TM 5-3895-368-14&P Section I. - INTRODUCTION 1-1. Description. a.  This manual provides instructions for operation and service and lists repair parts for the Chausse Model STMD-3000A, asphalt de-drumming melter, manufactured  by  Chausse  Manufacturing  Co.,  Inc.    The unit consists of a de-drumming tunnel and a 3000 gallon capacity, heated storage tank.  The tunnel is constructed to  handle  a  maximum  of  six,  55  gallon  drums  at  one time,  with  a  melting  rate  of  750  gallons  per  hour  of  85- 100  penetration  asphalt  cement.    The  melted   cement can    be    maintained    in    the    storage    tank    at    pouring temperature  (235°F.),  and  transferred  to  bulk  storage tanks  or  distributors  by  means  of  a  separately  supplied asphalt pump.  Figure 1-1, identifies  major  components and    features    of    the    melter    in    its    basic    operating configuration. b.  The tunnel and storage tank are equipped with heat    dissipating    coiled    piping,    interconnected    with removable external piping and valves to permit control of heat transfer medium.  A separately supplied heat supply must  provide  1,  000,  000  BTU  per  hour  to  the  melter. Circulating hot oil is recommended as the most efficient heat  transfer  medium.    When  oil  is  not  available,  hot water or steam can be substituted, but only when proper safety  devices  are  installed  in  the  heat  transfer  piping system. c.  Attached to the front of the asphalt melter is a loading   platform   with   an   electric   hoist   to   assist   the operator in loading asphalt drums in the tunnel.  A ladder provides access to the load platform.  A discharge chute is attached to the rear to receive  empty  drums.   A  gate on  the  bottom  of  the  discharge  chute  holds  the  empty drums from one charge of the tunnel, allowing controlled removal of empty drums. d.        Right    and    left    sides    of    the    melter    are determined by standing at the rear of the melter, looking forward. 1-2. Tabulated Data. Model ...................................... STMD-3000A De-drumming Rate ................. 750 GPH Tunnel Capacity...................... 6 - 55 Gal. Drums Storage Tank Capacity ........... 3000 Gal. Hoist Capacity......................... 1000 pounds Heat Requirement .................. 1,000,000 BTU/Hr. Heat Transfer Piping............... 2 inch Asphalt Piping......................... 3 inch Shipping Dimensions: Height ...............................102 inches Width ................................79 inches Length...............................209 inches Weight (Clean) .................12, 100 pounds Operating Dimensions: Height  (Top of tunnel)......145.75 inches (Top of hoist) ....................155 inches (Drum loading platform)....75 inches Width ................................91 inches Length...............................370 inches Weight (Clean) .................12, 100 pounds 1-3. Safety Precautions. a.    When  lifting  unit  in  shipping  configuration,  do not use lifting eyes of tunnel.  Attach lifting sling to eyes in  ends  of  skid  rails  and  guide  sling  cables  over  the stand-off guard at front and rear of unit. b.        Operator    must    wear    Personal    Protective Equipment  while  working  with  hot  asphalt.    Full  face shield,    leather  or  rubber  safety  shoes,  heavy  insulated gloves,    and    protective    clothing    such    as    coveralls covering all exposed skin on arms and legs. c.    Do  not  operate  unit  in  the  rain.    Operation  of melter  during  rain  may  cause  the  asphalt  to  boil  and catch fire.  After a rain or during humid conditions, open the tunnel doors and dry the unit before operating.  Keep the    heat    transfer    piping    system    full    to    minimize condensation. d.    Keep  an  accurate  record  of  the  amount  of asphalt that is de-drummed.  Do not overfill the storage tank,  maximum capacity is 3000 gallons. e.      Allow   unit   to   cool   to   ambient   temperature before starting cleaning operations or dismantling of unit. f.    Use  only  approved  type  solvents.    Do  not  use gasoline or diesel fuel to clean equipment parts, clothing, floors, etc., or for any cleaning purposes. g.  During operation, associated equipment to  the melter,  (generator,  hot  oil  heater)  produce  noise  levels that  exceed  85  dB.    Wear  approved  hearing  protection devices. h.  When using hoist:  do not lift  more than rated load; do not pull load at an angle, be sure hoist and load are  in  a  straight  line;  do  not  operate  a  damaged  or malfunctioning  hoist;  do  not  operate  hoist  with  twisted, kinked or damaged chain. i.  Do not lift personnel with hoist, or lift load over personnel. 1-1