps to Poly Drums

        Yes i do this all the time - get a 1/2" brass tap from the hardware store, you can in the plumbing section find a 1/2" flanged brass lock nut for these.

        Drill a hole with a 19mm spade bit and slightly enlarge it with a file.

        Force the tape in by screwing it in (it will bite and cut its own thread)

        When completely in and fairly tight - get inside the barrel and screw the flanged lock nut on and tighten it - you will need someone to hold the tap on the outside.

        I can post some pics of mine if you need to see them

        Craig
        Holden Suburban K2500 1998 6.5L Turbo GM engine
        210,000KMs (90,000 on new crate motor)

        Currently 2 tanks in and working - 90 litre BIO tank and main tank of 160L WVO

        30 plate FPHE in Engine bay and Helton Dual coil in rear
        Walbro FRB-5 pusher pumps x 2

        50,000KM on Veg and 10,000Km on B100

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        • #5
          Re: Fitting Taps to Poly Drums

          Thanks for the advice.

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          • #6
            Re: Fitting Taps to Poly Drums

            does silastic react with bio like it does petrol?
            3 years of BD100 using the Dr Mark Imisides method, currently making 10,000lt/year

            1991 GQ Patrol 4.2 with DTS turbo

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            • #7
              Re: Fitting Taps to Poly Drums

              I did mine the way Craig has described. Despite I did it with great care I still had to finish it with a layer of sealing compound on the outside; It was leaking a few drops when the drum was full (higher pressure at the tap).

              If I had to do it again I would not fit a tap. Instead I would cut a hole on the cover to insert a hand pump with a long pipe to reach the bottom of the drum. Many car manufacturers use this concept in their fuel tanks, perhaps to avoid leaks.


              Regards
              gonzalo

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              • #8
                Re: Fitting Taps to Poly Drums

                I have about a dozen of these in production now and not had one leak to this point.

                I think the two important points are making sure the hole is totally round and just the right size to force the tape thread to actual cut its own thread as you put it in

                The flanged nut on the inside also contributes to getting a good tight seal

                Craig
                Holden Suburban K2500 1998 6.5L Turbo GM engine
                210,000KMs (90,000 on new crate motor)

                Currently 2 tanks in and working - 90 litre BIO tank and main tank of 160L WVO

                30 plate FPHE in Engine bay and Helton Dual coil in rear
                Walbro FRB-5 pusher pumps x 2

                50,000KM on Veg and 10,000Km on B100

                Comment

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