Vaisala FB13 User manual

Vaisala Filling Balance
FB13
USER'S GUIDE
M210768EN-A
March 2006

PUBLISHED BY
Vaisala Oyj Phone (int.): [phone]
P.O. Box 26 Fax: [phone]
FIN-00421 Helsinki
Finland
Visit our Internet pages at http://www.vaisala.com/
© Vaisala 2006
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical (including photocopying), nor may its contents be
communicated to a third party without prior written permission of the copyright
holder.
The contents are subject to change without prior notice.
Please observe that this manual does not create any legally binding obligations for
Vaisala towards the customer or end user. All legally binding commitments and
agreements are included exclusively in the applicable supply contract or
Conditions of Sale.

________________________________________________________________________________
VAISALA ________________________________________________________________________ 1
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION............................................................................ 3
About This Manual ................................................................... 3
Contents of This Manual ....................................................... 3
Version Information ............................................................... 4
Related Manuals ................................................................... 4
General Safety Considerations ............................................. 4
Feedback............................................................................... 5
Product Related Safety Precautions ...................................... 5
Recycling .................................................................................. 5
Warranty.................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW.................................................................................. 7
Introduction to Vaisala Filling Balance FB13 ........................ 7
CHAPTER 3
OPERATION................................................................................................. 11
Regulations for Balloon Filling Sheds ................................. 11
Treatment of the Balloon before Inflation............................ 12
Storage................................................................................ 12
Low Altitude Burst ............................................................... 12
Selecting the Filling Balance Weight ................................... 13
Filling the Balloon .................................................................. 14
CHAPTER 4
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................. 15
Troubleshooting Procedure .................................................. 15
Technical Support .................................................................. 15
APPENDIX A
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR BALLOON OPERATORS ........................ 17

User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
2 ___________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
List of Figures
Figure 1 Filling Balance FB13...................................................................8
Figure 2 Balloon Bursting Altitude ..........................................................13
List of Tables
Table 1 Manual Revisions .......................................................................4
Table 2 Related Manuals.........................................................................4
Table 3 Filling Balance FB13 Parts List...................................................8
Table 4 Filling Balance Determination...................................................14

Chapter 1 ________________________________________________________ General Information
VAISALA ________________________________________________________________________ 3
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
This chapter provides general notes for the manual and the product.
About This Manual
This manual provides information for installing operating, and
maintaining Vaisala Filling Balance FB13.
Contents of This Manual
This manual consists of the following chapters:
- Chapter 1, General Information, provides general notes for the
manual and the product.
- Chapter 2, Product Overview, introduces the features and
advantages of FB13.
- Chapter 3, Operation, contains information that is needed to
operate FB13.
- Chapter 4, Troubleshooting, describes the troubleshooting
procedure and contact information for technical support.
- Appendix A, provides safety instructions for radiosonde operators

User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
4 ___________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
Version Information
Table 1 Manual Revisions
Manual Code Description
M210768EN-A This manual. Replaces the previous version.
U235EN1.2 Previous version. Note the different manual code.
Related Manuals
Table 2 Related Manuals
Manual Code Manual Name
M210295EN Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-SGP User's Guide
M210696EN Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-AM User's Guide
M210299EN Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-KL, RS92-K, RS92-KLE,
RS92-KE User's Guide
General Safety Considerations
Throughout the manual, important safety considerations are
highlighted as follows:
WARNING Warning alerts you to a serious hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions very carefully at this point, there is a risk of injury or
even death.
CAUTION Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you do not read and
follow instructions carefully at this point, the product could be
damaged or important data could be lost.
NOTE Note highlights important information on using the product.

