CHAPTER B3 
BALLOON INFLATION AND ASSEMBLY OF TRAIN 
ils Storage and Handling of Balloons. Balloons will be storedin their 
original sealed containers, and in a room isolated from large electric 
motors or generators. Motors and generators emit ozone which is detri- 
mental to neoprene. Ideal temperature for storage wouldbe in the range 
50° to 85°F. Temperatures below 32°F and above 110°F should be avoided 
during storage. Balloons deteriorate with age; therefore, they should be 
used in the order of their production dates to avoid excessive aging. If by 
necessity balloons are stored at temperatures below 50°F ., they should 
be removed to a room having temperatures of 70°F or higher for at least 
48 hours before use to avoid any damage that would result if removed 
from the container and unfolded when cold. The balloons are extremely 
delicate, especially when softened by conditioning. No partof the balloon 
except the neck should be touched with bare hands, Soft rubber gloves, 
soft cotton gloves, or the plastic bag in which the balloon was received, 
used as a glove, shouldbe used to handle any portion other than the neck 
of the balloon. 
1.1 Balloon Conditioning. As a result of exposure to relatively low 
temperatures and of extended periods in storage, neoprene balloons 
suffer a partial loss of elasticity through crystallization. Neoprene bal- 
loons used in this state will burst prematurely. Therefore, to insure 
maximum elasticity possible, all neoprene balloons will be conditioned, 
or not conditioned, before release in accordance with instructions in the 
following paragraphs. 
1.2 When to Condition Balloons. Balloons that are less than one year 
old and that have not been stored in sub-freezing temperatures may be 
used without conditioning. All balloons that are one year or more old, or 
that have been stored in sub-freezing temperatures, must be conditioned 
before they are inflated usingeither the hot water or electric conditioner 
method. The hot water method will be used only when the electric con- 
ditioner is inoperative or not available at the station. Some stations may 
prefer to condition balloons for night flight, even though they are less 
than a year old and have not been stored in sub-freezing temperatures, 
1.3 Electric Conditioning Method. When the electric balloon condi- 
tioner is used, balloons will be conditioned for a minimum of 12 hours 
at temperatures ranging between 60° and 65°C (or 140°to160°F) and at a 
relative humidity near 100 percent. Four balloons may be kept in the 
conditioner at one time. Balloons should be conditionedno more than 72 
hours. The balloon should be removed from the polyethylene bag, un- 
folded, and placed in its cardboard box to permit uniform conditioning. 
LoS Oy) B3-1 FMH#3 
