Drop Tubes stuck like chuck

[CherokeeUST]

We have had 3 locations where our drop tubes were corroded in place. They end up getting horribly mangled during the attempts to remove them. Then the location cannot receive fuel drops.

The new UST regulations require the drop tube/flapper valve to be removed and tested periodically. I fear a lot of our locations across the country are going to be dealing with breaking concrete to get these drop tubes out.

Is there a way to get a "stuck" drop tube out without destroying it or breaking concrete?

[CherokeeUST]

How would you get this drop tube out?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iV6zqh ... sp=sharing

[rmurray]

That one's too far gone, but I've had decent luck hooking a chain to the bottom of the drop tube and attaching it to a digging bar up top for leverage.

[Trickle]

We use a splitter.

[Thelesserman]

I've been battling this in the western states for years. The only really good way I've seen to alleviate the problem is replacing everything from the tank top up. Fill pipe and spill bucket included. Then make sure there's NO DRAIN in the bucket, and enough crown on the concrete to keep water out. Watch out snow plow drivers!!!

[CherokeeUST]

Interesting tool to get stuck drop tubes out.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/ur ... 8495535104

[KJK]

Corroded drop tube?
I specialize in removal of corroded drop tubes.
If interested in my removal tools please call.
I am trying to decide if there is a big enough market to manufacture these tools for this industry.

Kyle. K & K SERVICE STATION maintenance since 1963

[ZMiller]

There may be a bigger market for preventing the fill tube rotting out and getting stuck in the riser in the first place.

[KJK]

New spill buckets address this. If they use a drain the drain now dumps into the tube.
In the past they would dump between the tank riser and drop tube which caused our problem with salt water corrosion and debris build up.

[ZMiller]

A gasket between the fill tube and the riser works good to. One can use a 400 series used filter gasket as it is tapered to make a great seal.