Chapter 1 ________________________________________________________ General Information
VAISALA ________________________________________________________________________ 5
Feedback
Vaisala Customer Documentation Team welcomes your comments
and suggestions on the quality and usefulness of this publication. If
you find errors or have other suggestions for improvement, please
indicate the chapter, section, and page number. You can send
comments to us by e-mail: [email protected]
Product Related Safety Precautions
FB13 delivered to you has been tested for safety and approved as
shipped from the factory. Note the following precautions:
WARNING Ground the product, and verify outdoor installation grounding
periodically to minimize shock hazard.
CAUTION Do not modify the unit. Improper modification can damage the
product or lead to malfunction.
Recycling
Recycle all applicable material.
Dispose of batteries and the unit according to statutory regulations.
Do not dispose of with regular household refuse.

User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
6 ___________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
Warranty
For certain products Vaisala normally gives a limited one-year
warranty. Please observe that any such warranty may not be valid in
case of damage due to normal wear and tear, exceptional operating
conditions, negligent handling or installation, or unauthorized
modifications. Please see the applicable supply contract or Conditions
of Sale for details of the warranty for each product.

Chapter 2 __________________________________________________________ Product Overview
VAISALA ________________________________________________________________________ 7
CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This chapter introduces the features and advantages of FB13.
Introduction to Vaisala Filling Balance FB13
Vaisala Filling Balance FB13 facilitates the use of radiosondes. It is
used as ballast for obtaining the correct nozzle lift (free lift plus
payload) for the sounding balloon. Nozzle lift refers to the weight a
balloon is capable of lifting when filled. In addition, the balance also
acts as a gas inflation pipe.
FB13 contains two different nozzles for convenient attachment of
balloons with small and large neck diameters. The balloon neck is
secured on the nozzle with a spring clamp. Each nozzle has a clamp of
its own and the nozzles are easily interchangeable.
During balloon filling, the required nozzle lift is obtained by loading
the nozzle with additional weight. The nozzle lifts from 1 kg to 2.5 kg
(from 2 lb 4 oz to 5 lb 9 oz) can be obtained by loading weights in
intervals of 0.1 kg (3½ oz) onto the nozzle. See Table 3 on page 8 for
details.

User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
8 ___________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
0603-033
Figure 1 Filling Balance FB13
The following numbers refer to:
1 = Nozzle
2 = Spring clamp
3 = Weight
Table 3 Filling Balance FB13 Parts List
Part Weight Quantity
Nozzle ∅42 1 kg 1
Nozzle ∅30 1 kg 1
Clamp 2
Additional weight 0.1 kg 1
Additional weight 0.2 kg 1
Additional weight 0.4 kg 3
All parts of the FB13 are made of stainless steel. The weights make a
good metallic contact to ease the grounding of the balance in order to
remove possible static electricity formed during the balloon inflation.
The side tube of the balance is connected to the gas cylinder or gas
piping system with a flexible plastic hose (inner diameter 1/2"). It is
recommended that the gas cylinders should be furnished with a
pressure reducing valve, although a simple screw valve will do in
need.

Chapter 2 __________________________________________________________ Product Overview
VAISALA ________________________________________________________________________ 9
Pressure reducing valves of conventional type are provided with built-
in back pressure valves and two pressure meters. The first pressure
meter indicates the pressure inside the cylinder, and is a gauge for
estimating how much gas is left in the cylinder. The second is a low
pressure meter that indicates the highest permissible pressure on the
outflowing gas. This pressure must be adjusted according to the
required speed of gas flow.
The sounding balloons can be inflated either with hydrogen or with
helium. Hydrogen has a slightly greater lifting power than helium, it is
much cheaper than helium, and it is usually available in most parts of
the world. Hydrogen is delivered compressed in steel cylinders, or it
can be generated locally by stationary or portable generators.
Hydrogen is, however, a highly explosive gas when mixed with air.
The risk of fire or explosion can be minimized if precautions are
strictly taken into account in organizing the balloon filling room and
working procedures. See instructions for the safe operation given in
sections Regulations for Balloon Filling Sheds and Safety Instructions
for Balloon Operators.

User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
10 __________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
This page intentionally left blank.

Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
VAISALA _______________________________________________________________________ 11
CHAPTER 3
OPERATION
This chapter contains information that is needed to operate FB13.
Regulations for Balloon Filling Sheds
1. The balloon filling shed must be spacious enough for convenient
handling of all balloon types in normal use.
2. The door (or doors) must be wide enough to allow free passage
of inflated balloon without the risk of touching sharp corners,
etc. The door should be on the lee side of the prevailing winds.
3. Good ventilation must be provided also when the doors are
closed.
4. All electrical installations, both permanent and temporary, must
be of spark proof construction. Regular inspections must be
carried out.
5. The inflation nozzle (Vaisala Filling Balance FB13) must be
connected to ground through a metal plate, fixed to the floor,
which in turn is permanently connected to a well-grounded
piping or some other construction with good earth contact.
NOTE Study carefully also the safety instructions for balloon operators in
Appendix A, and place the instructions in clear view in the balloon-
filling shed.

User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
12 __________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
Treatment of the Balloon before Inflation
Radiosonde balloons are made either of natural rubber or of neoprene
(synthetic rubber). The normal thickness of the balloon inflated for
release is from 0.05 to 0.1 mm, decreasing to 0.003 mm at the bursting
altitude. The diameter if the balloon is 1...1.5 meter on release and it
expands to 5...10 meters before bursting.
These figures imply that the smallest damage occurred during the
preflight preparation will most certainly result in a low altitude burst.
If the maximum height has to be reached, the balloon must be handled
with utmost care during the preparations for the flight.
Storage
It is most important that the radiosonde balloons are correctly stored if
they will be use after several months of storage. To store the balloons
correctly:
1. Restrict the balloon stock to the minimum. Prefer frequent
deliveries, wherever possible, over purchases in large quantities
with consequential long storage periods.
2. To avoid the use of balloons which have been stored for a long
time, use balloons always in the order of their date of
manufacture.
3. Store the balloons away from direct sunlight and, if possible, in
dark.
4. Never store balloons close to any source of heat or ozone.
Neoprene balloons, in particular, will deteriorate if exposed to
the ozone generated by large electric generators and other
appliances.
5. Keep all the balloons in their original packing until required for
their preflight preparations.
Low Altitude Burst
The majority of radiosonde ascents that do not reach the maximum
altitude end to the premature bursting of the balloon. The premature
bursting of the balloon is most frequently caused by:
- The use of balloons of inferior quality.
- Careless or faulty balloon handling techniques.

Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
VAISALA _______________________________________________________________________ 13
Selecting the Filling Balance Weight
The proper filling balance weight depends on the weight of the
payload (radiosonde and possible extra equipment) and the weight and
shape of the balloon. The proper filling balance weight can be found
using the curves on Figure 2 and information in Table 4.
Figure 2 illustrates the estimated bursting altitudes for balloons of
different weight, material, and carrying different payloads. For
example, when a 200 g TA balloon is loaded with a Vaisala
radiosonde, the estimated bursting altitude for the balloon is in 21
kilometers.
0603-035
Figure 2 Balloon Bursting Altitude
To achieve the rate of ascent of 320 m/min, the required nozzle lift is
determined according to Table 4. For example, for Vaisala
Radiosonde (300 g) lifted by a 200 g balloon, the required nozzle lift
is 790 g.

