Method for repairing and improving structural integrity of storage tanks
In some a friction welding apparatus includes a vacuum chamber which prevents combustion in a vicinity of a tank, the vacuum chamber formed from a flexible seal between the tank and a housing and a magnetic apparatus that encompasses a perimeter of a damaged area of the tank and a friction welding motor operably coupled to the vacuum chamber.
1. A friction welding apparatus comprising:
a vacuum chamber which prevents combustion in a vicinity of a tank, the vacuum chamber formed from a flexible seal between the tank and a housing and a magnetic apparatus that encompasses a perimeter of a damaged area of the tank; and
a friction welding motor operably coupled to the vacuum chamber,
wherein the magnetic apparatus that encompasses the perimeter of the damaged area of the tank further comprises:
seals that encompass the perimeter of the damaged area of a work surface; and
a permanent magnet having a release lever, the permanent magnet being placed over the seals.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vacuum chamber further comprises:
a fitting in the housing, wherein the housing and the fitting provide a substantially air tight seal.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the vacuum chamber further comprises:
an actuator coupled to the fitting on an outside of the housing.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the housing further comprises:
a hole through the housing through which a vacuum hose can be operably attached.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the friction welding motor further comprises:
materials that do not create sparks or an ignition source.