| Tweet |
Custom Search
|
|
|
||
 TM 55-1905-223-SDC
When possible, first reduce the area of the hole by driving in softwood wedges. They are not to be driven in
too far or they will retard the flow of fluids. The wedges are then to be trimmed flush with the outside of the
pipe, after which the area is to be covered with a strip of sheet or rubber packing tightly held in place by two
layers of marline or wire. The packing must extend about 2 inches on either side of the hole.
_________
WARNING
The use of white lead or red lead paint on any fresh water pipe is
prohibited, even in an emergency, due to the potentially toxic hazard of
addition of lead to water that may be used for drinking. Personal injury
could result.
The soft patch can be modified or improved to suit immediate conditions. Often it is advisable to have a
curved plate of lightweight sheet metal between the packing and binding. A coat of white or red lead on the
face of the packing also helps. Small solid rubber balls also can be used to patch holes in pipes. The ball is
placed over the hole and secured by banding, wiring, shoring, or wedging.
Marline and oakum have been used successfully as a caulking material in cracks. In many cases, as on
sharp curves, it is not possible to use sheet packing, but combinations of wedges, marline and various
plastics will often make effective patches.
d. Wooden plugs. Wooden plugs covered with cloth have stopped many jagged holes in piping.
Sometimes, combinations of plugs may be used. Set up on the plugs with a hammer and try to secure them
in place with clamps or wires. Otherwise they may work out under pressure. If the hole is not too large, it
may be drilled and tapped for inserting a screw plug.
e. Thumb clamps and C-clamps. C-clamps and thumb clamps may be used to hold plugs or patches in
place. For example, a block of soft wood may be rough-shaped to fit over a damaged area in a pipe, and the
pad may be held in place tightly with two thumb clamps. Care must be taken to reinspect patches held in
place by clamps as they have a tendency to work loose under shock or vibration.
f. Caulking with hammer and chisel. Light caulking with hammer and chisel has sometimes been used
to close small crack leaks, especially adjacent to flanges. There is always a danger of opening the crack even
wider.
g. Welding and brazing. Welding, brazing, and silver soldering can be used to repair leaks, especially at
the joint between pipe and flanges. However, these methods are slow, are not reliable in the hands of
unskilled personnel, and may lead to fires and explosions. Therefore, their use in combat is limited.
h. Gasoline or other flammable fluid lines. Soft patches are not recommended for gasoline or other
flammable fluid lines because the slightest leak would create a tremendous fire hazard. It is far safer to
renew the damaged section. The plastic patch can be used as an emergency repair.
8-14
|
||
|
||
