IBS=2 
BALLOON INFLATION AND ASSEMBLY OF TRAIN 
1.4 Hot-Water Conditioning Method. Hot-water balloon conditioning 
consists of immersing the balloon in water for at least five minutes as 
follows: 
a. 
1-1-69 
Prepare the balloon for hot-water conditioning as follows: 
(1) Open the box and bag containing the balloon and lift out the 
balloon neck. 
(2) Insert a small wooden plug in the neck of the balloon, or 
tie the neck of the balloon tightly with soft twine or a 
heavy rubber band. Closing the neck of the balloon which 
will be submerged in water will prevent the water from 
entering the balloon. 
The container in which the balloon is tobe conditioned should 
be made of smooth porcelain or non-corrosive metal. The 
walls of the container should be kept smooth and the top rim 
should be rolled, ground or filed smooth so that the balloon 
will not be scratched. The container should be of sufficient 
size so that the balloon may be completely immersed, 
A metal pan or tray will be placed in the bottom of the con- 
tainer over the heat source to cover hot spots. When the water 
is brought to a boil, turn off the heat source. 
Remove the balloon and bag from the box. Hold the neck of the 
balloon and ease the balloon out of the bag and into the con- 
ditioning tank, using a rod tokeep the balloon submerged. The 
rod should be of either bakelite or hard rubber, not less than 
1/2-inch in diameter, with a smooth, rounded edge. If it is 
necessary to use a wooden rod, the end used to submerge the 
balloon should be padded with cloth, rubber or other soft ma- 
terial. Keep the balloon moving in the water to insure that it 
is heated uniformly. 
After 5 minutes, remove the balloon from the conditioning 
tank by raising the neck and folding the remainder onto a 
gloved hand or rod. Allow the balloon to drain as it is removed 
from the water, or if possible, place the balloon on a smooth 
tray and permit the water to drain off. Use the tray to carry 
the balloon to the inflation area. Do not open the neck until 
the inflation nozzle is to be inserted. 
FMH#3 
