TM 3-4230-237-10
0008 00
MIXING CHEMICALS OTHER THAN STB IN TANK
CAUTION
Never run anything other than clear water through the water heater. Always heat water to desired
temperature before adding chemicals.
NOTE
Protective clothes and their use are contained in TM 10-8415-209-10.
Chemicals other than STB may be mixed in the tank. Below are the procedures for mixing four of those chemicals, sodium
hydroxide (Page 0028 00-3, item 24), sodium carbonate (soda ash) (Page 0028 00-3, item 23), calcium hypochlorite
(Page 0028 00-2, item 6), and sodium hypochlorite. In general, chemicals which are water soluble and in powdered or
granular form must be mixed in the tank using the tank hopper-blender and blender connection. Refer to FM 3-11.5, NBC
Sodium Hydroxide
WARNING
When mixing, blending, or spraying sodium hydroxide solution, personnel must wear full rubber protective
clothing, gloves, boots, and mask, as even a five percent solution will eat away woolen or cotton clothing.
Avoid contact with the skin or eyes and avoid breathing the dust.
NOTE
Sodium hydroxide, commonly called caustic soda (or lye), dissolves easily in water. When dissolved in
water, caustic soda generates a considerable amount of heat. A solution of water and caustic soda will
destroy G-agents on contact.
For fast decontamination, spray heated rather than cold solutions of this decontaminant. The heat hastens the neutralizing
actions of the decontaminating agent. Sodium hydroxide (Page 0028 00-3, item 24) is available in 100-pound drums.
1. Fill the tank unit assembly with 350 gallons of water. See Page 0007 00-12 for hose, fuel, and electrical connections for
heating water in tank. Heat the water to a temperature of 150-170F. After heating the water, place heater THERMOSTAT
to OFF. Continue circulating water for 2 minutes through the heater, then turn HEATER ON/OFF switch to OFF.
0008 00-9
