TM 10-5430-240-13&P
0005 00
0005 00-9
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Filling the Tank)
1. Verify the tank is properly installed. The trailer bed should be level to prevent the tank from rolling.
2. Tighten all cap screws on the end clamps to 70.0 ± 5.0 ft-lbs (95 ± 7 N m). The rubbers in the new
tank will “cold flow” under the pressure and the torque will drop. The tanks should be retightened to
the specifications periodically until the rubber has set and the torque does not drop appreciably. If
leakage is noted at the fittings or if the tank is subjected to hard usage, the cap screws should be
checked and retightened periodically.
3. Attach the pressure gage (1) to the filler/discharge valve (2). Open the pressure gage valve (3).
NOTE
Before using the tank for the first time or after prolonged storage, flush the tank with
100 - 300 gallons of clean disinfectant and water solution. The solution consists of .5
gallons of bleach mixed in 250 gallons of fresh water. Surge the cleansing solution by
walking back and forth on the tank or by rocking the truck with abrupt starts and stops.
The resultant surge will clean the collapsed tank without exposing the interior to
contaminants or foreign objects. Rinse the tank with 250 gallons of clean water to
remove the bleach taste. When the cleaning is complete, close the tank valve
immediately to hermetically seal out contaminants.
4. Before starting to fill the tank, be sure that all air has been expelled, then close the 4-inch tank inlet
valve.
5. Attach a water source to the supplied 4-inch diameter hose. Purge the air from the filling line and the
hose by opening the valve at the water source until the water comes out of the supplied hose. Turn
off the water at the water source.
6. The free ends of the hold down belts should now be brought over the top of the tank and down the
other side through the ratchet-take-up mechanism attached to the trailer bed. Slide the ends of the
belts two feet through the slot in the ratchet assembly. Fold the end back on belt and hold manually
until one turn has been taken up on the roll-up spool.
7. Attach the hose to the tank filler/discharge valve (2).
8. Open the valve at the potable water supply.
9. Open the filler/discharge valve (2) on the tank.
10. No pressure will show on the pressure gage (1) until the tank is approximately two feet high. From
that point on, periodically check the exact tank pressure by closing the 4-inch filler/discharge valve (2)
on the tank to obtain a precise tank pressure reading.
11. After the pressure reading has been taken, open the 4-inch filler/discharge valve (2) on the tank and
resume filling to 2-3 PSIG (14-21 kPa).
12. Open the relief valve on the top of the tank until water flows from the valve.
13. Tighten the belts with the ratchet handle then tighten the belts to maximum possible with one hand on
the ratchet handle. The second hand should be used to steady the ratchet assembly so that the belt
will wind flat and true. After tightening each ratchet assembly, see that the ratchet handle has
dropped securely into the locking mechanism. When all ratchet assemblies have been tightened
uniformly, the pressure in the tank will be increased approximately .25 PSI (2 kPa).
