User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
12 __________________________________________________________________ M210768EN-A
Treatment of the Balloon before Inflation
Radiosonde balloons are made either of natural rubber or of neoprene
(synthetic rubber). The normal thickness of the balloon inflated for
release is from 0.05 to 0.1 mm, decreasing to 0.003 mm at the bursting
altitude. The diameter if the balloon is 1...1.5 meter on release and it
expands to 5...10 meters before bursting.
These figures imply that the smallest damage occurred during the
preflight preparation will most certainly result in a low altitude burst.
If the maximum height has to be reached, the balloon must be handled
with utmost care during the preparations for the flight.
Storage
It is most important that the radiosonde balloons are correctly stored if
they will be use after several months of storage. To store the balloons
correctly:
1.
Restrict the balloon stock to the minimum. Prefer frequent
deliveries, wherever possible, over purchases in large quantities
with consequential long storage periods.
2.
To avoid the use of balloons which have been stored for a long
time, use balloons always in the order of their date of
manufacture.
3.
Store the balloons away from direct sunlight and, if possible, in
dark.
4.
Never store balloons close to any source of heat or ozone.
Neoprene balloons, in particular, will deteriorate if exposed to
the ozone generated by large electric generators and other
appliances.
5.
Keep all the balloons in their original packing until required for
their preflight preparations.
Low Altitude Burst
The majority of radiosonde ascents that do not reach the maximum
altitude end to the premature bursting of the balloon. The premature
bursting of the balloon is most frequently caused by:
- The use of balloons of inferior quality.
- Careless or faulty balloon handling techniques.