that is a heat stove of some kind (judging by the plumbing hookups it’s either heating oil or natural gas). There is likely a chimney hookup behind it to get rid of the waste gases.
The metal fins allow it to more easily radiate heat into the room. If you don’t want it, I’d bet some local people would be very interested in it to make a really good wood stove out of.
Likely Solved (first time making a post, so no idea if I’m doing this right). I think we are all in agreement that it is some type of heating element, and most likely has a gas component to it. I’m reaching out to see if I can get confirmation on the Gurney Stove. I appreciate everyone’s input! I’ll update if I get a definite answer.
My title describes the thing. It is metal of some kind and is very heavy. I’ve searched for it assuming it is some type of heating element, but have not been able to find anything like it. We are going to have to cut it to remove and would prefer to know more about it before we start cutting.
Are there any plumbing or electrical connections? What’s that thing on the front that looks like only part that’s meant to be user accessible. In fact, it almost looks like this object is supposed to be mounted behind a wall with that part (and the square frame around it) coming through it.
Heat exchanger out of an old low boy furnace
Did your house ever have a hot-air heating system? This looks like the furnace and heat exhanger for a hot-air heating and ventilating system, though it’s surprisingly big for an ordinary house.
We have something similar in the basement of our church (similar to those other posters have mentioned). The ventilating air is heated by passing over the fins and taken through brick channels and then through grilles in the church floor. From there it goes straight up to the roof and warms the carved angels. There the air cools and comes back as a cold down-draught to chill the heads and shoulders of the congregation who are sitting at ground level. The cold air is then taken through other grilles in the floor and returned to the heater. There is no water involved at any point.
The air for combustion is drawn from outdoors through grilles into the furnace room, and the combustion products are taken up a 165 foot chimney in the tower (which provides inadequate draught when cold and too much when hot…) so the two systems are not connected. The furnaces were installed in 1963 replacing an 1889 coke-fired furnace and were originally oil-fired, though they have subsequently been converted to gas.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENT…
An old, heavy metal cylinder of the dimensions you’ve described sounds like it could be a variety of things, depending on its origin, age, and specific characteristics such as markings or attachments. Here are some possibilities:
1. Industrial Equipment
- Pressure Vessel: It could have been used to contain gases or liquids at pressures different from the ambient pressure. These are common in settings like factories or plants.
- Old Boiler Part: Part of a larger machinery system, possibly from an old heating system or industrial boiler.
2. Storage Container
- Oil Drum: Used for storing oil or chemicals. The size fits that of typical 55-gallon drums, which are about 3 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter.
- Liquid Storage: Similar to oil drums but used for other liquids like fuel, chemicals, or even water.
3. Military or Aeronautic Use
- Rocket Casing: Parts of old rockets or military ordnance sometimes match this description. They could also be parts of larger mechanical assemblies.
- Drop Tank: Used in military aircraft to extend range, these are detachable fuel tanks and can sometimes be found discarded.
4. Miscellaneous
- Compressed Gas Cylinder: If it has valves or fittings on top, it might have been used for compressed gases like oxygen, nitrogen, or acetylene.
- Cryogenic Container: Used for storing liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic materials.
Considerations for Identification
- Markings and Labels: Check for any manufacturer labels, hazard symbols, or usage instructions that might give clues about its original purpose.
- Material: The type of metal (steel, aluminum, etc.) could provide hints; for example, aluminum is often used in aeronautics for its light weight.
- Condition: Signs of wear, such as rust or dents, and modifications like welded attachments or retrofitting.
Safety and Precautions
- Hazardous Materials: If it was used for chemical or gas storage, it could still contain hazardous residues. Handling or even opening such a container could be dangerous.
- Structural Integrity: An old, metal cylinder may have structural weaknesses, making it unsafe for certain uses or alterations.
If you are considering repurposing or even just moving it, it would be wise to first accurately identify its original use and ensure that it does not pose any environmental or health hazards. Depending on its history and condition, it could have historical value, be recyclable, or even be upcycled into furniture or other functional objects in creative projects.
Credit to: mindovermad
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