ArmoredMedical Research Laboratory

Fort Knox, Kentucky

PROJECT NO. 3 - TOXIC GASES IN ARMORED VEHICLES

Supplemental Report On

Sub-Project No. 3~12 - The Carbon Monoxide Hazard from AuxiliaryGenerators in Tanks

Project No. 3-12 April 2, 1943

ARMORED FORCE MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORYFort Knox, Kentucky

Project NOo 3-12File No. 723.13-1 GNOML

April 2, I9h3

Supplemental Report On

CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD FROM AUXILIARY GENERATORS IN TANKS

1° PHOJFCT : NOo 3-12, Determination of the Carbon Monoxide Hazardfrom Auxiliary Generators in Tanks«

a ° Authority - Letter Commanding General, Headquarters Armored .Force, Fort Knox, Kentucky, UOOoll2/6 GNOHD, dated September 2U,

bo Purpose - To determine the magnitude of the carbon monoxidehazard resulting from operation of auxiliary generators in tanks when thetank motor is not running 0

2o DISCUSSION:

a. Methods. This report is a supplement to the report on Ml;medium tanks, dated December 20, 19U2, and covers the findings on threeadditional tanks: the MUAl;, the M!?A1 vand the M7o '*

bo Carbon monoxide concentrations were determined at three pointsinside the tank during operation of the auxiliary generator: at an openingin the bulkhead and at the breathing zones of the loader and driver® Ineach case the tank was located in an open yard and oriented so as to providea tail windo The tank was buttoned up and the engine not running.

£. All tests were made without modifications in the location ofthe exhaust line from the.auxiliary generator.

. 3« CONCLUSIONS;. I

a. Diffusion of carbon monoxide throughout the fighting compartmentoccurs rapidly so that the concentration in the bow is only slightly lowert-han in the turret. ,

bo UhAhc(1) Operation of the auxiliary generator in the M.J4AI4. tank when

the tank engine is not running produces hazardous concentrations of carbon,monoxide in the fighting compartment. (Fig. 1)" ■

c. M5>A1 and M7o * .(1) The carbon monoxide concentrations found in the fighting

compartments of these tanks, in the present tests, could be tolerated withoutdanger for from one-half to one hour 0 The data indicate that a potentialhazard exists. (FigSo 2 and 3)

kc RECOMMENDATIONS:

a. Extend the exhaust pipe from the auxiliary generator in theMAM, M5A1 and M7 tanks so as to discharge beyond the rear wall of the enginecompartment, in accordance with the recommendations of the report dated Decem-ber 20, 19A20

b. Construction and maintenance of the exhaust line should beadequate to prevent direct leakage of exhaust gases into the fighting compart-ment,

£� Whenever possible, the hatches should be open during operationof the auxiliary generator with the tank motor not running.

Submitted by:

Capt. Norton Nelson,Mr. Sgt. T. C. Swigert

APPROVED^WILLARD MACHLE

Lt. Col,, Medical Corps,Commanding,

3 Incls.#1 - F ig. 1#2 - Fig. 2B - Fig. 3

WINDDIRECTIONFig. HOURSM4A4

LEGENDCOATOILRADIATOR

COAT

LOADERSPOSITION

COAT

DRIVERSPOSITION

�

AUXILIARYGENERATOR

STARTED

�

HATCHESCLOSED

I

LEGENDCOATBULKHEADPORT

--

COAT

LOADERSPOSITION

•

_

COAT

DRIVERSPOSITION

AUXILIARYGENERATOR

STARTED

—>

HATCHESCLOSED

CARBON MONOXIDE — PERCENT

HOURS

Fig.2 M5AI carbon Monoxide - percent

HOURS

LEGENDCo AS INDICATEDCO AT LOADER POSITIONCO AT DRIVERS POSITION

>> AUXILIARY GENERATOR STARTED� HATCHES CLOSED

M 7

Fig.3

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