TM 9-2330-384-14&P
4-68. PURGING TANK.
Purging (Preferred
General Information
c.
Steam
Clean
a.
Draining Tank
Method)
b.
d.
Chemical Purging (Alternate Method)
General Safety Instructions (Con't):
Materials/Parts:
When working inside tank, always provide
Pails
adequate air ventilation at the manhole
(Item 18, Appendix E)
Rags
opening with air directed into compartment
Tools:
where work is being performed.
NEVER work alone inside a tank: a second
Tool kit, general mechanic's
person must be stationed at the manhole
Pipe wrench
opening. The person inside the tank must
Steam cleaner
have a safety line and harness on in case of
emergency for rescue operations.
Test Equipment:
In an emergency, personnel entering tank
Nomenclature
NSN
which is not vapor free must wear an
NSN 6665-00-664-4650 or
Combustible
attached lifeline and protective respiratory
gas indicator set NSN 6665-00-292-9945
equipment. Personnel MUST NOT enter a
tank which is in the explosive range.
References:
Give IMMEDIATE medical attention to per-
sonnel exposed to hydrocarbon or toxic va-
FM 10-20
pors.
TB 43-0212
Personnel engaged in draining and purging
operations must wear prescribed clothing.
Personnel Required: Three
Before climbing onto semitrailer, grasp
static ground wire to discharge all static
General Safety Instructions:
from body.
DO NOT perform draining or purging
If semitrailer is left overnight after purging,
operations in an electrical storm.
retest with combustible gas indicator set to
Connect bonding and grounding connec-
ensure a SAFE reading.
tion before beginning draining and purging
Compressed air used for drying tubing
operations. Maintain bonding and ground-
must not exceed 30 psi (207 kPa).
ing connection until after all draining and
purging is completed.
Keep open flames or other sources of
ignition away from area where draining or
purging operation is in progress. Sufficient
fire extinguishers MUST be present and
manned.
a. GENERAL INFORMATION
(1)
Removal of combustible vapors and liquids requires a coordinated effort of properly skilled
safety and maintenance personnel. This maintenance procedure is to be performed by
authorized unit or direct support personnel with an MOS of 77F or equivalent.
(2)
A thorough reading of FM 10-20 and TB 43-0212 is essential for understanding proper draining
and purging methods.
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