system should be secured and all valves closed to
prevent movement of this coolant.
You should start at the highest point in the
waveguide system and work down to the flooded area
of the waveguide. By proper isolation of the flooded
waveguide, the extent of repairs can be minimized.
Ensure that you do not have trapped coolant in the
dry-air lines. Electrical power should be secured and
tagged out to prevent a shock hazard because of water
that has spilled.
CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE
First drain the contaminated waveguide by opening
the waveguide at convenient points. Next, remove the
components to a clean work area, being careful not to
damage them. You should mark each piece to indicate
its location and position so that it can be properly
reinstalled.
Each section of waveguide has to be cleaned by
scrubbing it inside and out with hot soapy water. Long
sections of waveguide can be cleaned by pulling a clean
lint-free rag through each section. A soft cotton cord
(not waxed lacing cord) can be used to accomplish this.
The rag should be pulled through each section in both
directions. You must use extreme care to avoid damage
to such things as attenuator vanes (thin glass) or
termination load pieces inside the waveguide
components.
Some waveguide components are epoxyed together,
and it may not be possible to disassemble them. After
cleaning components of this type with hot soapy water,
rinse each piece with hot fresh water and then with hot
distilled water. Dry each component, and then inspect
the interior for damage with a very bright light. (Do
NOT use a flashlight because it is not bright enough.)
In some cases, the removal, installation, and calibration
of balanced waveguide runs in the antenna are
considered beyond ships force capability. This is
because of the special tools and test equipment required.
The waveguide should be reassembled with new
gaskets. Also, all damaged or broken components
should be replaced.
Purge all air lines before
reconnecting to the waveguide. After assembly, the
waveguide should be purged with dry air for several
hours. This is done before the use of the waveguide to
ensure the removal of all moisture.
Also, before the use of waveguides, you should
inspect other water-cooled components for possible
deterioration. By completing this step, you can prevent
a reoccurrence of waveguide flooding caused by
oxidation or dirt buildup on the coolant side of the
high-power components.
COOLING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
RESPONSIBILITY
The most important responsibility that you have that
will extend the life of the cooling system components
and increase the reliability of the cooling system is how
you schedule and perform preventive and corrective
maintenance according to the Planned Maintenance
System (PMS).
Properly performed preventive
maintenance drastically reduces the amount of
corrective maintenance necessary.
When cooling
systems are neglected, they deteriorate very quickly. To
restore the cooling system back to its proper
performance, you may have to undertake extreme and
costly repairs.
The PM responsibility of the cooling system varies
from one system to another, On some systems, you will
find that the engineering department has the total
responsibility of preventive and corrective
maintenance. On other systems, youll find that you,
(the ET), share the maintenance responsibility jointly
with the engineering department.
In these situations, the ETs would probably perform
the preventive maintenance and the engineers would
perform the corrective maintenance on major
components.
On those cooling skid systems (such as the SPS-49
radar) that are the sole responsibility of the ETs, you will
be assigned the responsibility of maintaining the cooling
system. Employing both preventive and connective
maintenance procedures in accordance with the
maintenance requirement cards (MRCs) maximum
operation and dependability of the cooling system can
be achieved.
SUMMARY
In this chapter, you have been introduced to the
various types of cooling systems for electronic
equipment. You have studied the function and operation
of major components within the liquid ceding system.
These topics have provided you with the fundamental
knowledge of their operation so that after some
hands-on training you can maintain them with
confidence. For a more detailed explanation of specific
equipment or system, consult the manufacturers
technical manual.
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