Chapter 2. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

TM 5-6640-212-14

CHAPTER 2

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Connect the electrical power cable, stored

2-1. Preparation of Laboratory for Use.

beneath the trailer, to the outside power source and to

a. Inspect the interior of the laboratory for broken

the receptacle (fig. 1-3) located on the left side of the

glassware and other equipment damage, Inspect the

semitrailer.

exterior of the semitrailer for any visible damage

sustained in transit. If trailer is damaged, fill in DD Form

WARNING

250 (Material Inspection and Receiving Report) and

process in accordance with current requirement.

b. Using the sight levels located at each end of the

Purging blowers operated with main

semitrailer, make certain the laboratory is leveled

power circuit breakers in OFF

properly.

position. Do not enter any trailer

compartment before purging van of

CAUTION

explosive vapors.

Some of the test apparatus may be

c. Before initial entry into the van, operate the van

adversely affected so that they are either

purging blowers according to instructions on instruction

inoperable or give incorrect readings if

plate adjacent to power entry receptacle and timer as

the laboratory is not leveled

follows:

properly.

NOTE

Purge the laboratory for a minimum

Refer to table 2-1 for data plate

of 10 minutes before entry, after a

information regarding warnings and

shutdown period of 2 or more hours.

cautions

required

operate

petroleum laboratory.

(1) Open the two vent covers, identified as

PURGE, DUCT ONE, on the forward sidewall of the van

roadside. Open one vent cover, identified as PURGE,

c. Supply power to the laboratory.

DUCT TWO, on the forward right (curbside) sidewall of

d. Attach a drain hose to the air conditioner

the van.

condensate pipe. Operate the air conditioner and make

(2) Open door of timer housing.

certain that the fan is rotating in the proper direction.

(3) Turn clock dial clockwise until 20 minutes is

Refer to TM 5-4120-295-15.

indicated on dial.

e. Inspect each item of equipment and supply for

(4) Do not enter van until red light goes off. The

damage. Remove all shipment retainer brackets and

red light indicates that the van interior has been purged

straps.

of explosive vapors.

f. Supply water to the laboratory by manually filling

(5) If the warning light fails to illuminate, check

the water tank or by attaching a water pipe to the inlet at

bulb and connection to timer assembly.

the front roadside. Make certain the incoming pressure

d. Enter the rear compartment. Turn on the main

does not exceed 70 psi (31.8 kg/sq cm).

power circuit breakers.

g. Connect a length of garden hose to the sink drain

e. Turn on necessary lights.

connection and route the hose to a drainage ditch or to a

f. Check the gages on laboratory compartment

previously prepared sump.

control panel (fig. 1-4) for proper line voltage and current

indications.

2-2. General Operating Instructions.

g. Operate the heater and air conditioner according

to instructions in paragraphs 2-7 and 2-8.

a. Remove the stepladders from the rack. Place

h. Check water supply in tank located in utility

one three-step ladder at the rear door, the other three-

compartment. Replenish if necessary.

step ladder at the laboratory door, and the four-step

i. Turn on water pump (or connect outside water

ladder at the utility compartment door.

source, if available), vacuum pump, and compressor if

necessary. Check compressed air and vacuum pressure

gages on control panel.

2-1