TM 10-6640-233-10
Section III. TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
1-18.
Functional Description of AOAP Mobile Laboratory Support Systems. The following paragraphs describe
the systems designed to support the AOAP Mobile laboratory. For details of major equipment, refer to the appropriate
equipment manual.
a. The semitrailer is divided into three individual compartments. Each compartment is separated from the next by
insulated metal bulkhead. The bulkheads separate the receiving compartment from the main laboratory, and the main
laboratory from the mechanical room. The forward bulkhead has a latched and lockable door capable of being latched
during transit. The aft bulkhead helps control the ambient temperature within the main laboratory by providing a separate
compartment for the receipt of samples and personnel entry and exit. Undercarriage compartments provided for stowage
of miscellaneous gear and overpack items (i.e., power reel, hosing, two 12-volt batteries, access ladders, etc.). These
compartments are separable to facilitate air transport (C 141 & C5A/B) of the AOAP Mobile laboratory. The AOAP
Mobile laboratory floor is of laminar design. It consists of formed aluminum sheets, polyurethane foam formed in place,
and a marine plywood subfloor with linoleum over it. Structural members that are on 16-inch centers and run the length
of the trailer provide load support adequate for equipment and personnel. The interior ceiling of the AOAP Mobile
laboratory contains the environmental air plenum and the fluorescent light fixtures. The light fixtures are contained within
hinged panels which are adjacent to the centrally located air duct. The hinged panels run the entire length of the
laboratory ceiling and provide access to both the light fixtures and the corresponding portion of the power distribution
system. The main and aft compartments have solid epoxy countertops, with steel cabinetry below. They are located on
the roadside and curbside wall areas which are not occupied by major floor-mounted equipment. The countertops serve
as mounting surfaces for smaller major items. Support apparatus and devices are located within the cabinets. The
cabinetry does not block or interface with the aisle or means of exit from any compartment.
b. Environmental Control System. The four Environmental Control Units (ECUs) are identical units, each with its
own controller. They operate on 208V, 60Hz, 3-phase power and are rated at 18,000 BTUs per hour when cooling and
12,000 BTUs per hour when heating. They are in fact heat pumps and provide both cooling and heating for the
laboratory. During the purge cycle, their blowers are utilized to over pressurize the laboratory and expel any explosive
gases. They are installed on the front wall, exterior of the semitrailer. The units do not transfer vibration to the
semitrailer nor are air leaks present at the intake or supply interface. The units are grounded and piping is provided to
remove the condensate from the air conditioning units to an outboard position on the roadside of the trailer. The
environmental controls are located in one panel/switchbox positioned in the main laboratory compartment, on the forward
roadside wall adjacent to the fume hood. The air conditioning portion of the control consists of two rotary switches and
one external thermostat. ECU controls No.1, 2 and 3 activate the three environmental control units supplying air to the
general environment duct. ECU control No.1, paired with an internal thermostat located within the computer cabinet,
activates and controls the environmental control unit supplying air to the equipment plenum. The heating controls consist
of two rotary switches, one for the equipment plenum and one for the general environment duct, neither of which
functions without the corresponding air circulating fans located within the environmental control units in operation.
Indicator lights are incorporated in the environmental control panel as an indication of operational feedback. Green is
used as an indication of normal computer operation.
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