Balloon Filling Unit Operations

Questions and Answers

What is the first step that should be taken when setting up the Balloon Filling Unit?

Hammer the earthing rod into the earth

Ensure the cylinder valve is open

Connect the flexible pressure tube to the cylinder

Place the pedestal on stable ground (correct)

Where should the other end of the earthing cable be connected during assembly?

To the pressure reduction valve

To a properly earthed connector (correct)

Directly to the pressure gauge

To the flexible pressure tube

Which component must be fixed to the hydrogen cylinder before filling the balloon?

Yellow blow-off valve

Earthing rod

Pressure reduction valve (correct)

Flexible pressure tube

What precaution should be taken regarding the yellow blow-off valve during assembly?

It should be closed before connecting the tube Signup and view all the answers

When connecting the flexible pressure tube, which tool is specified for use?

Provided wrench Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured about the pressure gauge when setting up the balloon filling unit?

It should be fully tight to prevent gas leaks Signup and view all the answers

Which step follows the connection of the earthing cable to the pedestal?

Connect the earthing cable to the earthing rod Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the flexible pressure tube in the balloon filling process?

To allow gas to flow into the balloon Signup and view all the answers

In the assembly process, what is a common mistake regarding the pressure reduction valve?

Not securing it with a wrench Signup and view all the answers

What is the final check to perform before beginning to fill the balloon?

Verify that the cylinder valve and reduction valve are closed Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the nozzle of the Balloon Filling Unit does not move smoothly?

Lubricate the moving elements with the provided grease. Signup and view all the answers

What pressure should the reduction valve be adjusted to when filling the balloon?

0.8 bar Signup and view all the answers

Which step is crucial before inflating the balloon using the Balloon Filling Unit?

Tie the balloon neck with a short cord. Signup and view all the answers

How can the amount of gas blown into the balloon be controlled?

Open the yellow blow off valve and release some gas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the GRAWMET software in data observation?

To view and evaluate sounding data through diagrams and tables. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after the balloon is filled and the nozzle lifts up?

Close the gas valve of the cylinder and the pressure reduction valve. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the preparation of the balloon-rig?

Tie the top of the parachute to the neck of the balloon and the bottom to the unwinder. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of tying the radiosonde to the bottom end of the unwinder?

To facilitate its ascent with the balloon payload. Signup and view all the answers

Which safety measure is essential when filling balloons with hydrogen?

Fill the balloon in an open area with sufficient ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the GRAWMET software displays an error message indicating that the 'Sonde COM port is not available'?

Ensure the USB cable is connected and check the selected COM port. Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured to prevent a low altitude burst of the balloon?

Damaged balloons must be discarded to avoid burst risks. Signup and view all the answers

Which precaution is necessary when handling H2 gas during balloon filling?

Use spark-proof tools for setup and operations. Signup and view all the answers

When preparing the balloon-rig, what is a critical threading standard to remember?

International standards dictate that all threads are left-handed. Signup and view all the answers

What should be confirmed in the status bar before launching the balloon?

That the ground station and radiosonde are initialized correctly Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the yellow status indication?

GPS and/or data signal is missing despite the radiosonde being initialized correctly Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct approach when securing the holder?

Screw the securing pole clockwise into the holder halfway Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if the signal bar is red?

Abort the launch due to insufficient receiving level Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT advised to be used for carrying the pedestal?

Inflating nozzle made of brass Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated if the signal bar shows yellow?

A sufficient receiving level is present Signup and view all the answers

During which step is the securing pole connected?

After opening the Unwinder Signup and view all the answers

Why must all threads be left-handed while operating the UASS system?

Left-handed threads prevent accidental detachment Signup and view all the answers

What precaution is taken regarding the initial setup of the radiosonde?

It must be tested before initial launch Signup and view all the answers

What represents an optimal condition for launching the balloon?

Signal bar is green and status bar is green Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety instruction when filling a balloon with hydrogen?