User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
14 __________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
Table 4 Filling Balance Determination
Vaisala Radiosonde (300 g) Vaisala Radiosonde with Ozone
sensor (1000 g)
Balloon Weight (g) 200 350 500 800 1000 1200 1000 1200 2000 3000
Nozzle Lift (g) 790 885 955 1270 1360 1540 2060 2240 2470 2720
The filling balance weight (or nozzle lift) refers to the amount of
weight the balloon is capable of lifting when filled. In other words, it
is the amount of weight that needs to be loaded during balloon filling
(FB13 nozzle and weights).
Filling the Balloon
NOTE Check visually that all of the balloons to be filled are structurally
sound and have no perforations or other apparent defects in the nozzle
section.
To fill the balloon, do the following:
1. Connect the side tube of the filling balance to the pressure
reducing valve on the gas cylinder (or hydrogen generator) with
a flexible plastic hose.
2. Select the nozzle which best fits into the neck of the balloon to
be used.
3. Load the additional weights that are needed to obtain the
required lift.
4. Secure the neck of the balloon to the balance nozzle with a
clamp. Look out for sharp objects near the filling balance so that
no damage is caused to the relaxed balloon when it rests on its
bed.
5. Turn on the gas from the pressure reducing valve. Let the gas
flow slowly into the balloon.
6. When the balloon is sufficiently filled, i.e. the balloon just raises
the balance, turn off the gas and tie the neck of the balloon
above the balance nozzle with approximately 0.5 m (2 ft) bit of
string. Remove the balloon from the nozzle.
NOTE While the balloon filling instructions in this manual are based on
Totex balloons, they can also be applied when other meteorological
balloons are being used.

Chapter 4 ___________________________________________________________ Troubleshooting
VAISALA _______________________________________________________________________ 15
CHAPTER 4
TROUBLESHOOTING
This chapter describes the troubleshooting procedure and contact
information for technical support.
Troubleshooting Procedure
When troubleshooting the product, write a problem report consisting
of the following issues:
- What failed (what worked / did not work)?
- Where did it fail (location and environment)?
- When did it fail (date, immediately / after a while / periodically /
randomly)?
- How many failed (only one defect / other same or similar defects /
several failures in one unit)?
- What was done when the failure was noticed?
Technical Support
For technical questions, contact the Vaisala technical support:
E-mail [email protected]
Fax [phone]

User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
16 __________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
If the product needs repair, please follow the instructions below to
speed up the process and to avoid extra costs to you.
1. Read the warranty information.
2. Contact Vaisala technical support via e-mail or fax and request
for RMA (Return Material Authorization) and shipping
instructions.
3. Proceed as instructed by Vaisala technical support.
NOTE RMA must always be requested from Vaisala technical support
before returning any faulty material.

Appendix A _______________________________________ Safety Instructions for Balloon Operators
VAISALA _______________________________________________________________________ 17
APPENDIX A
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
BALLOON OPERATORS
The safety instructions for radiosonde operators are provided on the
following page for your convenience. Photocopy the instructions and
place the list in clear view inside the balloon-filling shed and in the
sounding compartment.
1. No smoking or naked flame is allowed.
2. If possible, avoid wearing clothing of nylon or other synthetic
fabric to avoid buildup of static charges. Do not use shoes with
rubber soles.
3. Wear protective glasses.
4. Regularly check the gas tube for secure fit to the gas cylinder or
generator nozzle and to the balloon inflation nozzle.
5. Take care to prevent a gas leak in the shed when interrupting
inflation to replace gas cylinder.
6. Never use a repaired balloon.
7. Should a leak develop in the balloon during inflation, do not let
off gas from the balloon in the shed. Instead, release the
defective balloon without load. It is not advisable to deflate the
balloon even outside near the shed.
8. Do not touch the balloon with bare hands except when holding it
by the neck. Use gloves of soft cotton.
9. Ensure that there are no pointed objects in the shed. Nails,
hooks, hinges, padlocks, etc., are dangerous as they might
scratch the inflated balloon. The balloon film is only 0.05 - 0.1
mm thick upon launch, a slightest scratch could cause premature
or even immediate burst in the shed.

User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
18 __________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
10. Keep the doors of the shed shut while inflating the balloon on a
windy day. Despite this, ensure that the shed is properly
ventilated.
11. No outside person shall be allowed admittance to the shed while
the hydrogen generator is in operation or balloon inflation is
going on.
12. Ensure that all tools and other implements not essential for
balloon inflation have been removed from the shed.
WARNING New operator! Study carefully the instructions for use of the
hydrogen generator and for the correct way of inflation.