User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
14 __________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
Table 4
Filling Balance Determination
Vaisala Radiosonde (300 g)
Vaisala Radiosonde with Ozone
sensor (1000 g)
Balloon
Weight
(g) 200 350 500 800 1000 1200 1000 1200 2000 3000
Nozzle
Lift
(g)
790 885 955 1270 1360 1540 2060 2240 2470 2720
The filling balance weight (or nozzle lift) refers to the amount of
weight the balloon is capable of lifting when filled. In other words, it
is the amount of weight that needs to be loaded during balloon filling
(FB13 nozzle and weights).
Filling the Balloon
NOTE
Check visually that all of the balloons to be filled are structurally
sound and have no perforations or other apparent defects in the nozzle
section.
To fill the balloon, do the following:
1.
Connect the side tube of the filling balance to the pressure
reducing valve on the gas cylinder (or hydrogen generator) with
a flexible plastic hose.
2.
Select the nozzle which best fits into the neck of the balloon to
be used.
3.
Load the additional weights that are needed to obtain the
required lift.
4.
Secure the neck of the balloon to the balance nozzle with a
clamp. Look out for sharp objects near the filling balance so that
no damage is caused to the relaxed balloon when it rests on its
bed.
5.
Turn on the gas from the pressure reducing valve. Let the gas
flow slowly into the balloon.
6.
When the balloon is sufficiently filled, i.e. the balloon just raises
the balance, turn off the gas and tie the neck of the balloon
above the balance nozzle with approximately 0.5 m (2 ft) bit of
string. Remove the balloon from the nozzle.
NOTE
While the balloon filling instructions in this manual are based on
Totex balloons, they can also be applied when other meteorological
balloons are being used.
