TM 5-3895-358-14&P
Section IV. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
4-1. Cleaning Instructions
a. Periodic clean out of residue and sludge provides for a more efficient operation of the Asphalt Melter; and
when moving the melter to a new worksite, reduces the overall weight also.
b. Effort required to clean out the asphalt melter can be held to a minimum by draining all asphalt material,
when hot, before unit is shut down. Remove the rear drain cap (2, Figure 6-4) to drain the storage tank.
CAUTION
Allow unit to cool to ambient temperature before starting cleaning
operations or dismantling of unit.
c. Before beginning clean out procedures, the unit must be partially dismantled to gain access to the storage
tank (see paragraphs 4-2 and 5-1). Do not disassemble the melter farther than needed. To properly clean
storage tank the storage tank heating coil (39, Figure 6-4) must be removed.
WARNING
When using kerosene or diesel fuel as a cleaning solvent, no open flame
should be within 50 feet of the melter. Flash point of kerosene is 100-
160 F., providing the potential of explosion of vapors.
d. Clean walls and floor of storage tank and tunnel support beams by scraping. With proper precautions
kerosene, diesel fuel, or other cleaning solvent (as recommended for use with asphalt cement) may be used.
e. The asphalt flexible hose and disconnect couplings may be cleaned by soaking in a trough filled with the
desired cleaning solvent.
f. Allow the unit to thoroughly air dry before attempting to reassemble the melter.
4-2. Maintenance Instructions
a. The asphalt melter, as designed and' constructed, is virtually maintenance free. Most all damage or
deterioration of the melter will be the direct result of careless operation or handling during installation and/or
disassembly.
b. During operation, make periodic inspection of all hot oil piping connections for signs of leakage.
Inspection of the three piping connections inside storage tank, must be done when asphalt cement has been
drained from the tank. Tighten all leaking connections or replace ring gasket(s) as required.
c. The three, 2-inch gate valves, used in the hot oil piping, are each equipped with stem packings. Tighten
packing nut, if signs of oil leakage is evident around the stem.
d. Should there be signs of oil contaminating the asphalt cement, first check the three hot oil piping
connections inside the storage tank. If no leakage is evident, inspect for broken weld on coil piping inside the
storage tank or tunnel. Tighten flange bolts or weld piping as necessary.
e. Disassembly of melter for repair or parts replacement is essentially reverse of installation instructions
f. Replace storage tank heating coil (39, Figure 6-4) as follows:
(1) Drain storage tank (paragraph 4-1).
(2) Remove four holddown bars (34, Figure 6-4).
(3) Remove eight bolts and nuts which secure coil connector pipe (35), and remove the connector pipe and
two ring gaskets (38).
(4) Remove four bolts and nuts from lower flanged coil connection, and lift coil (39) from the storage tank.
Remove ring gasket (38) from face of flanges.
(5) Using new ring gaskets (38), install the storage tank heating coil (39) in reverse of instructions of
paragraphs (1) through (4) above.
g. Refer to figures 6-1 through 6-4 for identification and location of components, removing, repairing or
replacing as required.
4-1