The balloon filling unit must be grounded using an earthing-rod. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of radiosonde operations, how frequently are ascents typically conducted?

Twice daily Signup and view all the answers

What must be activated in the main menu for a simulation file to be created?

Create simulation file option Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diagrams is NOT listed among the diagrams accessible by shortcuts?

Temperature-Pressure Diagram Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is crucial for ensuring safety while using the balloon filling unit?

Keep the filling unit and gas cylinder away from fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for achieving effective data dissemination from UASS?

Data must be entered in the Mausam Online (MOL) website. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an option provided by the software for report generation?

Weather forecast report Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured regarding the Toughbook during UASS ascents?

It must only be used for UASS purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pressure reduction valve during balloon operation?

To prevent overinflation of the balloon. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when connecting the balloon filling unit?

Connecting it to the internet. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Balloon Filling Unit Assembly and Operation

Ensure the nozzle moves smoothly; lubricate if necessary.
Close the yellow blow-off valve on the pedestal before filling the balloon.
Avoid placing weights on Balloon Filling Unit hooks.
Secure the balloon neck over the inflating nozzle and tie it with a short cord to prevent slippage.
Open gas valve on the cylinder, then the reduction valve; pressure should be set to approximately 0.8 bar.
Inflate the balloon until the nozzle lifts, stopping inflation automatically; then close both gas and reduction valves.
To reduce gas in the balloon, open the yellow blow-off valve, then close it again after releasing gas.
Close the neck of the balloon with a lace after inflation.

Preparing Balloon-Rigging

Tie the parachute's top to the balloon neck with 1m cord and the bottom to the unwinder.
Secure the radiosonde to the unwinder's bottom end.
Release the balloon gently with the attached payload.

GRAWMET Software Usage for Data Observation

Software supports viewing and evaluating sounding data through diagrams and tables.
Access the main menu for tabular data profiles.

Assembly Process of the Balloon Filling Unit

Place the pedestal on stable ground; connect the earthing cable securely.
The earthing cable must connect to an earthing rod or properly earthed connector.
Mount the pressure reduction valve on the hydrogen cylinder using a wrench; ensure all connections are tight.
Connect the flexible pressure tube to the pedestal using the wrench.
Keep the yellow blow-off valve on the pedestal closed during assembly.

Checking Initialisation

The software automatically detects balloon launches via height increase or pressure decrease.
Status indicators:
- Green: ready to launch.
- Yellow: radiosonde initialised but missing GPS/data signal.
- Red: radiosonde not initialised; GPS/data signal missing.
- Green Signal Bar: optimal receiving level.
- Yellow Signal Bar: sufficient receiving level.
- Red Signal Bar: insufficient receiving level.

Frequency of Observation and Data Dissemination

Radiosonde ascents occur twice daily (0000 UTC and 1200 UTC).
Data should be entered into the Mausam Online (MOL) website to ensure consistent dissemination.

Safety Instructions for Balloon Filling

The Toughbook must not connect to the internet; used solely for UASS functions.
Ground the Balloon Filling Unit with an earthing rod.
Keep the unit and gas cylinder away from fire and electricity.
Fill balloons in well-ventilated, open areas; close the gas valve when not in use.
Use only spark-proof tools during setup.
Follow all safety precautions for handling hydrogen gas.

Balloon Handling Precautions

Handle balloons carefully to avoid low altitude bursts.
Discard visibly damaged balloons to prevent premature bursts.

Troubleshooting Errors in GRAWMET Software

For "Sonde COM port is not available" errors:
- Ensure correct COM port for the radiosonde is selected.
- Check USB cable connection.
- If issues persist, replace the USB cable or try a different USB port.
- Drivers may need reinstallation after USB port changes.

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Description

This quiz covers the assembly and operation of the Balloon Filling Unit. It includes steps for checking the nozzle movement and proper procedures for filling balloons, ensuring safety and efficiency. Review these essential techniques to enhance your understanding.