ELIMINATION OF COMBUSTIBLES FROM INTERIORS OF METAL OR PLASTIC GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL TANKS

TB 750-1047

This publication is a courtesy quick copy from the

UNITED STATES ARMY PUBLICATIONS CENTER,

TO 36Y31-1 -6

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, to meet your needs while we

are replenishing our regular stock.

DEPARTMENT

THE

ARMY

TECHNICAL

BULLETIN

DEPARTMENT

THE

AIR

FORCE

TECHNICAL

ORDER

ELIMINATION OF COMBUSTIBLES FROM

INTERIORS OF METAL OR PLASTIC

GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL TANKS

Departments of the Army and the Air Force, Washington, D.C.

26 April 1972

1. Purpose and Scope. a. This bulletin outlines an

source available to date: Product-Sol, Inc., 2010 Cole,

alternate procedure for the elimination of combustible

Birmingham, MI 48008.

vapors and liquids using a chemical gas tank purger,

preparatory to repair, cleaning and painting, storage, or

Safety precaution.

change in materials of fuel tanks. This procedure saves

time, labor and materials as compared to other methods

Warning:

Prior to and during all operations

such as steam cleaning as outlined in TB ORD 1031.

outlined in this bulletin, coordinate with safety,

medical, and fire departments to comply with

b. This procedure is applicable to all types of fuel

safeguards contained herein and other applicable

tanks. Fuel tanks on tracked vehicles and those not

directives.

readily accessible must be removed from the vehicle

prior to purging.

a. Discontinue all operations if an electrical storm

is threatening or in progress.

c. This process is to be undertaken by field and

depot maintenance units. Supporting agencies will

b. The tank being purged will be statically

furnish additional skills and equipment when required.

grounded prior to and during all operations.

2. Essentials. a. Efficient purging of fuel tanks, pipe

c. Conduct a combustible vapor test reading prior

lines, pump housings, hoses and distribution manifolds

to purging the tank using an acceptable explosive meter,

may be accomplished by strict adherence to procedures

such as MSA explosive meter 6665-664-4650 or Davis

outlined herein.

Vapotester 6665-562-8103.

b. Materials required.

d. Only competent personnel thoroughly instructed

in the proper handling and reading of the vapor

(1) Adequate source of water with a large

indicating instruments (explosion meter) will perform

diameter hose long enough to reach the vehicle or fuel

vapor tests.

tank.

e. Conduct a combustible vapor test reading

(2) Compressed air source and air hose of

immediately after purging. Under no circumstances will

sufficient length to reach depth of fuel tank.

repair or fuel tank begin until declared safe by safety

(3) Sufficient quantity of gas tank purger

personnel.

obtainable through local procurement. Only known